Brent Faiyaz wants to show you off. On Wednesday (March 9), the swoon-worthy R&B singer launched his second annual grant program meant to uplift and promote Black women entrepreneurs. The Show U Off grant takes place during Women’s History Month and will pledge a total of $60,000 to six applicants, in the sum of $10,000 each. This year’s Show U Off grant boasts a higher payoff than last year, with Faiyaz committing an additional $10,000.
In order to apply, hopeful entrepreneurs must submit a one-minute video, “introducing themselves and their business/startup, discussing any challenges their business has encountered and how the grant money will help support them,” according to the grant’s official website. All applications must be submitted by March 10, 10 a.m. ET, and the six winners will be announced before the end of March.
According to a 2021 Harvard Business Review study, Black women are more likely to start businesses than white men and women — 17%, 15% and 10%, respectively. However, only 3% of Black woman-owned businesses continue to mature, partially due to lack of start-up capital.
Faiyaz’s program is a step towards combating disparities. “I want this to be the future of how Black business is done,” Faiyaz said in a statement. “Black people fund Black people.”
