WeWork grants for Black-owned businesses

Eradicating the enormous obstacles of structural racism and systemic bias in business is no small task. But as the country comes to grips with its deep-rooted inequities, many Americans are looking toward big solutions.  WeWork aims to be a part of that shift, and recently announced a major grant program (details below) that will award a total of $2 million in funding to Black small business owners who operate out of WeWork locations around the country. After WeWork and small business champion Ureeka reviewed hundreds of applications and developed a meticulous point system, an independent judging panel chose 200 grantees. Each will be awarded $10,000 to invest in their business, as well as resources for networking and growth from WeWork Labs. Allow us to introduce you to some of the dynamic entrepreneurs bringing much-needed change to the face of American enterprise.
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Meet the Awardees

Supporting the Black community


As we unfortunately know all too well, the Black community is forced to face inequality across the board – not just socially, but professionally. Whether it’s access to capital, federal funding or resources for support, Black business owners are too often neglected.

At WeWork, our mission is to encourage people to “Do What You Love.” However, we recognize that not everyone has the privilege to make that choice. As we continue to witness the systemic inequality that the Black community faces, we have decided it is time to be a more active part of the change we want to see.

How is WeWork helping?


The grant recipients will receive:

  • $10,000 – A direct grant that recipients can use to invest into their business.
  • Resources from WeWork Labs – Grant recipients that are startups and small businesses will have access to tools, resources, and networking through WeWork Labs.
  • Support for an Opportunity Fund pitch – Softbank Group recently announced the Opportunity Growth Fund for tech-focused entrepreneurs of color – Black, Latinx, and Native American founders. Eligible WeWork grant recipients that fit the Opportunity Fund’s investment criteria may elect to be paired with a WeWork Labs mentor to provide the grant recipient with assistance in preparation for a potential opportunity to pitch to the fund for additional funding. Read more information about the Opportunity Fund here.

Who’s eligible?


To be eligible to apply, your business must:

  • Be an active WeWork Member who joined on or before May 31, 2020
  • Be owned and/or founded by an individual who self-identifies as Black
  • Have its headquarters located in the United States
  • Currently employ 500 or fewer W-2 based employees
  • Be in continuous operation for at least one year
  • Meet all other eligibility requirements as stated in the program Grant Program Terms

How do I apply?


The application window has closed on June 30, 2020 and we are no longer accepting applications at this time. Grant recipients will be chosen and notified via email by the end of July 2020. Have a question? View our FAQs page.