The BIPOC Small Business Accelerator is a program offered by PeopleFund, a Texas-based nonprofit and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), to support start-ups and existing small businesses owned by BIPOC entrepreneurs in Texas. The program provides a combination of educational training, business advising, access to capital through loans, and grant funding to help BIPOC small business owners grow and thrive.

The Q2 2025 application window opens on February 5, 2025, and closes on March 21, 2025, at 6:00 PM CST. Eligible businesses must be based in Texas, and applicants must submit several required documents, including a valid Texas ID or Driver’s License, a complete 2023 filed tax return (all pages), two most recent pay stubs, personal bank statement, and business bank statement (if available). Incomplete applications are automatically denied.

The program structure includes 8 weekly virtual education sessions and 5 individual business advising sessions held between April and June 2025. Participants who complete these requirements and successfully close on a PeopleFund loan before graduation will receive a grant of between $3,000 and $5,000 within 7-10 business days after the program ends.

This program specifically aims to support BIPOC-owned small businesses located in low-to-moderate income communities or operated by individuals residing in such areas. The loan amount and business plan will determine grant eligibility. To participate, businesses must be officially registered (or willing to register during the process), and all owners with 20% or more ownership must submit separate applications. Additionally, all participating businesses must demonstrate they are fully operating and generating revenue.

This is not just a grant program, but a comprehensive business accelerator, requiring active participation in educational and advising sessions. For further assistance, applicants can contact bipocaccelerator@peoplefund.org.