Grants and Resources for Underrepresented Content Creators 2023

If you’re from an underrepresented population and own a business, production company or you’re an independent content creator, there are numerous grants, certifications, and resources that can help you get ahead. We know how time-consuming researching financial opportunities can be, so we’ve put together this list to give you more time to do what you love: create.

If you’re looking for video production opportunities, we’re looking for you. Learn more about becoming a QuickFrame creator here.

In addition to the specific resources below, be sure to check out the Federal Grants Directory. There, you can search for different federal grants available for small businesses, filter them by category and eligibility levels, and learn invaluable grant writing and application tips. 

We’ve also published numerous blogs focused on diversity initiatives and how to make video content marketing and the production process more equitable and inclusive. Those include:

• Inclusive Language: What You Need to Know When Casting
• 7 Ways to Support Diversity Marketing with Video
• Resources: What is Juneteenth? 

Here’s a list of our favorite resources and grants for minority content creators for 2023.

Learn More: Social Media Video Ad Specs & Placements Guide

Grants for Underrepresented Creators & Small Business Owners

Grants have varying eligibility requirements and deadlines, so be sure to read up on all of the details before you apply. 

Minority Business Development Agency Grants

The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), run by the U.S. Department of Commerce, offers different grant competitions throughout the year. You’ll find open competitions listed on the Federal Grants Directory—they all have different application and eligibility requirements. MBDA also has a searchable database of local business centers that can partner with your company to help you penetrate new markets.

Amber Grants for Women

WomensNet awards a monthly grant of $4,000 to women entrepreneurs. One recipient is selected each year to receive an additional $25,000 Amber Grant. Learn more and apply here—the application fee is $15.

Annuity Payment Freedom Grants for BIPOC, Women, and Artists

Annuity Payment Freedom offers three separate monthly micro-grants of $100 for BIPOC, Women, and Artists to provide marketing expertise on driving organic SEO (Search Engine Optimization) traffic. Grantees will also receive recurring personalized recommendations from marketing professionals, including free SEO analysis, advice, and strategies tailored to underrepresented business owners’ specific needs. There are no application fees or deadlines, and grantees are chosen on a rolling basis.

Asian Women Giving Circle Grants

The Asian Women Giving Circle (AWGC) is the first and largest giving circle in the nation led by Asian American women. The organization has one grant cycle per year, with a Request for Proposals (RFP) typically released in January. Get more details about this org on their website.

DigitalUndivided’s Do You Fellowship

In 2020, DigitalUndivided invested in over 1,500 Black & Latinx women entrepreneurs and they look to expand on that in 2021 with the Do You Fellowship. The Do You Fellowship Program will award 10 promising Black and Latinx women innovators with a $5,000 investment in their business and access to unparalleled resources and mentorship necessary to develop their businesses.

FedEx Small Business Grant Contest

FedEx runs an annual program that awards U.S.-based small businesses grants between $15,000-$50,000. Applications typically open early in the year. Learn about past winners here and be sure to subscribe to the FedEx newsletter to stay on top of the next entry period dates. 

First Nations Development Institute Grants

First Nations founded its national grant program in 1993 and has awarded close to 2000 grants totaling $4.2 million to Native American projects and organizations. Their website is updated regularly with new opportunities.

IFundWomen Grants

IFundWomen is the go-to funding marketplace for women-owned businesses and the people who want to support them. The goal of their network is to spark confidence, accelerate knowledge, and ignite action in women entrepreneurs through coaching, connections, and immediate access to small business grants from corporate partners. Learn more about their grant opportunities here.

Need help making videos? See how our video production platform can help your business.

LEF Foundation Moving Image Fund

The LEF is a private family foundation that funds filmmakers and production teams in New England, California, and New Mexico. Each contest has different eligibility requirements; cash awards to support production range from $15,000 to $25,000. More details at LEF Foundation. 

NASE Grants for Small Businesses

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) has grants worth up to $4000 each for “micro-business owners” that can help take your business to the next level. You’ll have to join NASE and remain in good standing for at least 3 months before applying. More details and application here.

NBMBAA Scale-Up Pitch Challenge

Looking for investors to execute a large idea? The National Black MBA Association runs an annual $50,000 pitch contest. To be eligible, you must be a U.S. resident, your company must have a founder who is Black (of African descent), and there must be at least one member of your team who is an active member in the National Black MBA Association. Stay up to date on this annual contest here. 

USA Grants for Women

The U.S. Government runs a directory of a wide range of grants specifically for women-owned businesses and women entrepreneurs. Grants are not just for business expenses—the directory includes housing grants, education/tuition scholarships, and personal assistance grants to help with expenses such as medical bills or home repair. See the full directory here.  

The Veteran Small Business Award

The StreetShares Foundation, an organization that supports the military entrepreneurial community, runs an annual contest that awards three grants ($15,000, $6,000, and $4,000) to veterans of the US Armed Forces. To apply, you’ll need to record a short 2-min. video discussing your business. Stay on top of the award here. 

#YouTubeBlackVoices Grant Program

In 2020, YouTube developed a fund that would amplify fresh voices and content to emphasize Black economic equity and well-being, as well as the intellectual power and passion of the YouTube community. This grant program is dedicated to equipping up-and-coming Black content creators with vital resources to succeed on the platform. Keep an eye on their official website for information on 2023 applications.

Associations and Resources for Underrepresented Creators & Small Business Owners

Getting a certification or joining an association can help you extend your professional network. Some associations even offer exclusive access to programs, grants, and resources that can propel your career.

8(a) Business Development Program

The federal government’s 8(a) program helps provide a “level playing field for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people or entities.” In addition to receiving business mentorship and assistance, members of the program can compete for specifically set-aside federal contracts. Details at sba.gov.

SHADE’s Black Creator Program

Powered by SHADE and Google for Creators, this 6-month accelerator program is dedicated to helping Black creators build a successful online presence to take their digital careers to the next level. Learn more here.

The Black TV & Film Collective

The Black TV & Film Collective works to create career-advancing opportunities for Black and Brown artists in the entertainment industry. In addition to providing production support, the org runs various workshops, labs, and networking events. Learn more here.

The Blackhouse

According to their website, the Blackhouse “helps Black creative voices and executives gain a better foothold” in film and television through education and relationship-building. You can learn more about the org and get in touch at theblackhouse.org.

National Black MBA Association

The National Black MBA Association was founded in 1970 and is the “premier business organization serving Black professionals.” If you work in the corporate world, a membership can connect you with Black professionals who provide coaching, guidance, and mentorship. NBMBAA offers a variety of membership opportunities ranging from $15 to $200/year.

National Minority Supplier Development Council

The National Minority Supplier Development Council matches minority-owned businesses with their vast network of corporations looking for services and solutions. Membership in NMSDC also unlocks access to exclusive grants and loans. Learn more about certification criteria and the application process here.

NYS Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Certification

If your business is based in New York State, an MWBE certification can get you exclusive access to government projects and make you instantly eligible for a wide variety of grants. Learn more about the eligibility requirements and the steps for applying here.

QuickFrame is always looking for experienced video content creators. We’re here to connect you to organizations that need your creative skills. Click here to learn more about video production opportunities.