The Sephora Beauty Grant: $100,000 Business Grants for Black Females in Beauty Industry

Grant Overview

Your Beauty Brand Could Win Life-Changing Funding Through This Exclusive Sephora Partnership

Business grants for black females don’t get much better than this. The Sephora Beauty Grant offers a whopping $100,000 to one lucky Black woman entrepreneur in the beauty industry each year. And let me tell you, this isn’t just another small business grant with strings attached. This is the real deal – no equity taken, no repayment needed, just pure cash to help you scale your beauty business. If you’ve been grinding away, building your brand, and wondering when your big break would come, this might just be it. I’ve seen way too many talented Black female founders struggle to get the funding they deserve, so when opportunities like this pop up, I get excited. Really excited.

Here’s the thing about the beauty industry – it’s massive, raking in billions annually, yet Black founders get less than 1% of venture capital funding. That’s not a typo. Less than 1%. Meanwhile, Black consumers are responsible for 11.1% of all beauty spending in the U.S. The math just doesn’t add up, does it? That’s why the Fifteen Percent Pledge and Sephora teamed up to create this grant. They’re trying to close that gap, one $100,000 check at a time. And honestly, it’s about time.

Why This Grant Stands Out From the Crowd

Most business grants for black females I come across are either tiny amounts or come with so many requirements it’s barely worth applying. Not this one. The Sephora Beauty Grant is different because it’s substantial – $100,000 can really move the needle for a growing beauty brand. Think about what you could do with that kind of money. Scale production? Launch that new product line you’ve been dreaming about? Finally hire that team you’ve needed for years? The possibilities are pretty endless.

What I really love about this grant is that it’s specifically for businesses that have already proven themselves. You need at least $100,000 in annual revenue to apply, which means they’re looking for brands that have traction, not just ideas. This isn’t for startups still figuring things out – it’s for founders who’ve put in the work and are ready to level up. That’s smart, because it means the money goes to businesses that can make the biggest impact with it. If you’re running a beauty brand that’s already making six figures, this grant could be exactly what you need to break into seven figures.

The Backstory: How This Grant Came to Be

The Fifteen Percent Pledge started back in 2020 when Aurora James had this simple but brilliant idea. She pointed out that Black people make up about 15% of the U.S. population, so retailers should dedicate 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses. Seems pretty straightforward, right? But it caught fire in a big way. Sephora was actually the first major retailer to sign on, which tells you something about their commitment to diversity in the beauty industry.

Fast forward to today, and the Pledge has partnered with more than 30 companies, creating the potential to shift over $14 billion to Black businesses. That’s billion with a B. The Sephora Beauty Grant is just one part of this larger movement, but it’s a significant one. It shows that Sephora isn’t just talking about supporting Black brands – they’re putting their money where their mouth is. And in today’s world, actions speak way louder than words.

Who Actually Qualifies for This Grant?

Let’s get down to brass tacks – can YOU apply for this grant? The eligibility requirements are pretty specific, so pay attention. First off, you need to be a member of the Fifteen Percent Pledge’s Business Equity Community. That’s basically their database of Black-owned businesses, and you’ll need to sign up and complete your profile before you can even access the application. It’s free, so no worries there.

Your business needs to be selling actual products (not services) with at least $100,000 in annual revenue. And I’m not talking about projected revenue—we’re talking real sales you can document. You also need to be Black-owned, which means at least one self-identifying Black person owns 50% or more of the company. Your business should be at least a year old, and you need to be selling products in one of these categories: Beauty, Haircare, Makeup/Makeup tools, Skincare, Fragrance, or Bath & Body. If you check all these boxes, you’re in business – literally. For those looking for other beauty industry grants, we’ve got plenty more options on Grantaura.

The Application Process: What You Need to Know

Applying for The Sephora Beauty Grant isn’t something you should do last minute. Trust me on this one. The application opens October 15 and closes November 15, giving you exactly one month to get everything together. You’ll need to start by joining the Business Equity Community and completing your profile thoroughly. Don’t rush this part – incomplete profiles are one of the main reasons applications get rejected right off the bat.

The application itself will ask for detailed information about your business, financial statements proving your revenue, information about your products, and video responses to some questions. Yeah, videos. They want to see and hear you, not just read about your business. I know videos can be intimidating, but they’re actually a great opportunity to show your passion and personality. Just be yourself – authenticity goes a long way here. If you need help with grant writing, we’ve got professional services that can make your application stand out.

Key Dates You Can’t Afford to Miss

Mark these dates in your calendar, set reminders, do whatever you need to do to remember them. Missing these deadlines means waiting another whole year for the next application cycle. Here’s the timeline:

– October 15: Application opens
– November 15: Application closes (no exceptions, seriously)
– Early January: Finalists notified
– February 1: Winner announced at the Fifteen Percent Pledge’s annual gala in LA

The gala announcement is actually a pretty big deal. It’s not just some email notification – they fly the winner out to Los Angeles for a fancy event where they get recognized in front of industry leaders, potential investors, and media. The exposure alone can be worth almost as much as the grant money. If you’re looking for other funding opportunities with similar prestige, check out the MUSE Accelerator program from Ulta Beauty.

