Grants for For profit organizations other than small businesses - Business and Commerce

This track of the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program provides approximately $1 million for grants aimed at purchasing equipment necessary for the middle of the food supply chain activities in Vermont. The grants range from $30,000 to $100,000 with no match requirement. Applications for this track are set to open in late August 2024 and close in early October 2024, with grant activities beginning in early 2025.

The Make it Minnesota Marketing Investment Cost-Share Program, funded by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's AGRI Program, supports Minnesota-based consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies in food, beverage, or pet food sectors. The program reimburses 50% of eligible marketing investments up to a maximum of $3,000 per company per fiscal year. This funding can be used for in-store demonstrations, Minnesota Pavilion events, and B2B tradeshow costs, among other high-impact marketing activities. The program aims to help these companies increase their market presence both domestically and internationally.

This grant provides financial assistance to local organizations for printing promotional brochures that highlight attractions in Dodge City, aiming to increase tourism and visibility for overnight visitors.

The Washington State Department of COMMERCE, hereafter called “COMMERCE,” is initiating this Request for Applications (RFA) to fund clean energy projects in Washington through a combination of funding sources. Donor Name: Washington State Department of Commerce State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/14/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Commerce is now accepting applications to support the planning, design, and construction of clean energy projects through a general round which is open to all eligible project types and applicants. Approximately $34 million will be available in the general round to support the following project areas: Electric grid modernization and innovation Innovative large-scale and dual-use solar Solar energy retrofits for public buildings Clean energy project siting and permitting Building, industry, aviation and maritime Decarbonization Clean energy projects that leverage private and federal funding. Project Categories  Large scale solar innovation Planning or a construction project. Planning project must lead to a capital asset. Solar array(s) must have alternating current (AC) nameplate capacity of more than 100 kW at a single site or more than 1 MW across multiple sites Cannot displace critical habitat or productive farmland Dual-use solar Planning or a construction project Must involve commercial, dual-use solar power demonstration Hard to decarbonize and economic development Planning or a construction project. Planning project must lead to a capital asset. Project must achieve one or more of the following goals: Reduce emissions in hard-to-decarbonize sector Bring private investment and federal funding to the state Grid integration and innovation Planning or a construction project Must develop and demonstrate distributed energy resources and non-wire alternatives Must be for electrical grid integration and innovation projects Must do at least one of the following: Support implementation of demand response Improve integration of renewable energy and energy storage Advance community resilience Support implementation of sustainable microgrids Accelerate beneficial load integration and demand management for at least one of the following: Building electrification Equipment electrification Electric vehicle charging Clean energy siting and permitting Planning projects only Must support siting and permitting of clean energy projects through at least one of the following methods: Support pre-development work at sites for clean energy projects Support land use studies Conduct or engage in planning efforts such as planned actions and programmatic environmental impact statements (EIS) Improve permit timeliness and certainty with staff, expertise or databases Solar installations on existing public buildings Construction projects only Must purchase and install solar PV only at an existing public building (must have a certificate of occupancy prior to application). Funding Information The minimum award amount is $50,000, and the maximum award amount for a single award is $3,000,000. Eligibility Criteria  Unless the Applicant is a federally recognized tribe, applicants must be licensed to do business in the State of Washington or submit a statement of commitment that it will become licensed in Washington within thirty (30) calendar days of being selected as an Apparently Successful Contractor. Applicants must be in good standing with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and requirements, including with the Department of Commerce. Applicants must be one of the following entities (please note, not all entities are eligible for all project categories. Associate development organization Federally recognized tribal government For-profit entity Investor-owned, co-operative, or public retail electric utility K-12 school district Local government Non-profit organization Private educational institution or public higher education institution Other academic or research institution State agency Tribes’ contracted service providers. For more information, visit WSDC.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to request applications for the Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets (RDMS) Capital Grant Program and for the Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery (RISE) Implementation Grant Program. Donor Name: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/22/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: $20 million has been allocated for RDMS and $10 million for RISE, with individual grants for both opportunities ranging from $250,000 to $2 million. An applicant may receive no more than one award through this NOFO. RDMS will facilitate investment to revitalize commercial corridors and downtown areas in Illinois, offering capital grants to support improvements in communities that have experienced disinvestment, particularly those hardest-hit by the COVID-19 crisis. This support will help to accelerate Illinois’ economic recovery and promote long-term, sustainable, and inclusive growth for the state. RDMS grants are available for capital projects only. Examples of suitable projects include but are not limited to: Improvement and repair of roads, sidewalks, and lighting in commercial corridors and downtowns Development of public spaces that will attract events to and/or add to the appeal of commercial corridors and downtowns Improvement and repair of water and sewer infrastructure serving commercial corridors and downtowns Mixed-use development that will add to the vitality of commercial corridors and downtowns Funding Information Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is $20 million for RDMS and $10 million for RISE Implementation. Awards will range from $250,000 to $2 million for both programs. The period of performance is expected to be late calendar year 2024 through the end of calendar year 2026. Eligibility Criteria An entity must be registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, at the time of grant application. The portal will verify that the entity: Has a valid FEIN number Has a current SAM.gov registration, SAM.gov registrations must be marked as “public” to allow the GATA Grantee Portal to expedite the review of the federal information; Has a valid UEI number Is not on the Federal Excluded Parties List Is in Good Standing with the Illinois Secretary of State, as applicable Is not on the Illinois Stop Payment list and Is not on the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Provider Sanctions list Eligible Applicants  The following entities are eligible to apply for both RDMS and RISE Implementation grants: Economic development organizations (EDOs) Local units of government (e.g., municipalities, counties, townships) Private Businesses Special purpose local units of government (e.g., library districts, fire protection districts, schools) are not eligible.  For more information, visit DCEO.

