Grants for Small Businesses

This initiative provides up to $10 million in prizes to innovators developing advanced LED lighting solutions that improve energy efficiency, quality, and accessibility for commercial use.

This funding opportunity supports small businesses in developing innovative technologies and services for population-wide genomic screening to improve primary care for common genetic conditions.

This funding opportunity supports small U.S.-based businesses in developing innovative solutions for population genomic screening to improve primary care practices and enhance patient outcomes.

The Rockford is currently accepting applications for its Restaurant Relief Grants to provide vital relief to restaurants in Rockford and Winnebago County. Donor Name: Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau State: Illinois County: Winnebago County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing and management organization for Rockford and Winnebago County and is responsible for promoting the Rockford region as an attractive travel destination and enhancing its public image as a dynamic place to live and work. Funding Information The maximum award a restaurant may receive, as set by the State of Illinois, is $100,000. Eligibility Criteria To qualify to apply, an authorized representative of a restaurant will need to certify that: The restaurant’s principal place of business is located within the geographical boundaries of Winnebago County, Illinois. The restaurant complied with the indoor dining closure mandates enacted by the State of Illinois during the first quarter of 2021 via Executive Orders 2021-01, 2021-02, 2021-03, 2021-04, and 2021-05.  In complying with indoor dining closure mandates in Q1 of 2021 the restaurant laid off staff and, as a result, has experienced an increase in state unemployment insurance charges. The restaurant incurred and/or will incur a higher rate of state unemployment benefit charges in 2022, 2023 and 2024, because of the higher unemployment benefit charges in Q1 of 2021. The restaurant remains operational today. For more information, visit RACVB.

Funding and Duration: Grant amounts for the conventional program range from $100,000 to $500,000. The maximum grant duration is two (2) years, eight (8) months, and grant funds cannot be expended before November 1, 2025, or after June 30, 2028.   Projects submitted through the Additional Assistance for Historically Underrepresented Organizations (Additional Assistance) Program will range from $100,000 to $250,000. Program requirements and submission deadlines differ for Additional Assistance Program applicants. Please reference the 2025 Request for Concept Proposals - Additional Assistance Program or email [email protected] for more information.   CDFA reserves the right to offer an award amount different than the amount requested.    

This funding opportunity supports collaborative research efforts to improve the prevention, treatment, and understanding of cancers associated with HIV, involving various specialized teams and clinical trials accessible to diverse populations.

The Small Business and Not-For-Profit Support Grant Program is designed to provide small businesses and nonprofits with funds to assist in recovering from economic losses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Donor Name: City of Chicago State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The City of Chicago, acting through the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), seeks one (1) qualified organization to administer a $21.5M Small Business Support and Not-For-Profit Grant Program funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. The awardee will be responsible for administering grants to eligible small businesses and nonprofits located in Chicago to assist in stabilizing their operations, supporting their workforce, and mitigating the long-term impact of the pandemic. The selected organization will be held to a contractual agreement by applying to Request of Proposal (RFP) that reflects a clear understanding of the potential city contractor’s needs, the local small business and nonprofit ecosystem, and City of Chicago processes.   For more information, visit City of Chicago.

Facilities may apply for funds for one or multiple eligible purposes and for one or multiple sites (if applicable).The Bridge to Recovery grant is designed to help providers of in-center congregate services provide a safe, healthy, and person-centered environment for older adults and people with disabilities. Providers can spend funds on facilities and staffing improvements to support that goal.Facilities must use funding to meet the goals of the grant program related to infection prevention and control, workforce shortages, and other programmatic improvements. Funding cannot be used to supplant existing funds received from other sources. Funding may be used for a new project or to supplement an existing program.The allowable expenses to meet the goals of the grant are as follows:• Building ventilation: adding or improving ventilation systems to meet recommended Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) standards.• Air flow and filtration: repairing or installing air filters to meet recommended Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) standards.• Modifying usable space: repurposing outdoor areas to expand safe, useable program space or modifying indoor spaces to promote health and safety while encouraging participant engagement.• Sanitation and infection control: increasing sanitation and infection control measures.• Staff recruitment and retention : costs associated with posting jobs and sign on bonuses, retention bonuses.• Temporary workers: salary for temporary workers when there is a vacancy or absence in key required positions, such as nurses, social workers, therapists, or transportation drivers, in order to comply with regulations and staffing ratios.• Wage differentials: providing raises for direct support staff to ensure equity among similar roles and skillsets. Final wages from salary increases should comport with or be comparable to local labor laws, standards, and prevailing wages.• Vehicle modifications and/or preservation: modifying existing vehicles used in the transportation of participants and/or installing surveillance equipment.• Telehealth: improving participant access to telehealth services.• Staff training: providing training in infection prevention and control, health, and safety.• Vehicle Purchare: Solely to be used for transporting participants to/from their residence and to/from the center for in-center services.