What Makes a Winning Application?

So what does it take to actually win this thing? Having looked at hundreds of successful grant applications, I can tell you there’s no magic formula, but there are definitely patterns. The selection committee is looking for businesses with serious growth potential. They want to see that you’ve got a great product, a solid business model, and a clear plan for how you’d use that $100,000 to scale.

Last year’s winner, BROWN GIRL Jane, beat out more than 275 other applicants. What made them stand out? They had a clear brand identity in the fine fragrance space, a commitment to clean ingredients, and a compelling story about wellness and community. They weren’t just selling products – they were selling a lifestyle and a vision. That’s what caught the judges’ attention. If you’re working on Black business grants, storytelling is everything.

Q: How many finalists are selected?
A: They pick a handful of finalists in early January, but only one gets the $100,000. The others get recognition but no cash.

Q: Will they give me feedback if I don’t win?
A: Unfortunately no. They get way too many applications to provide individual feedback.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve seen way too many great applications get tossed because of simple, avoidable mistakes. Don’t let this be you. First, make sure your Business Equity Community profile is 100% complete. Every section, every field, everything. Incomplete profiles are an easy way for judges to narrow down the pile.

Second, have your financial documentation ready to go. You need to prove that $100,000+ revenue with actual statements, not just your word. Get organized before you start the application. Third, be specific about how you’d use the money. “I’ll use it to grow my business” is too vague. “I’ll use $40,000 for inventory, $30,000 for marketing, and $30,000 to hire two part-time employees” is much better. It shows you’ve thought this through. For more grant application tips, check out our comprehensive guide.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Grant Matters

Let’s zoom out for a minute and talk about why this grant is so important beyond just the money. Black women are starting businesses at a faster rate than any other demographic in the U.S. there are 2.7 million Black women-owned businesses generating over $118 billion in revenue annually. Yet they receive less than 1% of venture capital funding. Let that sink in for a second.

The racial wealth gap in America is massive, with the typical white family having eight times the wealth of the typical Black family. Entrepreneurship has always been a path to building wealth in this country, but when Black entrepreneurs can’t access capital, that path gets blocked. Programs like The Sephora Beauty Grant are trying to chip away at that systemic inequality. They’re not just giving money they’re creating opportunities that have been denied for generations. If you’re interested in other Black business funding, we’ve got a whole database of options.

Life After Winning: What Happens Next?

Winning The Sephora Beauty Grant changes things. Obviously, there’s the money—$100,000 is nothing to sneeze at. But there’s also the recognition, the media coverage, the networking opportunities at the gala, and the credibility that comes with being selected by Sephora and the Fifteen Percent Pledge. Previous winner BROWN GIRL Jane used their grant money to accelerate product development, expand their retail presence, and invest in marketing. Smart moves all around.

The grant funds can be used for pretty much any business purpose inventory, marketing, hiring, product development, you name it. The key is to use it strategically. This isn’t just a cash infusion; it’s growth capital. Think about what investments will give you the biggest return and help you scale sustainably. If you need help planning your business growth strategy, we offer consulting services that can help.

The Reality of Funding for Black Female Entrepreneurs

I need to be real with you about something. The funding landscape for Black female entrepreneurs is tough. Really tough. According to recent data, Black women received just 0.34% of all venture capital dollars in the U.S. Let me put that another way for every $100 in VC funding, Black women get about 34 cents. It’s absurd, but that’s the reality we’re dealing with.

This isn’t just about beauty brands it’s across all industries. Black women are starting businesses at incredible rates, creating jobs, driving innovation, and contributing billions to the economy. Yet they face constant barriers when trying to access capital. Banks deny loans to 57% of Black business owners during the formation stage. Venture capitalists overwhelmingly fund white male founders. The system is broken, and grants like this are one small piece of the solution. If you’re looking for alternative funding sources, we’ve compiled dozens of options.

How to Make Your Application Stand Out

With over 275 applicants last year and probably more this year, you need to do everything possible to make your application shine. Start early like, yesterday. Join the Business Equity Community now and get your profile completely filled out. Gather all your financial documentation, sales figures, customer data, and any other metrics that show your business is thriving.

Craft your narrative carefully. Why did you start this business? What problem are you solving? What makes your products special? What’s your vision for the future? These aren’t just questions they’re opportunities to connect with the judges on a human level. And for the love of all that’s holy, practice your video responses. Be authentic, be passionate, be yourself. But also be prepared. Know what you want to say and practice saying it until it feels natural, not rehearsed. If you need professional help with your application, we’re here for you.

