Facebook Announces Small Black Business Grants Program

Earlier this summer, Facebook committed an additional $100 million investment to support Black-owned businesses, creators and nonprofits in the US. Of that, $40 million was earmarked in grants to support 10,000 Black-owned businesses in the US. Any majority Black-owned business with 50 or fewer employees can apply for a grant.

“The past few weeks have compelled us to confront the reality of violence and injustice which members of the Black community face on a daily basis. We have shared words of support for our friends, colleagues and communities. We need to take action as well.”, said Facebook COO  Sheryl Sandberg, in a release.

We are continuing our support of the Black community

In order to apply and receive a grant from Facebook, your business must meet the following criteria:

• Be a majority Black-owned for-profit business
• Be legally registered in a US State or the District of Columbia (US territories are excluded)
• Have between 1 and 50 employees
• Have been in business for over a year
• Have experienced challenges from COVID-19
• Plan to use the grant funds to support the business and community

Katherine Shappley, Vice President, Head of Office Facebook Austin stated “We are continuing our support of the Black community, one of the hardest-hit groups during the pandemic. Today, we shared more details about the Black-owned business portion of the grant: $40 million will be allocated to 10,000 Black-owned businesses in the US. Small businesses and the communities they serve are the heartbeat of Austin and I encourage local Austin Black-owned businesses to apply. We’re all in this together, and together our small businesses will open their doors once again.”

Each grant includes $2,500 in cash and $1,500 in optional advertising credits to be used on Facebook platforms.