The Black Ambition Prize competition provides a platform for Black and Hispanic founders across the nation to access growth capital, coaching, and a curated community of innovators and mentors. Donor Name: Black Ambition State: All States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes Deadline: 05/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Eligible applicants consist of Black and Hispanic innovators building early-stage ventures across five distinct categories. Consumer Products and Services Healthcare Media and Entertainment Technology AI Program Features  Cohort-based programming designed for HBCU students & alumni Mentoring from technical experts & experienced entrepreneurs. Demo Day with real investors and startup champions. Investments of up to $100,000. Funding Information Eligible ventures will compete for awards between $15,000 to $1,000,000. Select applicants will receive the following support services: Capital Coaching Pitch, Wellness, and Leadership workshops Community Online and in-person events and funder introductions Cohort-based Mentorship Exclusive Training Opportunities with Global Brands Resources – Supports valued at more than $20k through partners Marketing Opportunities. Eligibility Criteria  Black ambition prize recipients must meet the following eligibility requirements: Be a for-profit venture in the fields of consumer products and services, healthcare, media and entertainment, technology, and / or AI. Are already, or intend to be, legally incorporated in the U.S. Have demonstrated progress against a business concept as illustrated by a minimum viable product and/or existing consumer base. Have raised less than $1M in dilutive funding at the time of applying for the award. All team members must be at least eighteen (18) years of age Eligible teams must include at least one founding member that identifies as Black/African/African American and/or Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx. A founding member is a team member having the title of CEO, Vice President or other C-level role (e.g., the CEO or an executive-level direct report to the CEO). Each team must have a minimum of two team members. A team member is defined as an individual playing a critical role for the venture (e.g., employee, essential contracted support) with responsibilities for specific work streams or deliverables for the venture. The lead of the venture (defined as the CEO or President, or most senior role on the founding team) must be a legal U.S. resident and based in the U.S. For more information, visit Black Ambition.

