Grants for Small Businesses

This initiative provides financial assistance to small businesses in San Francisco that have experienced vandalism, helping them cover repair costs and maintain their storefronts.

This program provides financial support to new and existing child care businesses in Portland, Maine, to help them start, expand, and hire staff, ensuring more accessible child care options in the community.

This program provides $5,000 grants to small businesses and non-profits in Norco, California, that have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to small U.S.-based businesses for the development and validation of analytical methods to measure biomarkers related to neurological and neuromuscular disorders, with an emphasis on enhancing inclusivity and collaboration in research.

Scientific observations, experiments, and simulations are producing data at rates beyond our capacity to store, analyze, stream, and archive the data in raw form. Of necessity, many research groups have already begun reducing the size of their data sets via techniques such as compression, reduced order models, experiment-specific triggers, filtering, and feature extraction. Once reduced in size, transporting, storing, and analyzing the data is still a considerable challenge a reality that motivates SCs Integrated Research Infrastructure (IRI) program [1] and necessitates further innovation in data-reduction methods. These further efforts should continue to increase the level of mathematical rigor in scientific data reduction to ensure that scientifically-relevant constraints on quantities of interest are satisfied, that methods can be integrated into scientific workflows, and that methods are implemented in a manner that inspires trust that the desired information is preserved. Moreover, as the scientific community continues to drive innovation in artificial intelligence (AI), important opportunities to apply AI methods to the challenges of scientific data reduction and apply data-reduction techniques to enable scientific AI, continue to present themselves [2-4].The drivers for data reduction techniques constitute a broad and diverse set of scientific disciplines that cover every aspect of the DOE scientific mission. An incomplete list includes light sources, accelerators, radio astronomy, cosmology, fusion, climate, materials, combustion, the power grid, and genomics, all of which have either observatories, experimental facilities, or simulation needs that produce unwieldy amounts of raw data. ASCR is interested in algorithms, techniques, and workflows that can reduce the volume of such data, and that have the potential to be broadly applied to more than one application. Applicants who submit a pre-application that focuses on a single science application may be discouraged from submitting a full proposal.Accordingly, a virtual DOE workshop entitled Data Reduction for Science was held in January of 2021, resulting in a brochure [5] detailing four priority research directions (PRDs) identified during the workshop. These PRDs are (1) effective algorithms and tools that can be trusted by scientists for accuracy and efficiency, (2) progressive reduction algorithms that enable data to be prioritized for efficient streaming, (3) algorithms which can preserve information in features and quantities of interest with quantified uncertainty, and (4) mapping techniques to new architectures and use cases. For additional background, see [6-9].The principal focus of this FOA is to support applied mathematics and computer science approaches that address one or more of the identified PRDs. Research proposed may involve methods primarily applicable to high-performance computing, to scientific edge computing, or anywhere scientific data must be collected or processed. Significant innovations will be required in the development of effective paradigms and approaches for realizing the full potential of data reduction for science. Proposed research should not focus only on particular data sets from specific applications, but rather on creating the body of knowledge and understanding that will inform future scientific advances. Consequently, the funding from this FOA is not intended to incrementally extend current research in the area of the proposed project. Rather, the proposed projects must reflect viable strategies toward the potential solution of challenging problems in data reduction for science. It is expected that the proposed projects will significantly benefit from the exploration of innovative ideas or from the development of unconventional approaches. Proposed approaches may include innovative research with one or more key characteristics, such as compression, reduced order models, experiment-specific triggers, filtering, and feature extraction, and may focus on cross-cutting concepts such as artificial intelligence or trust. Preference may be given to pre-applications that include reduction estimates for at least two science applications.

