Last summer, Glossier launched an initiative to support Black-owned beauty businesses in the form of $500K worth of grants. The programme, alongside a $500K donation to organisations fighting racial injustice, was part of a larger commitment from the brand to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in the beauty industry and take a stand against systemic racism and white supremacy. The 16 recipients of the grants were revealed in September.

Now founder Emily Weiss has announced that the programme is returning for a second year to offer another $500,000 in support of Black-owned beauty businesses. “We are eager to hear from our next wave of applicants: your stories, your plans for the businesses you’re building, and your vision for the role beauty can play in our lives,” Weiss wrote in the announcement. “With our work inside and outside of Glossier, we'll be intentional and iterative, doubling down on the initiatives that drive progress.”

Applications for the programme opened yesterday and will close May 27. To be eligible, brands must be based in the US and sell physical beauty products (cosmetics, products or tools for face, body or hair). Ten businesses will each receive a $50,000 grants plus six months of dedicated advisory and business support. This support includes being paired with a Glossier advisor for mentorship, one-on-one meetings with functional experts from the company, Fireside Chats with industry leaders including Sharon Chuter, and a new Alumni programme for previous grantees to stay connected with each other and new grantees.

Through this grant scheme, Glossier is hoping to address the disparities and barriers Black entrepreneurs face when trying to secure investment. Since 2009 a shocking 0.0006 per cent of the $424.7 billion raised in venture capital was received by Black women. Last year, Black founders in the US raised less than one per cent of total venture capital funding. 

Find out more information on how to apply for a grant here.