Whether you’re expanding a business, innovating your industry, or aspiring to be an entrepreneur, the Idea Factory powered by Startup Virginia helps you build solutions people want based on insights, not assumptions. Donor Name: Startup Virginia State: Virginia County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Creating a new business or product is an exciting journey, but having a great idea is not enough. Ideas must be based on insights, not assumptions, to ensure you build solutions people really want. At the Idea Factory, you’ll learn about customer discovery – the entrepreneur’s secret weapon. It’s the process of uncovering customers’ needs, wants, and pain points before building the product. It’s about getting out of your own head and into the minds of your potential customers. Increase Your Chances of Success Startups that actively engage in customer discovery are twice as likely to succeed as those that don’t. Become a Better Communicator Learn to ask the right questions, listen actively, and build customer relationships. Develop Products Customers Love Identify the problems your customers are struggling with and create solutions they want. Gain a Competitive Edge Understanding your customers is what sets you apart, giving you a significant advantage over competitors. Who’s it for? Anyone in Virginia with an innovative idea for a new or existing business Considering building a new product, service, or way to scale your business? Working on an innovative solution to a problem and considering starting a business? Passionate about solving a particular problem and don’t know how to begin? What are the outcomes? Learn the customer discovery process Identify your potential customers Build a target customer database Hone your interviewing and surveying skills Gain customer insights and identify the best business ideas Receive guidance for the next steps for your idea. For more information, visit Startup Virginia.

Ìpàdé has established the Tanna Fund, a giving circle that awards microgrants to early-stage Black women and gender-expansive innovators who need capital and support to launch their transformative business idea in the Washington, DC metro area. Donor Name: Ìpàdé State: Maryland, Virginia County: All Counties Type of Grant: Program Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Through the Tanna Fund, they are contributing to the growth and success of Black innovators with bold ideas. Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs, but for various historical and current reasons, including systemic racism, they earn less and have difficulty securing funding. Black business owners who apply for funding are more likely to get rejected than white business owners, and this significantly reduces their ability to build and sustain a business. The Tanna Fund will award microgrants to early-stage Black women and gender-expansive innovators in the Washington, DC region. Eligibility Criteria The Tanna Fund is eager to review applications from entrepreneurs who meet the following eligibility criteria.  The entrepreneur identifies as a woman or a gender-expansive person  The entrepreneur also identifies as Black or of African Descent  The business structure has been established (e.g., LLC, S-CORP, etc) OR will be formally established in the next 6 months  The business has received less than $5,000 in grant funding  Business is based in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC For more information, visit Ìpàdé.

The Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC), the largest business plan competition in the country designed to advance innovation and technology commercialization opportunities in Arizona by assisting early-stage ventures to scale. Donor Name: Arizona Commerce Authority State: Arizona County: All Counties Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Semifinalists gain access to Venture Raise, a twelve-week hybrid accelerator that will prepare startups for funding. Ten Finalists will be awarded $100,000 and begin Venture Scale, a six-month accelerator of customized support and one-on-one matching with ACA Entrepreneurs-in-Residence. Eligibility Criteria Companies must meet certain criteria to participate in the Arizona Innovation Challenge. Judges will screen each application to ensure all qualifications are met and all materials submitted through the proper format. If not met, applications will be removed from the competition, and notifications will not be made until the end of the first round. For more information, visit Arizona Commerce Authority.