The United States Agency for International Development Mission in Indonesia (USAID/Indonesia) posts this Request for Information (RFI) to inform interested parties of an upcoming health system strengthening (HSS) activity designed to improve accountability, health system performance and health outcomes (especially for Maternal and Child Health, Tuberculosis, HIV, and Global Health Security) based on performance-based and sustainable health financing, a strengthened health information system, resilient human resources for health, integrated care models, and a strong evidence to policy pathway.This Request for Information (RFI) is issued solely for information gathering purposes and is published in accordance with FAR Part 10 and FAR Part 15.201(e).Through this RFI, USAID/Indonesia seeks to enhance the design of the HSS Flagship Activity in Indonesia. This RFI seeks information from capable organizations (i.e., nongovernmental organizations, universities, consortium, for-profit, and local organizations) that are implementing or have implemented HSS projects that spans more than one health system building block and may be interested to partner with USAID in achieving the goals of this future HSS activity. All capable organizations are encouraged to respond.This RFI does not constitute a Request for Applications (RFA) or a Request for Proposals(RFP). Responses to this RFI are not applications or official proposals and will in no way be deemed to form any binding agreement with the RFI issuing authority. Please do not submit applications, proposals, budget, costs, resumes or promotional materials, as they will be discarded. Proprietary information should not be sent. USAID may use any information provided without incurring any obligation. USAID reserves the right to, or not to incorporate any, some, or none of the comments received from this RFI into any subsequent solicitations or design documents.(See further information in Related Documents Tab)

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) invites applications from eligible small businesses to develop solutions for commercialization that can be used to enable regional clinician-to-clinician genomic medicine eConsult services. Specifically, we seek products, such as technologies or services, that will allow for the development and sustainment of eConsult services. Eligible United States small business concerns (SBCs) may submit Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I, and Fast-Track grant applications. Small business applicants interested in submitting a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant application should submit to the related funding opportunity, PAR-24-106. SBIR and STTR are phased programs. The main objective in SBIR and STTR Phase I is to establish the technical merit and feasibility of the proposed research and development efforts. An SBIR and STTR Phase II continues the R&D efforts to advance the technology toward ultimate commercialization. At the conclusion of an SBIR/STTR Phase II, it is expected that the small business will fully commercialize their product or technology using non-SBIR/STTR funds (either federal or non-federal). Small businesses that are eligible to submit Phase II applications for projects that were supported with a Phase I SBIR or STTR award are expected to submit the regular Phase II application as a "Renewal" application based on the awarded Phase I SBIR or STTR project. Only one Phase II application may be awarded for a specific project supported by a Phase I award.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) invites applications from eligible small businesses to develop solutions for commercialization that can be used to enable regional clinician-to-clinician genomic medicine eConsult services. Specifically, we seek products, such as technologies or services, that will allow for the development and sustainment of eConsult services. Eligible United States small business concerns (SBCs) may submit Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I, Direct to Phase II, and Fast-Track grant applications. Small business applicants interested in submitting a Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant application should submit to the related funding opportunity, PAR-24-107. SBIR and STTR are phased programs. The main objective in SBIR and STTR Phase I is to establish the technical merit and feasibility of the proposed research and development efforts. An SBIR and STTR Phase II continues the R&D efforts to advance the technology toward ultimate commercialization. At the conclusion of an SBIR/STTR Phase II, it is expected that the small business will fully commercialize their product or technology using non-SBIR/STTR funds (either federal or non-federal). Small businesses that are eligible to submit Phase II applications for projects that were supported with a Phase I SBIR or STTR award are expected to submit the regular Phase II application as a "Renewal" application based on the awarded Phase I SBIR or STTR project. Only one Phase II application may be awarded for a specific project supported by a Phase I award. NIH Fast-Track: An NIH SBIR Fast-Track incorporates a submission and review process in which both Phase I and Phase II applications are submitted and reviewed together as one application to reduce or eliminate the funding gap between phases. NIH Direct to Phase II: For small businesses that have already demonstrated scientific and technical merit and feasibility but have not received a Phase I SBIR or STTR for that project, NIH can issue a Direct to Phase II award. The NIH will accept Direct to Phase II applications regardless of the funding source for the proof of principle work on which the proposed Phase II research is based. Direct to Phase II awards should be submitted as “New” applications and not continuations ("Renewal") of Phase I SBIR or STTR projects.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) invites applications for the continued support and advancement of the Mutant Mouse Resource and Research Centers (MMRRC). The MMRRC consortium is expected to facilitate research by identifying, acquiring, evaluating, characterizing, cryopreserving, and distributing mutant mouse strains to qualified biomedical investigators. A regional network of four MMRRCs and an Informatics, Coordination and Service Center (ICSC) collectively serve the needs of the biomedical research community for transgenic, knockout and other genetically-engineered mutant mice and related biomaterials. MMRRC strains are held to the highest standards to optimize reproducibility of studies and assure scientific rigor and transparency; all submitted strains are thoroughly reviewed and documented and include additional quality control measures. The Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) of each MMRRC in addition to the major resource activities is required to develop a small high risk, high return, research pilot project that complements the goals and needs of the MMRRC consortium. ORIP intends to fund up to four awards, but the overall number of awards is contingent upon NIH appropriations and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications Award Budget Requested Direct Costs must reflect actual needs of the project. For Renewal (a.k.a. Type 2) applications, no more than a 5 percent (direct cost) increase from the last non-competing year will be accepted. ORIP intends to fund up to four awards, but the overall number of awards is contingent upon NIH appropriations and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications

Vernon County is offering grant funding through the National Opioid Settlement to support projects related to the abatement, prevention, treatment, and recovery of opioid drug use and its effects. The funding is available to non-profit organizations, businesses, schools, and local governmental agencies in Vernon County. Eligible projects should align with the values and mission of the Opioid Prevention and Abatement Steering Committee and focus on efforts to educate, train, reduce, and prevent harm from opioids. Applicants can request funding ranging from $100 to $25,000 per application, with a limit of one application per calendar year and a total of three applications per project. There will be three application periods offered each year. To apply, applicants will need to present their proposal to the Opioid Steering Committee, with presentations limited to 5 minutes followed by a question and answer session. It is important to note that projects unrelated to opioid prevention or mitigation efforts, requests for existing debt, expenses that have already been invoiced or paid, and any other expenses deemed ineligible by the Opioid Steering Committee will not be considered for funding.

This grant provides funding to organizations and individuals with innovative projects that promote youth participation in baseball and softball, particularly in underserved communities.

The Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity (RMUC) Program is offering a grant opportunity for electric cooperative, municipal, and small investor-owned utilities with limited cybersecurity resources. The Advanced Cybersecurity Technology (ACT) 1 Prize is a three-phase competition that challenges eligible utilities to identify risks and implement solutions to improve their overall cybersecurity posture. Utilities that progress through the competition will receive cash prizes and technical assistance to invest in staff training, governance processes, and cybersecurity tools and technologies. To apply, interested applicants should review the official rules for the complete application process and requirements. Eligible utilities can then create a HeroX account, accept the ACT 1 Prize Competitor Agreement, and choose whether to compete as a team. Application templates are available to aid in completing the application. Additionally, Phase 1 applicants must participate in two mandatory virtual webinars. The ACT 1 Prize offers a total prize pool of up to $8.96 million in cash and technical assistance across three phases: Commitment, Planning, and Implementation. Each phase concludes with a prize award. In the Commitment Phase, utilities prepare submission packages describing their resources, need for improving cybersecurity, and commitment to participating. In the Planning Phase, utilities work with technical assistance providers to assess systems, identify training needs, understand risks and solutions, and draft an implementation roadmap. Finally, in the Implementation Phase, utilities make progress towards completing their roadmap with the help of technical assistance providers. Administered by DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and managed by DOE's Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER), the RMUC Program's ACT 1 Prize is part of a larger initiative to enhance the cybersecurity posture of electric utilities. The program will provide $250 million over five years to support critical investments, deliver technical assistance, and provide cybersecurity training to utility workers. This will result in a more secure and resilient energy grid. Interested parties can visit the RMUC Program webpage for more information and to sign up for updates.

The Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Prize is a grant opportunity for creative individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses to address challenges in the lithium-ion battery recycling supply chain. The goal of this phased prize competition is to develop and demonstrate processes that can capture 90% of all discarded or spent lithium-ion batteries in the United States for recovery of key materials. The continuation of the prize will award a total of $7.4 million in cash prizes and voucher support over the next 3 years. This includes a new competition track for new competitors and previous participants, as well as additional support for Phase III winning teams. Breakthrough, a new public contest, aims to incentivize innovative solutions from battery industry entrepreneurs that align with the prize goal. Up to $2.4 million in cash prizes and voucher funding will be awarded to up to 10 winners. Winners will also have the opportunity to advance to Phase IV of the competition. Qualified lithium-ion battery recyclers and second-life testing organizations are also being sought as Evaluation Entities for Phase IV. More information about becoming an Evaluation Entity can be found on the American-Made website.

The Energy CLASS (Champions Leading the Advancement of Sustainable Schools) Prize is a grant opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of Energy State and Community Energy Program Office (SCEP). The prize aims to support local education agencies in establishing and training energy managers to identify, plan, and implement efficiency and health upgrades in schools. With $80 million available, the grant will help schools across the country lower utility costs, improve indoor environmental quality, and reduce carbon emissions. The Energy CLASS Prize consists of two phases. In Phase 1, up to 25 selected LEAs will receive $100,000 in cash prizes to support participation in a 12-month training program. In Phase 2, participants will undergo 80-160 hours of online educational courses and receive one-on-one support and coaching related to building upgrades. At the end of Phase 2, participants can submit a progress report and a plan for future building upgrades for a chance to win a $50,000 bonus prize. To apply, LEAs need to submit a statement of need, letters of support, and demonstrate their commitment to making building energy upgrades. Interested applicants should review the official rules for complete application instructions. For updates or questions, applicants can subscribe on the HeroX platform or contact the Energy CLASS Prize team directly at [email protected].

The Equitable and Affordable Solutions to Electrification (EAS-E) Home Electrification Prize offers up to $2.4 million in prizes for innovative solutions that advance the electrification retrofits of residential homes across all building types and geographies. The goal is to make electrification more affordable and accessible in existing U.S. homes, with a focus on equitable solutions for all homeowners, including those in low-income and under-resourced communities. The prize supports design solutions, tools, and technology innovations that enable the switch to electric products and reduce carbon emissions. Low-power electrification solutions are strongly encouraged. The competition consists of two phases: Phase 1 focuses on presenting proposed solutions and up to five winners receive a $5,000 cash prize and a $75,000 voucher to work with DOE national laboratories. Phase 2 involves finalizing teams, demonstrating functional prototype solutions, and up to three winners receive prizes, with a top prize of $1 million. The competition is open to individuals, private entities, nonfederal government entities, and academic institutions. For more information, refer to the official rules document.

This program provides federal funding to Georgia for the construction and maintenance of sewage disposal facilities for recreational boaters, promoting cleaner waterways and responsible boating practices.

This funding opportunity provides $10,000 to early-stage, women-owned businesses in the U.S. that are either not yet launched or have generated minimal revenue, supporting their growth and development.

Federally funded program to enhance competitiveness of specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, grapes, horticultural, etc. The purpose of the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).” Projects must show a benefit to the specialty crop industry. This program is not designed for start-ups or projects that only benefit one operation. Universities, institutions, cooperatives, producers, industry, or community-based organizations may submit a proposal for funding. A review committee will select projects to be included in Tennessee’s state plan. This is a competitive program. Projects must directly impact multiple Tennessee producers. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture seeks to identify and support projects that are forward thinking with a positive, long-lasting impact on Tennessee Agriculture.

City of Tehachapi Small Business Sign Grant Program (California) is offering grants ranging from $500 to $3,000 to assist small businesses in the City with installing or improving their signs. The program aims to eliminate blight, encourage economic development, and enhance properties within the City’s commercial districts. Priority funding will be given to projects that align with the City Design Guidelines. The grant includes reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible sign costs, with a minimum of $500 and a maximum of $3,000. Recipients are required to maintain the building sign for a three-year term. Eligible applicants include owners and tenants of small businesses or commercial properties within the City of Tehachapi.

This funding opportunity supports early stage researchers in pursuing innovative and high-risk scientific projects that significantly diverge from their previous work, without the need for preliminary data.