Top Funding Resources for Minority-Led Startups

Accelerators

Although some accelerator programs may not provide funding directly, they offer support and resources and have been shown to help businesses grow faster. A few of the top accelerators for minority entrepreneurs are:

• NewMe – Silicon Valley veteran and tech leader Angela Benton founded NewMe to support underrepresented communities and talented entrepreneurs of color.

• Y Combinator – Y Combinator is one of the most well-known and competitive accelerators to get into. However, they have a high ranking of and have churned out successful minority-led businesses like: PlanGrid and SocialCam.

• DreamIt Ventures – The VC firm also has an accelerator programs that focuses on increasing diversity in the startup world.

• BUILDUP – Spearheaded by Wayne Sutton, BUILDUP mentors, educates and supports minority startups. Although it doesn’t provide funding, it helps entrepreneurs grow their network and business in order to increase your likelihood of receiving funding.

• Startup52 – The early-stage, New York based accelerator supports females, immigrants, entrepreneurs of color, veterans, LGBTQ and those with disabilities.