The Coalition to Back Black Businesses: Grants, Then What?
iqra
January 21, 2026
The Coalition to Back Black Businesses (CBBB)
The Coalition to Back Black Businesses (CBBB)—a partnership including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and several corporate sponsors—has awarded millions of dollars in grants to Black-owned small businesses across the U.S., including $5,000 grants to more than 300 firms and follow-on $25,000 “enhancement” grants to select past winners. These funds help owners hire, expand, or upgrade equipment and technology. The CBBB has distributed $5,000 grants to 324 Black small business owners across 40 states.
Grants Are a Moment, Not a System
But a grant, as powerful as it is, is a moment, not a system. After the check is deposited and the press release fades, businesses still need customers, visibility, and long-term support. Applications for the 2022-23 grant program awarded $1.3 million in total. By 2022, total grants reached 1,414 businesses.
Black Pages International as Infrastructure
This is where Black Pages International can become the companion infrastructure to initiatives like CBBB.
Imagine if every CBBB grantee were automatically invited to:
- Create a detailed BlackPagesInternational.com profile highlighting their story, industry, and community impact.
- Be featured in a “Backed Black Businesses” section on BPI, making it easy for consumers and institutions to intentionally support businesses that have already been vetted by a major coalition.
- Access BPI’s educational content on marketing, funding, and storytelling so they can stretch grant dollars further.
Translating Exposure into Ongoing Revenue
For the businesses themselves, listing on BPI is a way to translate exposure into ongoing revenue. Many grant programs share winners in news releases but do not provide a structured way for the public to find and patronize them. A national directory solves that gap. The program provides immediate financial assistance and long-term support. Enhancement grants of $25,000 were awarded to 20 businesses.
How Consumers Can Support Black Businesses
For everyday consumers who read about CBBB’s awards and wonder, “How can I support Black businesses like these in my city?”, the answer becomes simple: start on Black Pages International. The directory may not list every CBBB recipient yet, but it already hosts thousands of Black-owned firms following the same path of resilience and growth. Videos highlight the impact of enhancement grants.
Fuel in the Tank, a Road to Drive On
Grants put fuel in the tank. Directories like Black Pages International help ensure there is a long road to drive on. Other grants like NAACP’s $25,000 for Black-owned businesses complement CBBB. The coalition assists in recovery and forging ahead. In 2026, combining such grants with visibility platforms will sustain growth.
