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NAACP and Leslie's Certification Boost Grant is sponsored by NAACP. This grant assists entrepreneurs in obtaining vital business certifications, which are important to facilitate networking, business connections, and draw partnership opportunities.
Grants are awarded to deserving entrepreneurs to support small businesses in rural and urban communities across five states, including Georgia, and companies led by people of color, women, and people with disabilities, or businesses located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZones).
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NAACP and Leslie's Certification Boost Grant | NAACP NAACP and Leslie's Certification Boost Grant is intended to assist entrepreneurs in obtaining vital business certifications, which are important to facilitate networking, business connections, and draw partnership opportunities with larger corporations and organizations.
Certifications and official designations include Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE), and Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE), among others.
Under this program, $5,000 grants will be awarded to deserving entrepreneurs to support small businesses in rural and urban communities across five states and companies led by people of color, women, and people with disabilities, or businesses located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZones), focusing on businesses in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas — state communities Leslie's serves and where the retailer has a strong store and operational presence.
"We are thrilled to partner with the NAACP in support of diverse small businesses and their entrepreneurial leaders, as well as propel the NextGen Leadership program supporting young adults seeking to become the civil rights leaders of tomorrow." - Brad Gazaway, Chief Legal, Real Estate, & Sustainability Officer, Leslie's This program will award 17 one-time grants of $5,000 each.
Recipients may use awarded funds for costs related to completion of state and/or federal applications for certification, including but not limited to, legal/consulting fees. Recipients may not use awarded funds for: personal use or loans; debt consolidation; marketing and/or sales; payroll; or fixed assets.
Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible to receive this grant, your small business must: Be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are African-American or otherwise persons of color; or Be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women; or Be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more persons with a disability; or Have its principal office in a HUBZone (as that term is defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration as of July 1, 2023), have at least 35% of its employees living in a HUBZone, and be: (i) at least 51% owned and controlled by African-American U.S. citizens or otherwise U.S. citizens of color, (ii) a Community Development Corporation whose ownership and control is at least 51% African-American or otherwise persons of color, (iii) an agricultural cooperative whose ownership and control is at least 51% African-American or otherwise persons of color, (iv) an Alaska Native corporation, (v) a Native Hawaiian organization, or (vi) an Indian tribe; and Operate in the consulting and/or food services industries; and Be headquartered in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, or Texas.
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According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Small businesses in Georgia led by people of color, women, people with disabilities, or businesses located in HUBZones. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows $5,000. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
NAACP and Leslie's Certification Boost Grant is funded by NAACP. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
This opportunity targets applicants in Georgia. If your organization operates elsewhere, check the official notice for location requirements.
Applications go through the funder's official portal — the Apply Now link on this page goes there directly.
Past winners and funding trends for this program
NAACP x L'Oréal Inclusive Beauty Fund (2026) is a grant from NAACP and L'Oréal (in collaboration with Deed) that funds entrepreneurs in the beauty industry. Six grants of $25,000 each are awarded to support equitable opportunities for beauty business owners. Eligible applicants include salon owners, spas, barber shops, independent stylists, makeup artists, startup founders, haircare specialists, and beauty schools. The 2026 application window ran March 23 through April 23, with grant recipients announced in May 2026. This program is part of L'Oréal's ongoing commitment to leveling the playing field in the beauty sector.
The NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant is a grant from the NAACP that funds Black entrepreneurs and business owners at all stages, from aspiring founders to established businesses. Launched in partnership with Medium Rare and The Shark Group, the program is awarded annually on Black Entrepreneurs Day and aims to accelerate economic growth and sustainability within Black communities. Recipients receive $25,000 in funding along with resources, tools, and mentorship to grow and scale their businesses. Eligible applicants are Black entrepreneurs and business owners at any stage. The 2026 cycle deadline was April 23, 2026; the next cycle is typically announced ahead of Black Entrepreneurs Day.
Keep It Local Business Fund is sponsored by NAACP, Nextdoor Kind Foundation, Hello Alice. In partnership with Hello Alice, the NAACP and Nextdoor Kind Foundation award microgrants to U. S. small business owners of color. This aligns with Jionni Jade's founder being an Afro-Latino designer, supporting the business's community impact.