Why Most WOC Don’t Get Business Funding (And What You Can Do Differently Today)
Only 2% of venture capital goes to women. Now imagine how small that number is for women of color. That’s not just a funding gap but it’s a visibility and access gap.
We talk a lot about building wealth as women of color in business, but here’s something we don’t say enough:
You shouldn’t have to go into those amounts of commercial debt to fund your business.
And yet, most WOC entrepreneurs aren’t just underfunded but they’re under-informed about the funding that actually sees us.
This week on The Brown Way to Money podcast, I sat down with Latasha Randle, program manager for the Fund Her Future grant, a program giving 100K of resources for women of color business owner.
We had an honest conversation about what it means to fund your business and what most of us don’t know about applying for grants that are actually designed with us in mind.
If you’ve ever thought,
“I’m too new to apply”
or
“My story isn’t powerful enough,”
this issue is for you.
The Perspective:
Funding is More Than Money
As women of color, we are moving through different stages of fear and generational financial trauma and when we have to apply for opportunities like this, it represents more than just money, although it is the goal!
It’s about being seen.
It’s about someone saying, “I believe in your vision enough to invest in it.”
And when you’re a woman of color, that kind of validation has often felt out of reach.
Not because your ideas aren’t brilliant, they are! But unfortunately, the systems weren’t built for us (We still have more loans being rejected than any other group)
The Practicality
Listen to how exactly it stands out on this and other grants on this episode with the grantee itself.
Rewiring Your Ways
If you skip over listening or applying…
What would it look like to stop disqualifying yourself before you even apply?
This week, Ask yourself:
Where am I holding back from applying because I don’t feel “ready”?
What would it mean to receive funding that didn’t come with shame or debt attached?
You don’t need to bootstrap everything.
There is money with your name on it.
But you have to let yourself believe you’re worthy of it first.
Shortcut to Build Wealth: Open Calls & Grants You Should Apply For
My favorite part of this newsletter, but I am keeping it on brand of the theme:
Fund Her Future Grant – $100K Total
Who it’s for: WOC-owned small businesses with 20 or fewer employees
Perks: Cash + hands-on support (bookkeeping, tax prep, compliance)
Deadline: 31st May 2025
More Info Here »
Last Thoughts…
Okay, real Auntie Gil talk…
Lauren and Cameron from Love is Blind are having a baby. 🥹✨
After four years of prayers, patience, and public pressure, Baby Hamilton is finally on the way, and the aunties on the internet (myself included) are celebrating like it’s a family win.
But what really got me is not just the announcement.
But what it means to hold your vision, trust your timing, and block out the noise. - 4 years!!
It reminded me that sometimes, the biggest blessings don’t show up on schedule, but they do show up.
Sis, there is a biggie here for us to unpack…
What have you been quietly, patiently, faithfully holding space for, even when no one else could see it?
👉🏾 Hit reply or message me—what’s your Baby Hamilton?
Until next time,
Alejandra Rojas
Founder, Brown Way To Money