Grants for Small Businesses

This program provides financial assistance to downtown Chehalis business and property owners for exterior improvements that enhance the historical character and visual appeal of their buildings.

This program provides rent support to new, innovative retail businesses in Downtown Grand Rapids, particularly those that are women- or minority-owned, to enhance the area's retail diversity and economic vitality.

This funding opportunity supports Wisconsin businesses in certain industries by covering up to 75% of the costs for hiring an independent expert to develop a comprehensive business or commercialization plan, particularly for those seeking a Phase II SBIR/STTR grant.

The EMG program provides early-stage technology-based companies with services and funding to support their efforts in obtaining significant federal grant funding. Additionally, Business Planning services rendered by the Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) increase the entrepreneurial proficiency of state entrepreneurs and small business owners. WEDC provides funding to the Center for Technology Commercialization (CTC) to deliver microgrants to clients for the services below: • Small Business lnnovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Assistance program, providing up to $4,500 for assistance to prepare and submit an SBIR/STTR or other federal funding proposal. Applicants awarded federal funding may receive an additional $1,000 funding bonus through the program. • Commercialization Planning Assistance, providing individual and small business applicants up to $4,500 for assistance in completing business validation activities and a comprehensive market study or business plan or commercialization plan to procure Phase ll SBIR/STTR funding or to prepare for angel or venture capital funding. Applicants must utilize an eligible professional services provider. • Entrepreneurial Training Program, providing a grant of up to $750 to entrepreneurs upon successful completion of start-up coursework provided by the SBDC in the University of Wisconsin-System. Eligible applicants must provide at least a $250 match. Eligible coursework may focus on either business modeling or business planning.

The program offers assistance to targeted economic driver industries culminating over time in the development, diversification, competitiveness and growth in sectors that provide sustained high quality jobs, continued innovation and increase in GDP in Wisconsin. Applicants must be actively engaged in distinct industry or sector development or engaged in efforts to enhance cross-industry competitiveness, such as workforce development, market development, new investments, business attraction and acquisition of specialized competitive assets or facilities. These investments are generally intended to support strategic industry initiatives and investments, develop shared-use infrastructure, help fund industry-related pilot projects, expand successful initiatives, increase geographic reach or allow for expansion of consortia efforts.

Equitable Energy Future Grant Program (Notice of Funding Opportunity 3054-2638): The Equitable Energy Future Grant Program, administered by the Commerce And Econ Opp agency, aims to provide seed funding and pre-development funding opportunities to eligible contractors for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in historically disadvantaged communities. The program is designed to remove barriers caused by lack of capital and promote project, community, and business development. The anticipated number of awards is 40, with an estimated total program funding of $25,500,000. The award range is between $250,000 and $1,000,000. The source of funding is the state government of Illinois. There are no cost-sharing or matching requirements, but indirect costs are not allowed. The application period is from November 16, 2023, to June 30, 2024 at 5:00 PM. Technical assistance sessions are offered on November 30, 2023 at 12:00 PM and registration can be done through a provided link. Applicants must be pre-qualified entities registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal. For more information on eligibility criteria and application requirements, please visit the grant application link provided in the description above.

U.S. Embassy Lilongwes Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) is pleased to announce that we are accepting proposals for our Small Grants Program. This announcement is an Annual Program Statement outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes on which we focus, and the procedures for submitting funding requests. Please read this document carefully and follow all instructions. This notice is subject to the availability of funding. Purpose of Small Grants: PDS invites proposals for projects that strengthen ties between the United States and Malawi through programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policies and perspectives in Malawi. Examples of programs implemented through the PDS Small Grants Program include, but are not limited to: • U.S. experts conducting lectures, seminars, or speaking tours with Malawian audiences • Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions • Professional and academic exchanges and programs • Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs • Programs developed by an alumnus/a of a U.S. sponsored or supported educational or professional exchange program • Initiatives aimed at maintaining contact with alumni of U.S. exchange programs • Projects to promote English language teaching skills or widen access to books and other sources of information about the United States Priority Program Areas: • Promote good governance and rule of law • Facilitate and encourage growth of entrepreneurship • Promote gender equality to increase participation in education and improved health decision-making by adolescent girls and young women • Increase transparency of government activities through a more capable media • Support and improve conditions for vulnerable and marginalized citizens, such as the disabled, people living with albinism, and those subject to stigma or persecution • Prevent gender-based violence and trafficking in persons • Promote stronger, more numerous university partnerships between U.S. and Malawian universities PDS will ONLY consider proposals that contain a significant American component or aspect. This could include, but is not limited to, an American expert as a speaker, using curriculum developed by a U.S. institution, or screening an American film.