The Future of Black Beauty Entrepreneurship

I’m optimistic about where things are heading, even if progress is slower than I’d like. Consumers are demanding more diversity and representation. Retailers are making real commitments (some of them, anyway). Programs like The Sephora Beauty Grant are creating pathways to success that didn’t exist before. But we’re not there yet not by a long shot.

The beauty industry still has a long way to go. Black brands make up only 2.5% of revenue in the industry, despite Black consumers accounting for 11.1% of spending. There’s a massive disconnect there, and it’s going to take sustained effort from everyone brands, retailers, consumers, investors—to close that gap. Grants like this are important, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle. We need systemic change across the board. For more minority entrepreneur resources, explore our full database.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Sephora Beauty Grant

Q: Is there an application fee?
A: Nope, it’s completely free to apply. No hidden costs, no surprises.

Q: Can I apply if my business is less than a year old?
A: Unfortunately no. You need to have been in business for at least a year to qualify.

Q: What if my revenue is just under $100,000?
A: The $100,000 minimum is a hard requirement. No exceptions, no wiggle room.

Q: Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
A: You don’t need to be a citizen, but your business must be incorporated and operating in the United States.

Q: Will they take equity in my company?
A: Absolutely not. This is non-dilutive funding, meaning you keep 100% ownership of your business.

Q: Can service-based businesses apply?
A: No, this grant is specifically for businesses selling physical products in the beauty categories listed.

Q: How should I submit my financial documents?
A: Upload them to a cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox and share the link in your application.

Q: What if I miss the deadline?
A: You’re out of luck for this year. They don’t accept late applications under any circumstances.

Q: How many winners are selected each year?
A: Only one winner receives the $100,000 prize, though several finalists are recognized.

Q: Can I apply again if I don’t win?
A: Yes, you can apply again in future years as long as you still meet all the eligibility requirements.

Look, applying for grants like this is a ton of work. There’s no sugarcoating it. But when the prize is $100,000 that could transform your business, it’s worth the effort. If you’re serious about this and want some expert guidance on your application, that’s exactly what we do at Grantaura. We’ve helped hundreds of founders craft winning proposals, and sometimes that professional touch makes all the difference. Just something to keep in mind. CLICK HERE to get the GRANT PROPOSAL WRITING help.

Donor: Fifteen Percent Pledge, Sephora

Focus: Black female entrepreneurs, beauty industry grants, business funding, CPG products, racial equity

Region: United States

Eligibility:
– Member of the Fifteen Percent Pledge’s Business Equity Community
– Business sells a product with annual revenue of at least $100,000
– Black-owned: At least one self-identifying Black person with 50% or more equity
– Must have been in business for at least 1 year
– Sells CPG products in: Beauty, Haircare, Makeup/Makeup tools, Skincare, Fragrance, Bath & Body

Benefits:
– Financial Award: $100,000 cash grant with no equity taken
– Recognition: Winner announced at Fifteen Percent Pledge’s annual gala
– Media Exposure: Promotion through Sephora and Fifteen Percent Pledge channels
– Networking: Access to industry leaders and potential partners

Deadline: November 15, 2025

More Grants:
The LIFT Beauty Accelerator offers $10,000+ in non-dilutive funding plus a JCPenney retail opportunity for underrepresented beauty founders. This program is perfect for those seeking both capital and retail placement.

For female entrepreneurs specifically, the Liberte Foundation Beauty Grant provides $10,000 in no-repayment funding exclusively for women-owned beauty businesses. This grant focuses on supporting female founders at various stages of growth.

Hair brand founders should explore amika’s Rooted In Growth grant, which offers $50,000 plus mentorship to underrepresented hair brand founders in the US. This opportunity combines substantial funding with industry expertise.

Ulta Beauty’s MUSE Accelerator program provides $50,000 grants to BIPOC beauty entrepreneurs along with comprehensive support to launch and scale their brands. This program is ideal for those seeking both funding and business development resources.

Beyond beauty-specific grants, Black female entrepreneurs should consider broader funding opportunities like the Home For Dreams Initiative, which offers $25,000 in Black business grants plus six months of mentorship. This program provides both capital and guidance for sustainable growth.

The Black Business Support Fund Grant empowers Black-owned businesses with a $2,500 grant, free internet for a year, and business consultation. This comprehensive support package addresses multiple needs of growing businesses.

For those interested in e-commerce opportunities, Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator provides financial support, mentorship, and marketing resources to help Black-owned businesses thrive on the Amazon platform.

The Wish Local Empowerment Program offers financial grants ranging from $500 to $2,000 to approximately 4,000 eligible Black-owned businesses, making it one of the most accessible funding opportunities available.

