Main Street Ventures Grant Program

Main Street Ventures offers funding programs designed to support local entrepreneurs at different stages of their business development. Their primary aim is to provide equity-free grants that assist businesses in growing and scaling, without the constraints typically associated with investor-based funding. The organization offers a range of funding opportunities, including grants for early-stage businesses with prototypes or products as well as for revenue-generating businesses looking to expand. The focus is on fostering innovation, community inclusion, and sustainable growth, particularly in the Greater Cincinnati Region. The funding programs consist of three primary types: Launch Funding, Leap Funding, and Learn Sponsorship. Launch Funding is geared toward emerging businesses that have a prototype or product and are showing signs of customer engagement. These businesses can receive between $5,000 and $10,000 to further develop their products and prepare for market entry. Leap Funding targets more established, revenue-generating businesses that have a demonstrated impact on their communities. These businesses can access $10,000 to $30,000 to support their growth and long-term sustainability. Learn Sponsorship is intended for organizations and events that help strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region, fostering collaboration and STEM talent development. The eligibility criteria for these grants specify that applicants must be a registered business entity (C-Corp, S-Corp, or LLC) with a Federal Tax ID (EIN). Businesses must be located in the following counties: Hamilton, Butler, Clermont, and Warren counties in Ohio; Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties in Kentucky; or Dearborn County in Indiana. The funding programs are specifically aimed at businesses in the Retail & Hospitality, Manufacturing & Packaged Goods, and Tech-Enabled industries. The application requires a well-defined growth project, evidence of customer demand, and a clear plan for how the funds will drive business and community growth. While the grants do not require equity or repayment, they are competitive. The focus is on funding projects that accelerate growth, such as key equipment purchases, product development, or product supply. Applicants are discouraged from seeking funds for general operating expenses like payroll, rent, or legal fees. Special consideration is given to women-owned and minority-owned businesses, and additional priority is provided to businesses that can demonstrate matching funds from other sources. The funding is highly competitive, so submitting a complete application with clear explanations of the project's impact is crucial. The timeline for applications opens in January 2025, with the next application closing in February 2025. Successful grant recipients are expected to be announced by June 2025, and the next round of applications will reopen in July 2025. Additional special grants are available for businesses located in Northern Kentucky, businesses owned by Black entrepreneurs in Over-the-Rhine (OTR) and Downtown Cincinnati, and tech-based businesses in Ohio's cutting-edge industries like advanced manufacturing, biomedical, and energy sectors.