The Angler Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (Angler R3) grant program provides financial assistance to partners who conduct Angler R3 programs and activities in Wisconsin. Funding is provided through the Dingell Johnson Sportfish Restoration Act, a federal aid program. The goals of the Angler R3 grant program are to grow the numbers of anglers in Wisconsin and expand angling participation among adults, particularly from non-traditional audiences. To achieve these goals, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will award cost-sharing funds to community-based organizations, community centers, government agencies, Wisconsin tribes, colleges, universities and schools to ensure the education and development of safe and ethical adult anglers. Grant awards may be up to 75% share of total eligible project costs.

The Washington Emergency Management Division Human Services Program works with Federal, State, and Local partners to support disaster preparedness and recovery for Washington’s individuals, households, and businesses. Programs include: The Individual Assistance Program (IA): IA is the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) program to support individual and business recovery and is authorized through a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration. The IA program has multiple components including cash assistance and crisis counseling, a detailed declaration process and benefits that vary depending on several factors. For more information, please click here. The Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program: SBA disaster loans are available even without a Presidential Disaster Declaration and are a great tool to provide low-interest loans to individuals, families, businesses and organizations that suffer physical or economic loss due to a disaster or other disruption. For more information, please click here. Limited English Proficiency Program: The LEP program supports language accessibility for individuals, families and businesses by working with state and local governments and community organizations to promote preparedness activities in communities around the state. For more information, please click here. Disaster Resilience, Recovery and Restoration: Disaster Recovery includes both pre-disaster recovery planning and post-disaster recovery to re-envision and restore a community. Technical assistance and information is available for local governments, special districts, and organizations. Please click here for more information.

This funding opportunity provides financial support and technical assistance to develop affordable supportive housing for Hennepin County's most vulnerable residents, including those with extremely low incomes, disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness.

This program provides matching funds to commercial and mixed-use property owners and lessees in Newaygo's TIFA district for permanent improvements to their building facades.

This program provides financial assistance to various governmental entities, organizations, and educational institutions in Wisconsin for the construction and improvement of shooting ranges.

Export Vouchers, funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), reimburses eligible export expenses up to $10,000, depending on the expense. The following lists the eligible activities and reimbursement levels. If your business qualifies, you may receive up to the maximum allowed for that activity, or a lesser amount. Awards are granted based on committee review of your export voucher application.Qualifying Export Expenses Design of international marketing, digital advertising Website design, maintenance and international payment handling Online market listing fees E-commerce platform fees Expenses to set up a website to accept international payments Services of the U.S. Commercial Service International shipment of product samples Compliance requirements to enter an export market Export research tool subscription Cost associated with international IP protection (limited to the following–USPTO PCT transmittal fee, filing fee, search fee; Hague Intl Design App transmittal fee, Trademark Madrid Protocol fee) International business travel (airfare only) International trade show or trade mission fees (virtual or in-person) Foreign market sales trips Translation of marketing media, including audio/video EXIM Credit Insurance fees

The Creative Howard grant program is offered by the Howard County Arts Council (HCAC) to support small nonprofit arts organizations and arts businesses in Howard County, Maryland. The program aims to strengthen the vitality of the arts community and provide funding for eligible activities. Grants of up to $2,500 are available, and there is no matching fund requirement. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit arts organizations or arts businesses located and operating in Howard County for at least one year with an operating revenue of $100,000 or less. The program supports a wide range of arts activities, including dance, design, folk and traditional arts, history exhibits, literature, media arts, music, theater, visual arts, and workshops. Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis with a deadline of the first day of each month at 11:59 PM. The grant period for FY24 is from September 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. Applicants may receive funding for only one application per fiscal year. The application process must be completed online using the Submittable platform. A final report is required within 15 business days after the funded project occurs.

This program provides financial support to rural manufacturers in Colorado affected by the pandemic, enabling them to access valuable consulting services at a reduced cost to improve their operations.

This program provides financial assistance to business owners and developers for non-residential construction, expansions, and renovations in Cape Coral, Florida, to stimulate economic growth and job creation.

CDBG COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Grant – Illinois: The City of Danville is offering up to $139,820 in funding through its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to support small businesses within the city in addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant aims to supplement existing federal or state programs and provide targeted assistance to help Danville businesses effectively navigate the impact of the pandemic.

This program provides financial support to small businesses in Saco, Maine, for various non-operational expenses to promote economic development and community revitalization.

This program provides up to $5,000 to small, independently owned businesses in Arcadia, California, to help cover costs associated with permits for opening, expanding, or improving their commercial spaces.

BBB Cleveland Spark Award for Young Entrepreneurs is a $2,000 cash prize available to entrepreneurs aged 35 and younger with new businesses in Northeast Ohio. The award recognizes businesses less than three years old that demonstrate high character, authentic culture, and social impact within their community. Eligible organizations must be located in selected counties within BBB Serving Greater Cleveland's service area and have earned a "B" rating or higher from BBB. The deadline for application is 01/31/2024. For more information and to apply, visit the Better Business Bureau website.