Premium Member Micro-Grant Program
Supported by
4 windows a year
First three weeks of each quarter
$500–$5,000
Grant range per award
Quarterly Mixer
Where recipients are recognized
What is the MBCC Premium Member Micro-Grant Program?
It is a structured, recurring investment in businesses committed to growth and accountability, not a one-time opportunity. The program runs on a quarterly cycle so members have consistent, predictable access to funding throughout the year. Awards are 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
When are the grant application windows?
Applications open during the first three weeks of the first month of each quarter. Q1 runs January 1–21, Q2 runs April 1–21, Q3 runs July 1–21, and Q4 runs October 1–21. This set window keeps the process fair, consistent, and reviewed on time.
Q1
January–March
Opens Jan. 1–21
Q2
April–June
Opens Apr. 1–21
Q3
July–September
Opens Jul. 1–21
Q4
October–December
Opens Oct. 1–21
What happens after I submit an application?
Every cycle follows the same three steps. You apply during the three-week window. The MBCC Grant Committee reviews submissions during the rest of the quarter and makes final selections by quarter's end. Recipients are announced and awarded the first week of the next quarter at MBCC's Quarterly Mixer.
01
Apply
Submit the online application, business overview, budget proposal, and supporting documents during the first three weeks of the quarter.
02
Review
The MBCC Grant Committee evaluates submissions against established criteria during the rest of the quarter.
03
Award
Recipients are announced and awarded during the first week of the next quarter at MBCC’s Quarterly Mixer, with community recognition.
Who can apply, and what do I need to submit?
Applicants must be paid Premium Members of MBCC who operate a Black-owned business in Minnesota and can show clear financial need and a well-defined use of funds. Each application includes the online form, a business overview or plan, a budget proposal, and supporting documents such as an active Minnesota business registration.
Eligibility criteria
Be a paid Premium Member of MBCC
Operate a Black-owned business in Minnesota
Demonstrate a clear financial need
Present a feasible and well-defined use of funds
Commit to reporting and participation requirements
Application requirements
Completed online application
Business overview or plan: objectives, current stage and growth goals, intended use of funds
Budget proposal showing how the funds will be allocated
Active Minnesota business registration
Financial statements (if available) and optional letters of support
How does MBCC evaluate and track grants?
Applications are scored on business model strength, alignment with MBCC's mission, financial need, community and economic impact, and the clarity of the proposed use of funds. Recipients then submit quarterly progress reports and impact statements, so every dollar is tracked for real, measurable impact.
Evaluation criteria
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
Recipient commitments
Submit quarterly progress reports on use of funds and outcomes
Provide impact statements on business growth and sustainability
Participate in select MBCC engagements, including storytelling and program visibility
Invest in your business. Stay ready. Always apply with purpose.
A note to members
Who funds the MBCC micro-grant program?
The Premium Member Micro-Grant Program is made possible by the continued support of Huntington Bank and The McKnight Foundation. Their investment reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Black-owned businesses and advancing economic equity across Minnesota.
Huntington Bank
The McKnight Foundation
What do members ask about micro-grants?
These answers cover grant amounts, application windows, award timing, eligibility, and allowed uses of funds. For any other questions about the Premium Member Micro-Grant Program, email info@minnesotablackchamber.org and the MBCC team will follow up with you directly.
How much is an MBCC Premium Member Micro-Grant?
Grants range from $500 to $5,000 and are awarded based on funding availability, business need, and alignment with MBCC priorities.
When can I apply for an MBCC micro-grant?
Applications are open during the first three weeks of each quarter: January 1–21, April 1–21, July 1–21, and October 1–21.
When are grants awarded?
Recipients are announced and awarded during the first week of the following quarter at MBCC's Quarterly Mixer. For example, Q4 applicants are reviewed October through December and awarded the first week of January.
Who can apply for a micro-grant?
Paid Premium Members of MBCC who operate a Black-owned business in Minnesota, show a clear financial need, present a feasible use of funds, and commit to reporting and participation requirements.
What can grant funds be used for?
Business development and expansion, operational support, training, certifications or capacity building, and strategic investments that position the business for growth.