Women of color building small businesses in the United States can apply for the HerRise MicroGrant, a recurring funding programme administered by HerSuiteSpot.

One entrepreneur is selected each month to receive $1,000.

Applications for each monthly cycle close at 11:59pm Eastern Time on the final day of the month. Applications submitted after the cutoff automatically move into the following month’s consideration.

What Is the HerRise MicroGrant?

The HerRise MicroGrant was created in 2017 in partnership with the Yva Jourdan Foundation to provide greater access to funding for women of color entrepreneurs.

HerSuiteSpot reports that the programme has distributed more than $100,000 in grants and coaching since its launch.

Unlike a loan, the $1,000 award does not need to be repaid.

The programme supports entrepreneurs across a wide range of industries rather than limiting eligibility to technology or venture-backed companies.

Who Can Apply?

HerSuiteSpot’s current grant FAQ states that the programme is for women of color entrepreneurs.

The business must be at least 51% owned by women of color and currently registered in the United States.

The main programme page also states that eligible businesses should have less than $1 million in gross revenue.

Applicants can come from many different sectors. Previous recipients have operated businesses in consulting, education, beauty, childcare, health, media and other categories.

Is There an Application Fee?

Yes.

HerRise currently charges a $15 non-refundable administrative fee for each application.

Applicants do not need to become paid HerSuiteSpot members in order to qualify for the grant.

They also do not need to attend the organisation’s First Friday Mixer to be selected.

How Are Winners Selected?

Applications are reviewed throughout each month.

The HerSuiteSpot team evaluates candidates, discusses finalists and votes on one winner.

The recipient is announced during the next month’s First Friday Mixer.

Only selected entrepreneurs are individually notified about receiving grants because of the volume of applications.

How to Make Your Application Stronger

A $1,000 grant may appear small compared with venture funding, but your application still needs a clear business case.

Explain the problem you solve, who your customers are and what progress you have made.

Then explain precisely how $1,000 changes something meaningful.

For example, perhaps it purchases equipment required to increase production. It could fund packaging for a new retail order, improve an e-commerce website or pay for a licence required to serve additional customers.

Specificity matters because judges can see that the entrepreneur has thought about how the grant turns into business progress.

Your story also matters.

HerRise was created specifically to support under-resourced founders, so explain the barriers you have faced without allowing the entire application to become only a hardship story.

The strongest narrative combines challenge, action and a credible next step.

Current Deadline

The programme is monthly.

The cutoff for each cycle is 11:59pm ET on the last day of the month.

Apply for the HerRise MicroGrant

Because the programme renews monthly, founders who are not selected can continue monitoring future funding cycles and other HerSuiteSpot opportunities.