Through this Request for Proposals (“RFP”), the Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (“MassCEC”) is offering Climate-Critical Workforce Training, Equipment, and Infrastructure Grants (“Climate Training Grants”). Donor Name: Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC) State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The Climate Training Grants will increase access to modern, relevant training equipment and infrastructure and provide direct funding and technical assistance support to organizations that can build and scale career pathways and upskilling programs that help Massachusetts residents access and advance in climate-critical priority occupations. The Climate Training grants are designed to help Massachusetts meet clean energy and climate tech employer needs while providing high-quality training and support opportunities for residents across the Commonwealth. Applicants may apply for Climate Training Grants for programming that falls within one (1) or more of the following categories: Strand A: Career Pathway Training Leading to Employment in Climate-Critical Priority Occupations; Strand B: Climate-Critical Upskilling for Incumbent Workers; or Strand C: Equipment and Infrastructure to Support Climate-Critical Training. Goals Climate-Critical Workforce Training, Equipment, and Infrastructure FY24 Grants Goals  This solicitation is intended to help build job training and support capacity to fill gaps in the workforce for climate-critical sectors through a range of project and program models, all of which should center employer and participant needs in the design and program implementation. These funds will enable applicants to: Expand recruitment pipelines to broaden access to climate-critical priority occupations. Create new and/or expand technical and job readiness training opportunities to provide the skills necessary to attain placement in climate-critical priority occupations. Create new and/or expand career advancement programming and upskilling training opportunities to help workers gain valuable skills while businesses expand capacity to support the state’s climate goals. Leverage effective workforce development models like registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships by providing the resources to launch and/or expand programs. Develop and nurture new relationships with employers in climate-critical sectors to develop job placements and identify avenues for career growth. Establish and grow wraparound and retention support services to address potential barriers to entry and advancement in climate-critical occupations. Expand the availability and/or effectiveness of climate-critical training by securing modern equipment and infrastructure resources for their programming. Funding Information Anticipated Available Funding: $6,450,000. Strand A: Career Pathway Training Leading to Employment in Climate-Critical Priority Occupations:  $100,000- $800,000 Project Period: One (1) to Two (2) year award. Strand B: ClimateCritical Upskilling for Incumbent:  $100,000- $600,000 Project Period: One (1) to Two (2) year award. Strand C: Equipment and Infrastructure to Support ClimateCritical Training: $50,000- $750,000 Project Period: One (1) year to Eighteen (18) month award. Eligibility Criteria The following entities are eligible to serve as a Lead Applicant with the following conditions: Community-Based Entities (often referred to as CBOs) such as community action partnerships, environmental justice organizations, neighborhood revitalization organizations, advocacy groups, affordable housing providers, affordable housing developers, and non-profits. Community Colleges, Colleges, or Universities, Comprehensive and Vocational High Schools, and Vocational Schools offering an after-hours or Career Technical Initiative evening training program. For-Profit entities such as for-profit training companies, trade associations, unions or other coalitions of businesses, clean energy installers, energy efficiency or home performance contractors, financial institutions, or other clean energy practitioners. Workforce Development Organizations, both non-profit and for-profit. MassHire Workforce Investment Boards and Career Centers. For more information, visit MassCEC.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO) is launching the American-Made Electronics Scrap Recycling Advancement Prize (ESCRAP) $3.95 million in prizes, this three-phase prize is designed to stimulate innovative approaches that reduce the costs and environmental impact of critical material recovery from electronic scrap (e-scrap) Donor Name: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) State: All States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes Deadline: 09/05/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 Million Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Electronics Scrap Recycling Advancement Prize (E-SCRAP) is a $3.95M challenge sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO). The prize aims to stimulate innovative approaches that reduce the costs and environmental impact of critical material recovery from electronic scrap (e-scrap). This prize focuses on innovative approaches, processes, or technologies in service of optimizing and implementing critical material separation and recovery from e-scrap. The prize is open to any competitor who works in waste collection and management, dismantling and sorting, separation, refining, validation, and material supply. This is a non-exhaustive list and those who are working in the recycling value chain are encouraged to apply. E-SCRAP is not just a competition; it’s a catalyst for change. By addressing challenges in the e-scrap recycling value chain, competitor teams can each win up to $800,000 in cash prizes and $150,000 in national laboratory analysis support over the course of the three-phase competition. The prize is open to competitors looking to: Build partnerships across the recycling value chain to optimize and integrate critical material separation and recovery technologies. Develop and demonstrate innovations along the recycling value chain to enhance the recovery of critical materials from e-scrap. Select at least one challenge (technical, supply chain, or related logistics hurdle) that needs further development and establish high impact opportunities (co-recovery, feedstock flexibility, information share, material benchmarking…) that will increase the domestic supply of critical materials from e-scrap. Create or enhance supply chains to increase material circularity (e.g., accelerating connectivity between collection, sorting, pre-treatment, processing, refining, validation, and material qualification) Areas of Interest Examples of innovations of interest include: Innovations focused on electronic scrap and could include communication devices such as mobile phones, home appliances, medical or office equipment—anything powered by electricity. Innovations that establish or expand the supply chains of the following critical materials for clean energy: aluminum, cobalt, copper, dysprosium, electrical steel, fluorine, gallium, iridium, lithium, magnesium, natural graphite, neodymium, nickel, platinum, praseodymium, silicon, silicon carbide, and terbium. Innovative approaches, processes, or technologies with improvements to collection and management of scrap, dismantling and sorting, separation, refining, validation, and material supply that serve the optimization and integration of critical material separation and recovery technologies from e-scrap. Innovative approaches, processes, or technologies in service of optimizing and implementing critical material separation and recovery from e-scrap. Innovative approaches to multiple recovery pathways including: Material separation (e.g., Nd separation from shredded e-scrap) Component recovery (e.g., targeted disassembly for removal of permanent magnets from motors or hard disk drives) Reuse (e.g., recovery, validation, and integration of second-life magnets into electronic or energy applications) Integrated recycling value chains that optimize feedstock concentration (sorting and pretreatment) and material separation (e.g., electrochemically) to produce Nd from e-scrap. Innovative approaches to recovering one or more critical materials and value-added products in parallel or in series from e-scrap. Funding Information Phase 1 Prize: $50,000 in cash and $30,000 of analysis consulting during Phase 2 Duration (Months): Six months Phase 2 Prize: $150,000 in cash and $120,000 in analysis technical support during Phase 3 Duration (Months): Nine months Phase 3 Prize: $600,000 in cash Duration (Months): 12 months. Eligibility Criteria  The competition is open only to individuals; private entities (for-profits and nonprofits); nonfederal government entities such as states, counties, tribes, and municipalities; and academic institutions; subject to the following requirements: An individual prize competitor (who is not competing as a member of a group) must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. A group of individuals competing as one team may win, provided that the online account holder of the submission is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Individuals competing as part of a team are eligible to participate if they are legally authorized to work in the United States. Private entities must be incorporated in and maintain a primary place of business in the United States. Academic institutions must be based in the United States. DOE employees, employees of sponsoring organizations, members of their immediate families (e.g., spouses, children, siblings, or parents), and persons living in the same household as such persons, whether or not related, are not eligible to participate in the prize. Individuals who worked at DOE (federal employees or support service contractors) within six months prior to the submission deadline of any contest are not eligible to participate in any prize contests in this program. Federal entities and federal employees are not eligible to participate in any portion of the prize. NREL employees not involved in the administration of the prize and all other national lab employees, including laboratory researchers, may participate as private individuals, provided they do not use their facilities at the national laboratories. Entities and individuals publicly banned from doing business with the U.S. government such as entities and individuals debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participating in Federal programs are not eligible to compete. Individuals participating in a foreign government talent recruitment program sponsored by a country of risk18 and teams that include such individuals are not eligible to compete. Entities owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of a government of a country of risk are not eligible to compete. For more information, visit DOE.

