Today We Celebrate National Black Funding Day: A Movement to Close the Funding Gap for Black Entrepreneurs

Today marks National Black Funding Day, a groundbreaking holiday created to bring national attention to the funding gap faced by Black founders and underrepresented entrepreneurs across America.

Founded by Dr. Rashae Barnes, entrepreneur and visionary behind Evals Equity Women’s Fund, this annual observance on September 30th exists to raise awareness, provide resources, and spark real change in access to capital for minority-owned businesses. In a nation where Black entrepreneurs receive less than 2% of venture capital funding annually, National Black Funding Day has become more than a date on the calendar—it is a movement for economic empowerment, financial equity, and generational wealth building.Why National Black Funding Day Matters Now More Than EverAs America continues to face economic uncertainty and systemic disparities in capital distribution, National Black Funding Day shines a spotlight on the urgent need for access to capital for underrepresented founders.

“Funding isn’t just about money—it’s about opportunity, innovation, and the power to change entire communities,” says Dr. Rashae Barnes.

“This holiday was created to push the conversation forward and provide actionable solutions for founders who deserve a seat at the table.”

Since its launch, National Black Funding Day has gained momentum in national media outlets and social platforms, with Forbes, Apple News, Urban Magazine, and several HBCUs and prominent business leaders lending their voices to support the cause. Even billionaire philanthropist Robert F. Smith has publicly endorsed the mission, noting the holiday’s critical role in closing the economic equity gap for Black entrepreneurs.

How to Support: Fund the Future Today This year, in partnership with Evals Equity Women’s Fund, National Black Funding Day is creating a dedicated grant to support underrepresented founders with access to capital. Donations collected today will go directly toward this grant and be disbursed to a selected founders who embody innovation, resilience, and the drive to build generational wealth.

Looking Ahead: Bigger, Better, and Bolder Each YearAs the holiday grows, the vision for National Black Funding Day expands beyond awareness to impactful programming; including; Annual Funding Summits connecting founders with investors, banks, and grantmakers Pitch Competitions hosted at HBCUs and community hubs nationwide Partnerships with Corporations & Philanthropists to increase funding opportunities Workshops and Accelerators designed to help founders prepare for capital investment “Each year, we plan to raise the bar,” says Dr. Barnes. “Our goal is to make National Black Funding Day a national staple—a day where funding doors open wider for Black and minority entrepreneurs everywhere.”You can donate today  by scanning the QR code below.

#NationalBlackFundingDay.