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces the availability of funds through the New Dairy Processor Start-up Grant program to support new dairy processing projects throughout the Northeast. Donor Name: Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/05/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The goal of this program is to help develop competitive dairy processing businesses with long-term viability, supporting operations of all sizes in successfully launching and sustaining their products in the marketplace.  This program is for:  Dairy farmers ready to begin processing,  Value-added entrepreneurs with proven experience in dairy processing and/or value-added business startups, including any relevant work experience, business ventures, products developed, and products brought to market, or  Dairy processors established after January 1, 2023, who are in the start-up phase of business development. Funds are intended to support start-up operations, focusing on tangible implementation rather than research and development, concept development, or initial planning. Funding Information Total available funds: $500,000 Minimum: $15,000  Maximum: $75,000 Project Period Grant periods will range from 12 – 18 months, depending on the project.  Eligibility Criteria This grant is open to applicants from all Northeast states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Applicants must fall into one of the following categories:  Dairy farmer that:  Produces milk within the Northeast  Is a licensed dairy operation in compliance with all required state and federal standards  Value-added business entrepreneur that meets the following requirements:  Sources milk or dairy components from within the Northeast and has evidence of a committed partnership with a farm or processor for sourcing these components  Has a business entity prior to applying  Can demonstrate experience in dairy processing and/or related value-added business startup, including any relevant work experience, business ventures, products developed, and products brought to market  Dairy processor established after January 1, 2023 that:  Has a business entity and milk processing license prior to applying  Sources milk or dairy components from within the Northeast and has evidence of a committed partnership with a farm or processor for sourcing these components.  Is in the start-up phase of business operations All applicants must also:  Be headquartered or based in the Northeast  Provide Proof of Concept demonstrating the viability of the business idea and product  Have a plan for new value-added dairy processing that includes market research, financial projections, a branding and marketing strategy, and a facility location  Obtain licenses to sell dairy products across state lines by the end of the grant period Launch their products in the marketplace or have a Letter of Commitment from a buyer, distributor, or retailer indicating plans to sell the product by the end of the grant period For more information, visit NE-DBIC.

The Legacy Business Recovery Grant Program offers grants of up to $20,000 to eligible Legacy Businesses that need financial assistance to aid in their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Donor Name: Economic & Workforce Development Department (EWDD) State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Legacy Business Recovery Grant Program is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation to the City of Los Angeles. Applicants must explain how the grant funds will be used toward necessary COVID-19 recovery business expenses and make available documentation demonstrating that the grant funds were used toward those expenses. Funding Priorities EWDD will utilize a weighted selection process for grants to ensure equitable distribution across the selection of finalists and to prioritize City of Los Angeles geographic diversity and low-to-moderate income neighborhoods. Grant application submissions made from the following demographics will be more heavily weighted: Businesses located in low-and moderate-income communities (50% and 80% of Area Median Income or AMI), as defined by HUD Businesses owned by low- and moderate-income owners (50% and 80% of AMI), as defined by HUD Businesses facing an imminent threat of displacement. Funding Information Grant amounts of $10,000 will be provided for Legacy Businesses with one to five employees. Grant amounts of $20,000 will be provided for Legacy Businesses with six or more employees. Uses of Funds Eligible uses of funds to address the negative economic impacts caused by the COVID-19 crisis include: Employee payroll Rent, utilities, and insurance Working capital to reopen or continue operations Adapting to technologies Payment of outstanding business expenses incurred on or after March 3, 2021 Adaptive business practices needed to operate the business Legal fees to negotiate long-term lease agreements with their landlords. Eligibility Criteria Eligible Businesses: The business must be listed on the Legacy Business Registry The business must be a for-profit business located within Los Angeles city limits. Must be operating from a commercial, industrial, or manufacturing location and have a valid commercial lease (home-based businesses are not eligible) Annual revenue cannot exceed $3 million. If applicable, the business must be in good standing with the Secretary of State. The business must have an active Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC) with the City of Los Angeles that is current and in good standing. The business must demonstrate that the grant funds will be used for recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The business must disclose whether they have received funding from other federal, state, or local sources (including PPP and EIDL). Applicants who have received funding are still eligible, provided the funds are not currently being spent on the same expenses covered by the Legacy Business Recovery Grant. For more information, visit EWDD.

This program provides matching funds to business and property owners in Alameda for improving the exterior appearance of their buildings through enhancements like painting, signage, and architectural restoration.