The First State Food System Program (Program) provides funding to entities that grow, process, store, transport, distribute, or sell food in the State of Delaware. Donor Name: Delaware Council on Farm and Food Policy State: Delaware County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Delaware Department of Agriculture through its advisory group – the Delaware Council on Farm & Food Policy (Council) strives to facilitate and support a local food system where farmers can access viable markets; Delaware households can access nutritious and wholesome food options within their own communities; and where the impacts of supply chain disruptions can be diminished. Through this Program funding is available to a diverse range of entities, operating at various points in the food supply chain. This Program enables local entities to overcome challenges and build resilience in food system. The First State Food System Program is funded through the Federal American Rescue Plan Act. Projects designed to support or provide benefit to more than one entity or producer within Delaware’s food system will be prioritized. The objective is to strengthen the local food system through wide-reaching and complementary efforts, rather than isolated and narrowly focused projects that serve to benefit only one individual operation.  Funding Information Using a standardized review process, the Council will award grants from $2,500 up to $150,000. Eligible Projects Applications will be evaluated based on the viability of the entity; its function and reach as part of the food system; and its demonstrated or potential capacity to do at least one of the following: Add to the volume of food production in Delaware. Add to the direct-to-consumer sale or availability of food products through retail or charitable outlets in Delaware. Add to activities used to transform food products from their harvested state to a consumable state for end users. Processing activities include: freezing, chopping, fermenting, packaging, washing, cooking, pasteurizing, canning, and more in Delaware. Add to the transportation or distribution of food products to consumer/end user outlets in Delaware. Improve efficiency and reduce costs of distribution systems. Improve capacity of food retail outlets including restaurants, to meet local demand. Improve flexibilities of food retail and distribution outlets to better align with consumer needs like online purchasing or food delivery. Address challenges to proximity through transportation solutions. Increase emerging agricultural practices by bringing food production into busy, populated areas – such as vertical gardens, shipping container farms, rooftop farming, hydroponics, community gardens, community composting, and food waste reduction. Eligibility Criteria General  Applicants that have been awarded funding during Cycle 1 or Cycle 2 may apply. The project must be new and distinct from an awarded project, or an addition or complement to an awarded project. (can include adding new partners, or new sites, or expanding market reach, etc.) Applicants must describe how the project positively impacts or creates measurable outcomes for Delaware’s food supply chain, including the entity and other entities or operations. The applicant must demonstrate/describe that the entity has the infrastructure in place and capacity to successfully implement the project. The applicant’s entity must be in operation for two or more years. Start-up entities will be considered when the operator provides a description of industry experience or when the start-up budget includes a contribution from the owner. The applicant’s entity must be a legal entity and have the legal capacity to enter into a project agreement with the Delaware Department of Agriculture. Eligible entities must be owned and operated in the State of Delaware and include small to mid-sized, for-profit producers and nonprofit organizations; aquaculture/fishery operators; food distributors or transporters; food processing operators. The Council reserves the right to consider applications from non-Delaware entities that directly provide product or services to Delaware. Applicants may submit more than one proposal. If more than one proposal is submitted, please prioritize the submissions. Producers  For the purposes of this Program, small to mid-sized producers are defined as having operations with 1) An annual value of sales between $20,000 and $300,000; and 2) Acres in active production in fruits, vegetables, specialty crops, or other products for human consumption; of up to 300 acres. Larger scale producers are eligible to apply and are encouraged to demonstrate collaboration with other producers or entities. Supply Chain Entities  The following are eligible supply chain operations, this list is not all inclusive, some examples are listed: Storage: food hubs Transportation: fleet coordinators, logistics Processing: incubator facilities, commercial kitchens Distribution: retail outlets, pantries, food trucks Single or multi-site grocery stores, Cooperative grocers, Corner stores, Mobile markets, restaurants, farmers markets, on-farm stores For more information, visit Delaware Council on Farm and Food Policy.

