Premium Member Micro-Grant Program
The Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) is proud to offer the Premium Member Micro-Grant Program as part of the 10,000 Black Business Program.
This initiative is designed to provide targeted financial support to our premium members, enabling Black-owned businesses across Minnesota to stabilize operations, accelerate growth, and pursue new opportunities.
This is not a one-time opportunity. It is a structured, recurring investment into businesses that are committed to growth and accountability.
Program Overview
The Micro-Grant Program operates on a quarterly cycle, providing consistent and predictable access to funding throughout the year.
Grants range from $500 to $5,000 and are awarded based on funding availability, business need, and alignment with MBCC priorities.
Funds may be used for:
- Business development and expansion
- Operational support
- Training, certifications, or capacity building
- Strategic investments that position the business for growth
Quarterly Grant Cycle Structure
To ensure consistency and transparency, MBCC operates on the following standard quarterly schedule:
Quarter Definitions
- Q1: January – March
- Q2: April – June
- Q3: July – September
- Q4: October – December
Application Window
Applications are open during the first three weeks of the first month of each quarter:
- Q1 Applications: January 1 – January 21
- Q2 Applications: April 1 – April 21
- Q3 Applications: July 1 – July 21
- Q4 Applications: October 1 – October 21
This defined window ensures fairness, consistency, and timely review of all submissions.
Review and Selection Period
- Applications are reviewed during the remaining weeks of the quarter
- The MBCC Grant Committee evaluates submissions based on established criteria
- Final selections are completed by the end of the quarter
Grant Award Distribution
- Grant recipients are formally announced and awarded during the first week of the following quarter
- Awards are presented at MBCC’s Monthly Mixer, providing visibility, recognition, and community engagement
Example:
- Q2 applicants (April) → Reviewed April–June → Awards distributed the first week of July at the Monthly Mixer
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, businesses must:
- Be a Paid Premium Member of the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce
- Operate a Black-owned business in Minnesota
- Demonstrate a clear financial need
- Present a feasible and well-defined use of funds
- Commitment to reporting and participation requirements
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Completed Online Application
- Business Overview or Plan
- Business objectives
- Current stage and growth goals
- Intended use of funds
- Budget Proposal
- Clear breakdown of how funds will be allocated
- Supporting Documentation
- Business registration
- Financial statements (if available)
- Optional letters of support or recommendation
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Strength of business model and growth potential
- Alignment with MBCC’s mission and economic priorities
- Demonstrated financial need
- Community and economic impact
- Clarity, discipline, and feasibility of the proposed use of funds
Grant Management and Accountability
All grant recipients are expected to:
- Submit quarterly progress reports outlining use of funds and outcomes
- Provide impact statements that reflect business growth and sustainability
- Participate in select MBCC engagements, including storytelling and program visibility
This ensures that funding is not only distributed, but also tracked for real, measurable impact.
Funding Partners
This program is made possible through the continued support of:
- Huntington Bank
- The McKnight Foundation
Their investment reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Black-owned businesses and advancing economic equity across Minnesota.
Important Update
The Q2 Cycle is now open.
We encourage all eligible premium members to prepare in advance and submit early within the application window.
Contact Information
For questions of support, please contact info@minnesotablackchamber.org.
Note To Members
This program is designed with intention.
If you are serious about growing your business, building capacity, and accessing new opportunities, this is a resource for you.
Invest in your business. Stay ready. Apply with purpose.
The Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce is committed to serving Black-owned businesses and their communities through access to education, advocacy and economic development.
Contact Information
401 Robert Street North #150
St Paul, MN 55101