Economic resources, by the block
Find what our communities need, where they live.
Enter a zip code to surface funding, banking, homeownership, jobs, and financial coaching serving African and African American neighborhoods — anywhere in the country.
Browse by state
Resources across the country
Pick a state to see what serves it. States glowing gold already have local organizations listed on top of the nationwide programs.
The directory
National resources, ready wherever you are
These 54 organizations serve Black communities across the country. Search a zip above to see them alongside anything added for that area.
Nationwide
Grants & free funding
9Money for your business, home, or education that you never pay back.
A grant is money you do not repay. Applying is always free — a real grant will never ask you to pay a fee first.
- Find one you qualify for — check the who qualifies note on each.
- Gather your basics: photo ID, and business or tax info if it's a business grant.
- Apply free on the official site. A real grant never asks you to pay a fee to apply.
Grants.gov
The official portal for every federal grant. Search by keyword, then apply directly to the agency running the program.
Benefits.gov
Answer a few questions and it lists the government benefits and assistance programs you may qualify for.
SBA Grants
Federal grants for small businesses in areas like research, exporting, and community navigation — no repayment.
Hello Alice
A funding platform that runs frequent small-business grants, many aimed at Black and other underrepresented founders.
Comcast RISE
Grant packages of money, marketing, and technology for small businesses, with a focus that has included BIPOC-owned firms.
Amber Grant for Women
Awards cash grants to women entrepreneurs every month, plus a larger year-end grant, with one simple application.
iFundWomen
Connects women-owned businesses to grants from major brands and to crowdfunding, with coaching along the way.
Business funding & capital
3Loans and microloans to start or grow a business.
These are loans you pay back over time, often on fairer terms than a big bank, to help you start or grow a business.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Federal agency backing small-business loans, disaster help, and free local counseling through district offices nationwide.
Visit resourceBanking & credit
4Black-owned banks, credit unions, and community lenders (CDFIs).
A safe home for your money. Community lenders (CDFIs) and Black-owned banks reinvest locally and often approve people big banks turn away.
CDFI Fund — find a community lender
U.S. Treasury program; use its directory to find Community Development Financial Institutions that lend in underserved areas.
Visit resourceHOPE Credit Union
Community bank and credit union serving the Deep South with accounts and loans built for economic equity.
Visit resourceEntrepreneurship & mentoring
4Coaching, training, and networks for business owners.
Free or low-cost help to plan, launch, and grow a business — mentors, classes, and connections.
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
Federal agency with Business Centers that help minority-owned firms win contracts, access capital, and grow.
Visit resourceU.S. Black Chambers, Inc.
National network of Black chambers of commerce with tools, advocacy, and access to capital for Black businesses.
Visit resourceHomeownership & housing
2Down-payment help, counseling, and the path to owning.
Help becoming a homeowner — grants toward your down payment, and counselors who walk you through buying.
Jobs & workforce
2Career centers, training, and workforce programs.
Free training, job placement, and career coaching to start or move up in work.
Financial education & coaching
4Free help with credit, budgeting, and building wealth.
Free, trustworthy help with credit, debt, and budgeting to build lasting financial stability.
Operation HOPE
Free financial coaching on credit, homeownership, and starting a business, delivered inside communities.
Visit resourceProsperity Now
Research and tools focused on helping families of color build savings, credit, and long-term wealth.
Visit resourceState-specific
Georgia
7Citizens Trust Bank
Atlanta-founded and one of the largest Black-owned banks in the country, offering personal and business banking built for community wealth.
Visit resourceInvest Atlanta
The City of Atlanta's economic development authority — small-business loans, grants, and homeownership programs for residents and entrepreneurs.
Visit resourceAccess to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE)
A Georgia community lender (CDFI) providing small-business loans and free coaching to entrepreneurs often turned away by banks.
Visit resourceRussell Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
An Atlanta hub for Black entrepreneurs, named for builder Herman J. Russell, offering training, workspace, and access to capital.
Visit resourceGeorgia SBDC
Free, in-depth business consulting and low-cost training for Georgia entrepreneurs, hosted by the University of Georgia.
Visit resourceIllinois
3Louisiana
3Liberty Bank and Trust
One of the nation's largest Black-owned banks, founded in New Orleans, serving families and businesses.
Visit resourceMaryland
2Michigan
4First Independence Bank
One of the few Black-owned banks in the country, headquartered in Detroit, offering personal and business banking.
Visit resourceInvest Detroit
A mission-driven lender financing small businesses and real estate to spur inclusive growth across Detroit.
Visit resourcePennsylvania
1Tennessee
1Texas
3Unity National Bank
Houston-based and the only Black-owned bank in Texas, serving families and small businesses.
Visit resourceWashington, D.C.
2No resources match that. Try a different word, or suggest one.
Why this exists
Economic power belongs in the neighborhood.
Too often the capital, banking, and know-how that build wealth sit far from the blocks that need them most. The Afro Resource Center gathers the real programs — federal, community, and nonprofit — and points them to your zip code, so the next loan, first home, or first hire is one search away.
- 1Enter your zipAny US zip code. We find your city, state, and community.
- 2See who's nearNationwide programs, plus local ones added for your area.
- 3Reach outEvery listing links straight to the real organization.
Help the community
Know a resource we’re missing?
Add a real organization that helps our communities build wealth. We check that the link works and review every submission before it goes live.