The Community Livability Grant (CLG) provides grants to community-based organizations for projects that promote healthy, complete, and resilient neighborhoods and respond to and respect the diversity of its residents. Donor Name: Prosper Portland State: Oregon County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Prosper Portland seeks proposals from community-based organizations for projects that foster vibrant and healthy neighborhoods and improve the prosperity of area residents and businesses. Priorities The CLG program prioritizes projects that benefit historically underserved communities and promote widely shared prosperity. For example, such projects would: Improve access to jobs and workforce development services. Support wealth creation opportunities for small business owners. Honor and enhance the neighborhood’s cultural diversity and history. Deliver a community asset tailored to the community’s expressed priorities and opportunities. Funding Information The total maximum grant award is $300,000; awards typically range from $10,000 to $50,000. The project must be completed within one year of the grant award. Uses of funds Funding for the Grant Program is through tax increment financing (TIF) and, therefore, is tied to permanent, physical improvements (including tenant improvements) of real property. (Temporary installations, ongoing administration, routine maintenance costs (such as regular inspections and routine repairs), equipment, working capital, or work that was completed previous to the grant agreement execution are not eligible.) Who is the CLG for? Nonprofit organizations, neighborhood and business associations, and neighborhood groups located within the Central Eastside, Gateway Regional Center, Interstate Corridor, Lents Town Center and North Macadam Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Districts are eligible. Eligibility Criteria Nonprofit organizations, neighborhood and business associations, and neighborhood groups. Groups formed solely for performing a project in a neighborhood should have a 501(c)3 or 501(c)6 nonprofit organization to serve as their fiscal agent. Private property owner or for-profit entity may be eligible if the applicant does the following: leases or provides space for no fee or at a substantially reduced rate to meet the needs of a nonprofit organization or community group (it is strongly encouraged to apply in partnership with the non-profit organization); and provides or proposes to provide a significant community benefit that adds to the livability for area residents. If awarded, applicant must produce documentation that grant funds will be used only for improvements to space occupied by a nonprofit or directly related to providing a community benefit, and benefits will be ongoing for a minimum of three years. Schools if: The project provides a broad community benefit, is accessible to the public, and has been approved by the school district or other owner with a three-year maintenance and public access plan. The proposed project does not support a core educational function (e.g., building or improving pre-K-12 classrooms). For more information, visit Prosper Portland.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024-2025 Haywood County Tourism Development Authority Grant. Donor Name: Haywood County Tourism Development Authority State: North Carolina County: Haywood County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Grant Categories  Legacy Event Sponsorship: This grant category provides financial support for established events in Haywood County that have a demonstrated track record of attracting visitors and contributing to the local tourism industry. These events must showcase the unique aspects of Haywood County and its communities. Tourism Promotion Grant: This grant category focuses on funding marketing and promotional initiatives specifically aimed at enhancing the overall tourism image, visibility, and visitation of Haywood County. These grants support innovative campaigns, advertising efforts, and promotional activities that effectively reach target markets and attract visitors to the area. Grant applications must be a minimum of $2,000 to be considered for funding. Grant Period The HCTDA grant program operates on a fiscal year basis from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. Funding Criteria  This grant program is sustained by room tax revenue generated from overnight stays in Haywood County. Therefore, preference is given to applications for initiatives expected to attract visitors from outside a fifty (50) mile radius. These initiatives should demonstrate the potential to generate overnight stays and create economic and destination impact while also enhancing the quality of life for local residents. Eligibility Criteria  Legacy Event Sponsorship Eligible applicants include Haywood County non-profit organizations, for-profit businesses, museums, attractions, cultural events, governmental agencies, and other tourism-related entities. Tourism Promotion Grant Not-for-profit organizations, museums, attractions, governmental agencies, or other non-profit tourism entities. Not-for-profit organizations must have a minimum grant match of 50%. For-profit, tourism-based organizations may apply with a minimum grant match of 100%. For more information, visit HCTDA.

The City of Shelby will help commercial property and business owners improve the appearance of their storefronts by providing grants for part of the cost of eligible improvements. Donor Name: City of Shelby State: Ohio City: Shelby Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information A special fund is available for the assistance program. Grants will be awarded on a 50% matching basis to the applicant’s 50% contribution, (i.e., for a $1,200 project, the business owner would pay $600 and a grant would be available for the remaining $600). The grants will be paid on a reimbursement basis on work approved by the City of Shelby or it’s assigns. Grants will be typically be capped at $5,0000 per individual project, subject to review by committee, number of applicants, and impact of project. Eligible Improvements Eligible improvements include: Exterior painting, signage, awnings, storefront/facade cleaning and/or restoration; sidewalks, lighting, storefront security devices, new roof, permanent flower boxes and planters, and related exterior improvements. Applications will not be accepted to finance improvements already completed. Grants are limited to one grant per business and or storefront per year. For more information, visit City of Shelby.