Women entrepreneurs across industries should explore the Women Entrepreneurs Grants category on Grantaura, which features curated funding opportunities specifically designed for women-owned businesses at various stages of growth.

The Dannon Light + Fit x FFC Grant offers $10,000 to women-owned businesses plus mentorship and FFC membership, providing both funding and valuable industry connections.

For early-stage businesses, the RestorHer Worth Pursuing Micro-Grant provides $500 in funding paired with resources for personal well-being and sustainable business success.

The Big Idea Grant for Women Entrepreneurs supports innovative business concepts with funding and resources to help turn visionary ideas into successful enterprises.

Minority entrepreneurs should also explore the Minority Entrepreneurs Grants category, which features specialized funding opportunities for underrepresented business owners across various industries.

The TRANSFORM Business Grant empowers individuals from systemically marginalized groups who are making significant social impact and demonstrate financial need, with a focus on creating positive change through business.

Finding the right business grants for black females doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grantaura offers a comprehensive, free database of active grants specifically curated for Black female entrepreneurs. Our platform continuously updates with new opportunities, ensuring you never miss a funding chance that could transform your business. Whether you’re in beauty, tech, retail, or any other industry, Grantaura connects you with the grants that match your specific needs and growth stage.

Terms:
– Business Equity Community: The Fifteen Percent Pledge’s platform connecting Black-owned businesses with opportunities, resources, and corporate partners. Membership is required to apply for The Sephora Beauty Grant and provides ongoing access to business development resources.
– CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods): Products that consumers use regularly and replace frequently, such as beauty products, skincare items, and haircare products. The Sephora Beauty Grant specifically funds businesses selling physical CPG products rather than services.
– Non-dilutive funding: Capital provided without taking equity ownership in the company. The Sephora Beauty Grant’s $100,000 is non-dilutive, meaning founders retain full ownership of their businesses.
– Revenue requirement: The $100,000 minimum annual sales threshold ensures applicants have demonstrated market viability and are positioned to make impactful use of the grant funds.
– Equity ownership: The requirement that at least one self-identifying Black person owns 50% or more of the company ensures the business is truly Black-owned and controlled.
– Application window: The four-week period from October 15 to November 15 when applications are accepted. Late submissions are not considered under any circumstances.
– Finalist notification: The process in early January when selected applicants are informed they’ve moved to the final round of consideration, though only one winner receives the cash award.
– Gala announcement: The public reveal of the winner at the Fifteen Percent Pledge’s annual gala on February 1, providing significant visibility and networking opportunities.
– Video responses: Required video components of the application where founders share their business journey, vision, and plans for the grant funds. These should be uploaded to platforms like YouTube or Vimeo with links provided in the application.
– Financial documentation: Statements, reports, and other records proving the business meets the $100,000 annual revenue requirement. These should be prepared in advance and uploaded through cloud-sharing platforms.
– Racial wealth gap: The economic disparity between white and Black households in the United States, which the Fifteen Percent Pledge and Sephora aim to address through initiatives like this grant program.
– Market validation: Evidence that a business’s products or services meet real customer needs and have sales traction, demonstrated through the $100,000+ revenue requirement.
– Scaling: The process of growing a business beyond its current size, which the $100,000 grant is intended to facilitate for established Black female beauty entrepreneurs.
– Systemic barriers: Institutional obstacles that make it harder for Black entrepreneurs to access capital, retail partnerships, and other resources needed for business growth.
– Brand incubation: Programs like Sephora Accelerate that provide resources, mentorship, and support to emerging beauty brands, helping them develop products and prepare for retail partnerships.
– Supplier diversity: The practice of sourcing products from diverse-owned businesses, which Sephora has committed to through the Fifteen Percent Pledge partnership.
– Non-disclosure agreement (NDA): A legal contract signed by review committee members ensuring applicant information remains confidential throughout and after the selection process.
– Post-award planning: The strategic use of grant funds for maximum impact, including production scaling, marketing investment, team expansion, and other growth initiatives.
– Beauty industry representation: The inclusion of diverse brands and products in the beauty sector, which remains disproportionately low despite Black consumers’ significant spending power.
– Economic justice: The Fifteen Percent Pledge’s mission to address economic inequities through corporate commitments to support Black-owned businesses and create more equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.

Author: I’ve spent years watching incredibly talented Black female founders hit wall after wall when trying to secure funding for their businesses. It’s frustrating as hell to see so much potential go untapped simply because of systemic barriers. That’s why I started Grantaura—to create a platform that specifically addresses these funding gaps. Having worked with over 300 clients across various industries, I’ve seen firsthand how the right grant at the right time can completely transform not just a business, but entire communities. When opportunities like The Sephora Beauty Grant come along, I get genuinely excited because they represent real progress toward a more equitable entrepreneurial landscape. My goal is to make sure every qualified Black female beauty entrepreneur knows about these opportunities and has the support they need to secure them.