The City of Dallas Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability’s (OEQS) Urban Agriculture Division announces its partnership with Dallas County Health and Human Services on the implementation of an Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Support Program. Donor Name: City of Dallas State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/02/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The main goal of UAISP is to strengthen the capacities of urban growers and farmers in the city of Dallas, thereby advancing food security, fostering healthier communities, and mitigating disparities within the local food system. More specifically, the grant aims to assist farmers and food growers in the planning, design, and installation of eligible infrastructures, while also streamlining the permitting process.  Funding Information The available amount for this pilot program grant is $99,600 with maximum reimbursements of up to $10,000 per applicant.  Allowable Expenditures  Permissible costs mainly encompass expenditures associated with the planning, design, and/or implementation of power or water infrastructure to support the production, aggregation, and/or processing of food. Projects involved in activities falling within this scope will receive preferential consideration during the application evaluation and selection process. The following is an itemized list of some costs that the program will reimburse: Project/Infrastructure plans or designs.  Urban agriculture infrastructure counseling and professional services  Utility connections to on or off-grid water systems, including drip irrigations.  Utility connections for off-grid energy supporting urban agriculture operations. Contracted labor/installations. Greenhouses/hoop houses.  Versatile high tunnels (multi-season).  Cold storage temperature control equipment. Grow light systems.  Bee hives.  Other expenses deemed allowable by DCHHS & the City of Dallas Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for funding, individuals or establishments must fulfill the following criteria:  Engage in edible farming and gardening, and/or participate in aggregation, and/or process agricultural food products.  Contribute to the local food system by either engaging in food production and/or facilitating access to healthy and safe foods.  Clearly demonstrate a need for funding to improve food-related infrastructure.  For more information, visit City of Dallas.

The City of Wentzville is accepting applications for its Business Development Grant Program. Donor Name: City of Wentzville State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This program is open to new or significantly expanding businesses in Wentzville’s Historic Downtown zoning districts (HD-1, HD-2 or HD-3). The Business Development Grant is designed to ease start-up and/or business development costs. The grant can be used for various interior building improvements such as paint, finish carpentry, flooring or countertops. New businesses must have been open for less than 12 months. These grants are designed to: Boost property development Strengthen new and existing businesses Facilitate the rehabilitation and modernization of downtown buildings. For more information, visit City of Wentzville.

The Dubois County Chamber of Commerce quarterly business grant is intended to support and promote locally owned businesses that are current chamber members. Donor Name: Dubois County Chamber of Commerce State: Indiana County: Dubois County (IN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Eligibility Criteria The business entity’s location must be based within the geographical limits of Dubois County. The business must have no more than 50 full-time employees. The business entity must be locally-owned and operated – this includes franchised businesses. The business cannot be a subsidiary of a larger corporation. Publicly traded companies are not eligible. The business entity must disclose information on any pending litigation or legal actions. The applicant business must be registered and in good standing with the Indiana Secretary of State as a Business Entity, or if a sole proprietorship have a certificate of assumed business name or doing-business- as {OBA) form record from the County Recorder. For more information, visit Dubois County Chamber of Commerce.

The Business Development Grant Program is to promote economic development aimed at creating new job opportunities, filling vacant store fronts, and encouraging diversification, additional private sector investment and in-fill business development. Donor Name: Town of Perryville State: Maryland County: Cecil County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This program will provide existing and new small businesses with funds necessary to meet operational needs and remain financially viable. Eligible Use of funds Building improvements, purchase of machinery, equipment, furniture, fixtures, inventory, the purchase or leasing of property, advertising campaigns, and other costs associated with opening or expanding a business. Eligibility Criteria  Applicant must be a new/existing business owner within the corporate limits of the Town of Perryville. If applicant is not the property owner (i.e. tenant), written permission must be given by property owner for building improvement application requests. Applicant and property must not have any current zoning or other Code violations and be in good standing (current on all monies owed, such as, but not limited to, taxes, water & sewer bills, trader’s license) with the Town of Perryville, Cecil County and the State of Maryland. Business must be located in the following zoning districts: Neighborhood Business (NB), Town Center (TC), Highway Commercial (C2), Residential Marine (RM), Commercial Maritime (CM-1 & 2). Eligibility within the R-1, R-2 and R-3 Residential districts shall be limited to existing businesses only. Applicants must be one of the following for profit entities: sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, cooperative or LLC. For more information, visit Town of Perryville.