In order to better support the businesses, the City of Hyattsville offers a Commercial Façade Improvement Program. Donor Name: City of Hyattsville State: Maryland City: Hyattsville Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/07/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The program provides funding to business or property owners within the three targeted investment areas to improve their building’s façade.  The City of Hyattsville, Maryland, recognizes the positive impact that individual façade improvements can have on the overall appearance, quality, and vitality of the City’s commercial districts. The Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program was created to facilitate the private sector in making these desired exterior improvements. The City of Hyattsville Commercial Façade Improvement Program offers financial assistance to private property or business owners seeking to rehabilitate commercial building facades in the following Target Investment Areas: the West Hyattsville Transit District, the Route One/Gateway Arts District, and the Prince George’s Plaza Transit District. The primary goals of the City of Hyattsville Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program are to remove accessibility barriers, facilitate investment, and achieve significant visual improvements in commercial facade appearance. Projects that meet the primary goals will be preferred. Funding Information The grant is a dollar-for-dollar matching grant of $5,000 – $35,000. Eligible Improvements  Grants will be awarded for well-designed façade improvements that increase the longevity of a building. The funds may be used for specific improvements including: Signage Exterior painting Storefront reconstruction Siding Exterior lighting Window and door upgrades Public-facing masonry or cornices Murals Removal of unattractive exterior finishes Roofs Other uses approved by the Program Eligibility Requirements  Existing structures currently zoned for commercial use and in current commercial use, or planned for commercial use, within the corporate limits of the City of Hyattsville are eligible for the grant. In the event that a building code compliance violation is present, correction of the violation must be made as part of the façade improvement work. Eligible applicants include the owner of a commercial building or the owner of a commercial business. Properties which are vacant at the time of award must tenant the improved space, with a permitted use, within six (6) months of the completion of the façade improvement work. All applications must be signed by the property owner to indicate consent for the proposed improvements. The determination of eligibility and priority for assistance is at the discretion of the City of Hyattsville. Work which qualifies for assistance includes improvements to the exterior of a building which are visible from the public right-of-way. Work must be completed within one year of the grant award notification. For more information, visit City of Hyattsville.

The Beautification Commission is accepting a second round of applications for the 2024 Beautification Matching Grant Program. Donor Name: City of Valdez State: Alaska City: Valdez Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Valdez Beautification Matching Grant Program offers a financial incentive designed to assist local businesses or commercial property owners in improving the business setting for investors as well as providing an overall upgrade in appearance for residents and visitors. 2024 will be the ninth year of the program and continues with the expansion of eligible properties outside the core downtown district. The 2024 matching grant program’s goal is to improve the overall aesthetics of Valdez through: Improving the overall quality of building/structure façades in order to attract more local residents and visitors to shop, eat, and do business in Valdez. Encouraging businesses to invest in additional aesthetic and design improvements including landscaping and art. Encouraging and incentivizing property/business owners to reinvest in community. Encouraging grant applicants to strengthen the local economy through utilizing local vendors, contractors, and materials. Funding Information Applicants can apply for a grant rebate to pay for up to 50 percent of the cost of improvements, with a maximum reimbursement of $12,500 per building. Projects involving corner buildings or spanning more than one lot/parcel may request larger grant amounts, not to exceed a maximum reimbursement of $25,000. Eligible Properties Properties located in the following zoning districts1 are eligible to apply for funding: Central Business District, General Commercial, Waterfront Industrial and Light Industrial. Properties must be used primarily for a business purpose to be eligible for grant funding. Properties must be up to date on their property taxes and may not have open code violations to apply. For more information, visit City of Valdez.

The Community Foundation of Louisville’s Vogt Invention & Innovation Awards offers entrepreneurs in the Louisville region a unique and exciting opportunity to take their businesses to the next level. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Louisville State: Indiana, Kentucky County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes Deadline: 05/28/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information Each year, up to six early-stage businesses receive $25,000. Eligibility Criteria If you do NOT meet these criteria, please visit Amplify Louisville for access to other business startup assistance: The business is a for-profit entity. The business is headquartered in the 13-county Louisville Metro area (MSA): Indiana – Clark, Floyd, Washington, Scott and Harrison counties Kentucky – Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, Nelson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer  and Trimble counties The business is registered with either the Indiana or Kentucky Secretary of State and in good standing (business can be organized in another state, e.g.: Delaware). The business is beyond the concept/idea stage and has an early prototype of the technology. The business is developing an innovation-led product or service. The Vogt Awards define innovation as a new idea or the invention of a new product or service that creates customer demand. The business is in the early stages, with customer revenue less than $250,000/year to date. The business has a lifetime funding maximum of $500,000 (this includes grants, investments, and loans but excludes founders’ personal investments). Applications will be given stronger consideration by the Selection Committee if these aspects are included and well-described in a founder’s application: The business is leveraging technology, making use of new advances in technology for the purpose of better serving customers, gaining a competitive advantage, and/or evolving the marketplace. The business is leveraging technology in a new, unique, or original way to develop a new product or service. The product or service being developed has a protectable advantage (intellectual asset) in the market. The business is developing a business model that is scalable — revenue has the potential to grow quickly, along with improving profitability. The product or service being developed doesn’t require a long regulatory approval cycle (for example, companies working on a new drug may be excluded). For more information, visit Community Foundation of Louisville.

