Black Entrepreneurs: Funding, Accelerator & Growth Opportunities Through USBC

Black business owners looking to grow, scale, and access capital now have several major opportunities available through the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) ecosystem.

During the May 22 USBC Resource Desk Office Hours, entrepreneurs learned more about the upcoming USBC 360 Growth Accelerator, grant opportunities, and additional resources designed to support product-based businesses at every stage of growth.

The session featured guidance from Dianna Tremblay and a powerful testimony from past grant recipient Nancy, who shared how a $50,000 award helped position her company for a major licensing opportunity with Paramount Nickelodeon.

USBC 360 Growth Accelerator
The USBC 360 Growth Accelerator is a 12-week business growth program running from August 11 through October 29, 2026, created specifically for product-based businesses preparing to scale sustainably.

Selected businesses will receive:

• Weekly virtual workshops and office hours
• One-on-one mentorship and expert guidance
• Two in-person intensives in Washington, D.C.
• Access to a $100,000 grant pool

Final grant awards include:
First Place — $50,000
Second Place — $30,000
Third Place — $20,000

Who Should Apply
USBC encourages applications from businesses that:

• Operate a product-based business
• Have been in business for at least 12 months
• Have generated $100,000 or more in revenue over the past year

Additional eligibility guidance shared during Office Hours included:

• Restaurant owners may qualify if they also sell packaged consumer products
• E-commerce businesses using drop-shipping models may qualify if they manufacture some of their products directly

Even businesses currently earning below the $100,000 threshold are encouraged to apply. Those businesses may be considered for upcoming support programs including the Access to Capital Boot Camp and future educational opportunities like Retail 101.

Important Deadline Extension
The application deadline for the USBC 360 Accelerator has officially been extended to June 12, 2026.

Businesses accepted into the cohort are expected to be notified during the second week of July.

Additional Funding Opportunities

• Famous Amos Ingredients for Success Grant — Three businesses will receive $50,000 grants. Deadline: June 1, 2026.
• Verizon Small Business Digital Ready — Apply for available $10,000 grants and free business education programming.
• PGA Vendor Match Opportunity — Application deadline: May 27, 2026.

What’s Next for USBC
USBC also announced that its Access to Capital Boot Camp will launch in August for businesses earning under $100,000 annually.

Stay Connected
Business owners are encouraged to visit the USBC Resource Desk, send questions to programs@usblackchambers.org, and attend future Office Hours sessions to stay connected to funding and growth opportunities.