Grants for Small businesses - Business and Commerce

This program provides financial support to established dairy farms in Missouri for projects that improve production capacity and operational efficiency.

The Minnesota State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Program, overseen by the Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) within the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, invites eligible Minnesota-based small businesses to apply for funding aimed at facilitating export development activities. This initiative is designed to support businesses either embarking on exporting or looking to expand their exports from Minnesota. With a fund of approximately $200,000 available for the program year ending on June 30, 2022, the STEP program offers financial and technical assistance to qualified applicants. The grant mandates a 50% matching fund from recipients, capped at $7,500. Applications are evaluated competitively upon receipt, with a recommendation for early submission to ensure timely review, especially for activities involving travel. Rolling (applications accepted until funds are fully allocated)

The Kansas City Outdoor Dining Enhancement Grant Program offers eligible restaurants grants of up to $15,000 to improve their outdoor dining areas. This initiative is a direct reflection of the City of Kansas City's broader mission to cultivate a thriving local economy, provide substantial support to small businesses, and foster the development of vibrant, community-oriented neighborhoods. By enhancing outdoor dining spaces, the program aims to not only boost the economic vitality of local establishments but also create more inviting and dynamic public spaces that benefit the entire community. The alignment with the city's strategic priorities is clear, as it addresses both economic development and quality of life for its residents. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are private, for-profit, full-service restaurants located within Kansas City, Missouri. The program specifically targets those businesses that have been operational for at least one year, as evidenced by a KCMO business license acquired by July 1, 2023. The impact goals are centered on enabling these restaurants to increase their outdoor dining capacity and improve the overall experience for customers. This, in turn, is expected to lead to increased revenue for the businesses, job creation or retention, and a more vibrant street-level atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined. Grant funds must be used exclusively for outdoor dining enhancement, encompassing a wide range of improvements such as building structure construction, infrastructure, expanding walkways, purchasing furniture and coverings, and covering necessary permit costs. A crucial focus is on increasing the total number of available tables for outdoor dining, with the stipulation that these enhancements must be usable for at least six months out of a calendar year. Additionally, all projects must adhere to ADA requirements, ensuring a 5-foot clear path for accessibility in street or sidewalk cafes, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive urban design. The expected outcomes of the Kansas City Outdoor Dining Enhancement Grant Program are multifaceted and measurable. Restaurants receiving grants are anticipated to expand their customer capacity, leading to a direct increase in sales and operational stability. The broader community is expected to benefit from enhanced urban aesthetics and a more lively, pedestrian-friendly environment. Measurable results will include the number of outdoor dining tables added, the total amount of grant funds dispersed, and potentially, local economic indicators such as increased foot traffic in participating areas and business growth reported by grant recipients. The theory of change underpinning this program is that by directly investing in the physical infrastructure and operational capabilities of local restaurants, the city can stimulate economic growth, strengthen its small business sector, and create more engaging public spaces, thereby improving the overall quality of life for its citizens.

This initiative provides financial support to women-owned small businesses in San Francisco to help them grow through various improvement projects, such as marketing and equipment upgrades.

This program provides up to $5,000 to small business owners in New York City who have been operating for at least two years, to support projects that positively impact their local communities.

The CDC Foundation is offering a grant program to community-based organizations (CBOs) focused on raising awareness about critical health warning signs during and after pregnancy. This initiative is part of the national "Hear Her" communication campaign, which aims to improve communication among pregnant and postpartum individuals, their support networks, and healthcare providers. The program aligns with the CDC Foundation's mission to protect health and safety by supporting public health initiatives, specifically addressing maternal health outcomes, which is a key strategic priority. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are pregnant and postpartum people, along with their support networks (friends and family) and healthcare providers who interact with this population. The impact goal is to educate communities and improve communication, ultimately leading to better maternal health outcomes. Organizations serving communities that experience poorer maternal health outcomes are a particular focus. The program prioritizes CBOs that are headquartered in and serve communities within the US. Eligible organizations must specifically serve pregnant or postpartum people, their support systems, and/or healthcare providers. A key focus is on organizations with the staff capacity to execute planned activities within the one-year grant duration and those that serve their local communities. Special consideration is given to organizations serving specific metropolitan areas, including Atlanta, Dallas/Ft. Worth, New Orleans, New York City, and St. Louis, as well as those whose leadership and staff reflect the communities they serve. The expected outcome of this grant program is increased awareness of important health warning signs during and after pregnancy among the target population. Measurable results will stem from the successful implementation of activities designed to educate communities and enhance communication. By fostering better communication and awareness, the CDC Foundation's theory of change suggests that individuals will be empowered to recognize and act on warning signs, leading to timely interventions and a reduction in adverse maternal health events. The program offers up to six awards of $50,000 each, with activities to be completed within one year.