The Spark Cleantech Accelerator program supports early stage cleantech businesses and drive commercialization of their technologies in Tennessee. Donor Name: UT Research Park State: Tennessee County: All Counties Type of Grant: Program Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The Spark CTA was created in partnership with Evergreen Climate Innovations (previously Clean Energy Trust) and other partners to support early stage cleantech businesses and drive commercialization of their technologies in Tennessee and throughout the Midwest and the Southeast. The Spark Cleantech Accelerator is a 12-week program and the UT Research Park in Knoxville, Tennessee. The program provides mentorship, connections, stipends, prototyping services, and business acceleration services to early stage cleantech entrepreneurs to help commercialize new innovations. In 12-week, in-person program, the offer: $15,000 Stipends to help defray travel/living costs and to support business and technical milestones Prototyping services through the University of Tennessee’s Center for Materials Processing, Mentoring and one-on-one support from our experts in business, market analysis and positioning, and IP/ patent strategy, product design, engineering, prototyping, testing, material selection, tooling design, and manufacturing, Connections with customers, investors, strategic partners, suppliers, and universities and national laboratories, Training Workshops and one-on-one support. Partnership opportunities with organizations such as the Tennessee Valley Authority, Oak Ridge National Lab, the University of Tennessee, the City of Knoxville, and members of the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council. Eligibility Criteria Application from Tennessee, the Midwest, and beyond. Companies that demonstrate a positive impact to energy efficiency, generate renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, carbon capture, increase recycling/upcycling and a circular economy. Companies that show strong market potential and defensible intellectual property, with issued patents or pending patents filed. Those who demonstrate their technology can support the challenges and needs of Spark partners, such as utilities, local governments, universities, manufacturing companies, commercial building operators, etc. Those that create software of hardware technologies including intelligent connected devices, advanced materials process, or with technology companies at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2-6. Applicants who are open to Tennessee as a permanent business location. For more information, visit UT Research Park.

Louisiana Main Street Restoration Grants provide matching funds to encourage the revitalization of historic downtown commercial properties located in designated Louisiana Main Street districts. Donor Name: Louisiana Office of Cultural Development State: Louisiana County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement | Matching Grants Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Louisiana Main Street Restoration Grants serve as an effort to promote community revitalization and stimulate economic growth and vitality, in addition to enriching cultural tourism. Community reinvestment utilizing historic preservation practices improves community economic health by fostering renewed interest in shopping, working, and living downtown. Funding Information Grant awards may range from $2,500 to $10,000. Grant Period July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. What is funded? Exterior: The scope of work must directly contribute physically (visually and with regard to historic preservation) and economically to the revitalization of the Main Street district while preserving and respecting the historic architectural character of the building, district, and architectural heritage of the community. Interior: Improvements are restricted to exposing, restoring or replicating original interior architectural features. The grant can also be used to offset costs of installing or repairing a fire suppression system for either a commercial ground floor space or a new (first-time) upper story income-producing residential development in a historically commercial building. Parapet Lighting: Commercial grade white or color LED lighting to outline a series of building parapets is a lighting initiative intended to create a nightly, year-round festive atmosphere in Main Street districts. Buildings must be adjoining and must include at least one block. Applications require a minimum five-year maintenance commitment plan. If the city oversees the purchase, installation, and maintenance of the lights, the local Main Street program may apply in conjunction with the city, and installation costs incurred by the city may apply toward the required match. Installation must be of professional standard, and secure for longevity of use and to minimize damage and maintenance issues. Signage: Restoration of historically significant/landmark signage or the restoration or replication of historic theater marquees is eligible. (New commercial signage is not supported by this grant.) Who may apply? Property owners or tenants of commercially-zoned properties located within designated Louisiana Main Street districts as of December 31 of the calendar year preceding the application deadline. Tenants must obtain the property owner’s consent signature on the grant application. If the applicant is a corporation, the grant application must be accompanied by a resolution from the corporation’s board of directors authorizing the applicant’s signature on behalf of the corporation. If the applicant is a co-owner of the property, the grant application must be accompanied by a statement authorizing the applicant to act on behalf of all co-owners. The statement must be signed by all co-owners. Buildings must be at least 50 years old and must contribute to the significance of the local Main Street district. Buildings less than 50 years old may be eligible if they meet National Register criteria for exceptional significance as an integral part of a historic district that is listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The local Main Street director will assist the applicant in determining if the building meets this eligibility requirement. Louisiana Main Street will make the final determination based on the support documentation submitted with the application. For more information, visit LOCD.

