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.
State-specific
Illinois
3Nationwide
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 resourceWhy 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.