Grant Opportunity: Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program (Illinois) The Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program in Illinois supports elementary schools, community centers, and public libraries in engaging teaching artists for short-term residencies. The program prioritizes advancing equity and access in the arts, particularly for underserved audiences such as BIPOC communities, individuals with disabilities, older adults, and those with limited access to the arts. Eligible applicants can request a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $4,500 to cover 75% of residency costs. Additional percentages can be added under specific conditions. Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or units of government in Illinois, while the selected artists must be based in Illinois. The application deadline is at least eight weeks before the project start date. For more information, visit Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program.

The City of Wentzville's Facade Improvement Grant Program aims to preserve historic structures and prevent neighborhood deterioration through renovation and restoration efforts. This initiative is a 50-50 matching grant, with individual projects eligible for up to $10,000. While the description does not explicitly state a foundation mission, the program's focus on historic preservation and community revitalization aligns with broader municipal goals of maintaining aesthetic integrity and fostering economic stability within its districts. The program acts as a strategic tool to achieve these city-wide development and preservation objectives. The target beneficiaries of this program are businesses and mixed-use buildings over 30 years old located within the HD-1, HD-2, or HD-3 zoning districts. The impact goals are multifaceted, seeking to boost property development, strengthen both new and existing businesses, and facilitate the rehabilitation and modernization of downtown buildings. By supporting these specific entities, the program intends to create a ripple effect that benefits the entire community through improved infrastructure and a more vibrant commercial landscape. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly articulated: encouraging the preservation of historic structures, preventing general neighborhood deterioration, and promoting renovation and restoration. These priorities are addressed through the specific design of the grants, which require a 50-50 match, indicating a shared investment and commitment to the success of the projects. The emphasis on properties within designated historic and downtown zoning districts underscores the program's strategic focus on areas critical for community identity and economic activity. Expected outcomes include a visible improvement in the physical appearance of buildings within the targeted districts, increased property values, and a more robust local economy driven by strengthened businesses. Measurable results could include the number of facade renovations completed, the total amount of private investment leveraged by the matching grants, and potentially an increase in new business openings or retention rates within the program areas. While a formal "theory of change" is not explicitly stated for the City of Wentzville, the program implicitly operates on the principle that investing in the physical attractiveness and structural integrity of its commercial and historic properties will lead to enhanced community pride, increased economic activity, and sustained neighborhood vitality.

This program provides a $20,000 microgrant and mentorship to emerging creatives in the U.S. who are driving cultural and economic change in their communities through art, music, design, and entrepreneurship.

This program provides funding to Massachusetts-based clean technology startups and academic institutions for projects that advance innovations in areas like high performance buildings, clean transportation, offshore wind, and net zero grid technologies.

This opportunity allows Vermont-based businesses to showcase and sell their products at a major annual fair in Massachusetts, promoting local goods and enhancing brand visibility while adhering to specific guidelines and requirements.

This grant recognizes and supports young entrepreneurs and new business owners who demonstrate trustworthiness and positively impact their communities through ethical business practices.

The Rockland Small Businesses Rescue Grant Program in New York offers funding to small businesses and micro-enterprises in Rockland County that have experienced revenue declines or unexpected operating cost deficits due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible businesses include indoor arts, entertainment, and recreation; pet grooming, boarding, and walking; restaurants, eateries, food stands and trucks, bars, bakeries, cafes, breweries/wineries catering, delis; bookstores/stationary; housekeeping; fitness centers; florists; general retail; salons/spas; bicycle shops; and other consumer service firms. The grant covers expenses such as commercial or retail rent reimbursement (up to 3 months with no arrears), safety investments (PPE, cleaning supplies, UV disinfection equipment or services), hardware and software fees, credit card processing fees (difference of % increase), carriage fees, marketing fees (advertising and promotion), business enterprise certification fees, and operational supplies.

This program provides financial support and resources to small businesses in select U.S. cities that are dedicated to community upliftment and have been impacted by COVID-19.

This grant provides funding to individuals and organizations in Hyattsville to create community-driven initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles, such as healthy eating, active living, and public awareness campaigns.

This program provides financial support to small businesses in Taunton with fewer than 10 employees, helping them improve their digital capabilities and customer engagement through upgraded technology and enhanced online presence.

This grant provides financial assistance to Maui-based businesses impacted by the recent wildfires, helping them cover essential expenses like rent, utilities, and inventory replacement.

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses in Portland that have suffered from break-ins or vandalism, helping them cover repair costs and improve security measures.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to bioscience start-ups, early-stage businesses, and academic institutions in Connecticut to help accelerate the commercialization of innovative bioscience breakthroughs.

The Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program offers progressive courses with one-on-one coaching to help clean energy contractors to develop a business plan. It provides operational support grants, tailored business coaching, mentorship, access to Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program services, assistance with certifications and vendor status, support in preparing bids, networking opportunities, and access to financial development assistance programs, including zero-interest and low-interest loans.