NAACP × L'Oréal USA Inclusive Beauty Fund
NAACP Empowerment Programs / L'Oréal USA / SalonCentric
$25,000
$25K for beauty entrepreneurs + L'Oréal mentorship
The Inclusive Beauty Fund awards $25,000 grants to beauty entrepreneurs across the United States — salon owners, extension artists, braiders, aestheticians, barbers, stylists, suite owners, and beauty students. Administered by the NAACP in partnership with L'Oréal USA and SalonCentric, the program is in its third edition (2026) and has supported 73 businesses since 2021. Recipients receive mentorship from top executives across L'Oréal's brand portfolio.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- Foundation
- Amount range
- $25,000 – $25,000
- Realistic amount
- $25,000 flat amount — no variation by business size or project scope. All selected recipients receive $25,000 plus mento…
- Deadline
- Annual — 2026 cycle applications closed April 23, 2026. 2027 cycle expected to open in Q1 2027. Monitor naacp.org/grants and helloalice.com for next cycle.
- Status
- between-intakes
- States
- Nationwide
- Payment model
- lump sum
Who qualifies
- Applicant must be a beauty industry entrepreneur or business owner in the United States
- Eligible beauty professions include: salon owners, suite owners, extension artists, braiders, aestheticians, barbers, stylists, beauty students, and makeup artists
- Program is open to all — not restricted by race or gender, though the program specifically aims to support underrepresented beauty entrepreneurs
- Business or solo practitioner must be US-based
- Applications administered through Hello Alice — must create a Hello Alice account to apply
Hard requirements
- Restricted to industry: beauty — must be a salon owner, stylist, barber, aesthetician, extension artist, braider, suite owner, makeup artist, or beauty student
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Equipment and salon supplies
- Working capital and operating expenses
- Marketing and business development
- Hiring and payroll
- Training and professional development
- Technology (booking software, POS systems)
- Renovation and studio improvements
Ineligible expenses
- Personal expenses
- Debt repayment unrelated to business operations
- Businesses outside the beauty industry
How to apply
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1
Create a Hello Alice account and register for grant notifications
Visit helloalice.com and create a free small business owner account. Enable notifications for NAACP grant programs. This ensures you receive notification when the 2027 application cycle opens.
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2
Apply through Hello Alice during the open window (typically Q1–Q2)
Complete the Inclusive Beauty Fund application when it opens. Application typically includes: business description and revenue, proof of US beauty industry operation, statement of business need and goals, and how funds will be used.
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3
NAACP and L'Oréal review applications
NAACP and L'Oréal USA review all applications. Selection prioritizes small business growth potential, financial need, and community impact in the beauty industry. Recipients are notified typically 4–6 weeks after application close.
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4
Receive $25,000 grant and begin mentorship program
Selected recipients receive $25,000 and are enrolled in the mentorship program with L'Oréal USA and SalonCentric executive mentors. Recipients receive business development support and are featured across NAACP and L'Oréal platforms.
Program says open to 'all' but has a strong track record of supporting Black women beauty entrepreneurs. Applications go through Hello Alice — set up your profile early with detailed business info so the auto-match works for this grant.
Deadline & timing
The 2026 third edition application period closed April 23, 2026. Based on 3 annual cycles since 2021, a 2027 cycle is anticipated in Q1–Q2 2027. Program is administered via Hello Alice — create a Hello Alice account to receive notifications when the next cycle opens.
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Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.