The City of Sacramento Office of Innovation and Economic Development is now accepting applications for grants to fund organizations that help start-up businesses and entrepreneurs in Sacramento Donor Name: City of Sacramento State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Incubator and Accelerator Grants are focused on nurturing and supporting early-stage businesses with an end goal of the participants of the funded incubator and accelerator programs starting or growing their own business, spurring innovation, and stimulating economic development in the Sacramento region. Companies and non-profits are invited to apply to fund incubator and accelerator programs for a cohort of startups with high growth potential and innovative solutions. These programs should provide support through a combination of the following services:  Mentorship and Coaching: Guidance from experienced entrepreneurs, industry experts, and mentors on business development, strategy, marketing, fundraising and more;  Educational Programs: Training sessions or workshops on topics such as business planning, market research, product development, and financial management;  Product Development Support: Assistance or guidance on prototyping, testing, iteration, and product refinement based on market research;  Legal and Administrative Support: Assistance with legal, accounting, and administrative tasks such as business incorporation, intellectual property protection, and contracts;  Marketing and Branding Support: Assistance in identifying and reaching target audiences and customers through marketing and public relations strategies;  Strategic Partnerships: Connections with other startups, industry leaders, corporate entities, and business support organizations to expand access to resources and expertise; Access to Funding: Pitch training and hosting pitch events, demo days, and introductions to investors including venture capital firms, angel investors, and government grants; and  Office Space: Access to shared office space for startups to work and collaborate. Funding Information The City has allocated approximately $500,000 for this Incubator and Accelerator Grant solicitation. Grant requests may be for no more than $100,000. Proposed incubator or accelerator cohorts must be completed within a 12-month contract period.  Eligible Activities Examples of what expenditures this grant may be used for include:  Program development and delivery;  Salaries for staff delivering programming;  Stipends for volunteers and participants;  Training supplies and equipment;  Office space and co-working membership fees;  Marketing and public relations for program recruitment;  Food and non-alcoholic beverages provided to participants at the funded programs (costs cannot exceed 5% of the grant total);  Scholarships for program participants;  Software subscription fees; and Professional services Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet the baseline requirements outlined below:  Applicants must operate from a fixed place of business within the Sacramento city limits, except as follows:  Applicants that do not operate from a fixed place of business within the city limits are eligible if grant-supported programming is provided within the city limits, and  Applicants must be in compliance with current and past City grants. For more information, visit City of Sacramento.

The Northgate Boulevard Storefront Improvement (NBSI) Grant Program provides small business owners to complete exterior improvements such as new paint, signage, lighting, windows, doors, or awnings. Donor Name: City of Sacramento State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: By improving the physical appearance of storefronts along the Northgate Boulevard commercial corridor, the program aims to: Support retention and growth of existing businesse Deter vacancie Attract more visitor Spur new investment Funding Information There is $200,000 available. The minimum funding request per application is $5,000.  The maximum funding request per application is $15,000 Project Period 1 year Eligible Activities Eligible activities include but are not limited to:  Exterior painting including murals  Installation of new façade elements or repair/replacement of existing façade elements such as signs, awnings, canopies, lighting, windows, doors, stucco, siding, tile, or stone accents  Restoration of original architectural features  Removal of boarded windows, security bars, dilapidated signs, awnings, and other exterior clutter Exterior security enhancements, but must meet the following requirements: Cannot exceed 25% of total grant award;  Must comply with the City’s design standards and overall vision for the corridor; and Must be proposed in conjunction with other exterior beautification. improvements  Applicable professional service fees related to design, architectural, electrical, engineering, or construction plans  Cannot exceed 25% of total grant award  Applicable City and State permitting fees  Cannot exceed 10% of total grant award Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:  Operate a retail or service establishment in a building with street frontage located on Northgate Boulevard  Qualify as a for-profit business  Non-profit entities are not eligible  Be independently owned and operated  Businesses cannot be owned by or affiliated with a parent organization that does not meet the remaining eligibility criteria  Franchises are not eligible  Be locally owned and operated  Principal office located in the greater Sacramento region Owners/officers domiciled in the greater Sacramento region  Have 100 or fewer employees or earn $18 million or less in average annual gross receipts over the last three tax years If a tenant, applicants must also:  Obtain the property owner’s written consent for the proposed improvements  Have a current lease with a minimum of three years remaining or obtain the property owner’s written assurance of a lease extension for at least three years To verify eligibility, the City may request additional documentation prior to grant award. Documentation may include:  Tax returns for the business  Utility bill in the name of the business Business license filings  Secretary of State filings For more information, visit City of Sacramento.