The City of Alpena Downtown Development Authority is pleased to announce the Façade Grant for Residential Properties. Donor Name: Alpena Downtown Development Authority State: Michigan City: Alpena Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: In 2024, the DDA expanded its Façade Grant program to allow properties that are residential in use to apply for grant funding and designated a separate pool of funding for grant awards to eligible residential façade grant requests. Properties that are exclusively residential in use (such as single family, multi-family, duplexes, townhouses, or rentals) are also able to apply for funding through the program. Properties may apply for up to 50% of eligible façade costs with a maximum of $10,000 request/facade. Building Eligibility Requirements Location and Nature of Building Use.  Properties located within the legal boundary of Alpena’s DDA district engaging in retail, restaurant, commercial, entertainment, office services, or properties that are mixeduse shall be deemed eligible for grant funding. Any question concerning the eligibility of a specific property may be submitted to the Executive Director of the DDA. A determination of location and building use eligibility will be provided to the interested party within two business days following receipt of the inquiry. Properties that are exclusively residential in use (such as single family, multi-family, duplexes, townhouses, or rentals) are also able to apply for funding through the program. Payment of Taxes and Other Public Accounts.  All previously billed and currently payable property taxes and annual installments of assessments must be paid in full for the subject property before an application for a façade improvement grant will be considered. Additionally, all City of Alpena accounts in the name of the applicant and/or attaching to the subject property must be current. All taxes, assessments, and other city accounts must be kept current during the application, review, construction, and post-construction processes. Nature of Façade.  Grant funding may be requested for any façade (front, side, or rear) that fronts on a public right of way (street, alley, or public parking lot). Applicants may apply for up to 50% of eligible renovation costs per façade. Award amounts are capped at $10,000/ façade. All requests for funding must be approved by the DDA Board of Directors. Greater consideration for funding will be given to work proposed on a façade fronting a city street. Structural Integrity of Building.  Buildings for which improvements are proposed must have basic structural integrity and an intact roof as confirmed by the City of Alpena Building Department, thereby protecting the DDA’s potential investment in the façade. Insurance Coverage.  The applicant or the owner of the subject property must carry suitable property insurance coverage on the subject property and must provide a certificate of coverage to the DDA with the application. The applicant or owner is strongly encouraged to also carry a builder’s risk policy of insurance covering potential damage to the building’s structure by the contractor. For more information, visit Alpena DDA.

The City of Long Beach is launching ” Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program,” a program designed to propel small businesses towards success and sustainability. Donor Name: City of Long Beach State: California City: Long Beach Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/21/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This initiative offers entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to connect with essential support resources and undergo comprehensive workshops aimed at crafting new business and marketing plans. Upon completion of the program, participants become eligible to apply for $10k grants, empowering them to expand their business capacity and enhance resilience. With a focus on igniting growth and fostering excellence, the City’s Economic Development Department will select a group of 25 small businesses for this exclusive opportunity. Through a series of no-cost training sessions, participants will delve into strategic business planning, marketing, branding, social media optimization, access to capital, government procurement opportunities, permitting and licensing insights, merchandising techniques, networking strategies, biz-to-biz mentorship, talent recruitment, and personalized business counseling. Eligibility Criteria  Must be located and operating within the boundaries of Long Beach, California with a storefront location accessible to the public. Must have been in business for a minimum of 3 years as of 4/23/2024. Must be an independently-owned, for-profit business including sole proprietorships, LLC’s or Corporations that are not publicly traded (franchises and large chains with 10 or more locations are not eligible). 501(c)3 nonprofits may also apply. Must have a City of Long Beach business license. The business must hold an active or delinquent license. Businesses that have closed or cancelled their licenses are not eligible for the program. Must be currently open and active for business. Must earn no more than $5 million in annual gross revenue. Corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships must have an “ACTIVE” status with the California Secretary of State. Program selection and awards will be determined by a selection committee based on the following criteria: Representation of businesses across all parts of the city with priority for businesses located in low-to-moderate income areas Representation of businesses across multiple sectors Business readiness and potential impact   of program participation. Ineligibility  Businesses without a physical location in Long Beach, CA Businesses that are permanently closed Government entities or elected official offices Businesses primarily engaged in political or lobbying activities Passive businesses, investment companies, and investors who file a Schedule E on their personal tax returns Churches and other religious organizations Financial businesses primarily engaged in the business of lending, such as banks and finance companies Landlords and property managers (unless repairing on behalf of a small business) Businesses engaged in any activity that is illegal under federal, state, or local law Businesses engaged in any socially undesirable activity or activity that may be considered predatory in nature such as check cashing businesses Businesses that have active and unresolved code enforcement and COVID-19 Health Order violations Cannabis-related businesses. For more information, visit City of Long Beach.

The City of Takoma Park’s Community Quality of Life Grants Program provides financial support for specific programs, projects, and events that improve the quality of life for City residents by providing greater access and opportunities for participation in the arts and sciences. Donor Name: City of Takoma Park State: Maryland City: Takoma Park Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Funding Information Grant awards will range from $5,000-$10,000. All funded projects must be completed between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. Beneficiaries of eligible projects must satisfy these requirements: At least 75% of the participants must be residents of the City of Takoma Park. At least 51% of participants must be from low-to-moderate income households defined as 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Eligible Grant Uses Eligible projects will fall into one of these three categories: Arts and Humanities (A&H) programs, projects, and events; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs, projects, and events; Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) programs, projects, and events. Eligibility Criteria Funding is available to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and 501(c)(6) business associations. The use of a fiscal agent is permitted for those organizations that have applied for but have not yet secured their 501(c)(3) determination from the IRS. Individuals and for-profit enterprises are not eligible for funding. For more information, visit City of Takoma Park.