Grants for Small businesses - Business and Commerce

Gener8tor is inviting applications for its gBETA Social Impact Accelerator Program, a free, seven-week virtual initiative offering coaching, mentorship, and resources to early-stage companies focused on equity in education or criminal justice reform, with the aim to prepare them for investment accelerators or seed funding rounds.

The Gener8tor is accepting applications for its 2024 gBETA Urban League Accelerator Program. Donor Name: Gener8tor State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Program Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/25/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: gBETA Urban League is open to Madison businesses owned by Black entrepreneurs and other entrepreneurs of color from high tech startups to Main Street small businesses.  gBETA runs multiple times every year in cities across the United States. Up to five companies from a range of verticals are selected from a competitive applicant pool to participate in the free seven-week program. Participating companies receive: Individualized coaching and mentorship from the team of nationally ranked accelerator gener8tor on company growth and investor readiness Weekly “Lunch & Learns” and “Mentor Swarms” Investor and accelerator pitches $1M+ in deals and perks from vendors like IBM Cloud, Rackspace, Amazon, Paypal, Zendesk, Hubspot and Microsoft Ongoing post-program support and gener8tor community involvement and offerings gBETA’s goal is that graduates will go on to participate in an investment accelerator or raise a seed round. Eligibility Criteria for gBETA Urban League Madison You’re based in Madison Open to Madison businesses owned by Black entrepreneurs and other entrepreneurs of color from high tech startups to Main Street small businesses with a particular focus on entrepreneurs who are interested in becoming a part of the Urban League of Greater Madison’s Black Business Hub. You’re Committed While they don’t expect you to be full-time on your business yet, programming is about a five-hour commitment each week, and they expect that you will be spending additional time working on your business each week outside of the program. You’re Ready to Grow gBETA companies range from “I have an idea” to “I have significant revenue.” Although most gBETA companies are post-product, pre-scale, as long as you are ready to make use of coaching on customer growth and investor readiness, mentor meetings, and investor and accelerator pitches, they’re ready for you! For more information, visit gener8tor.

The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office and Sustainability Commission are pleased to announce the Neighborhood Sustainability Grants Program. Donor Name: City of Flagstaff State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Neighborhood Sustainability Grant (NSG) Program provides funding for creative projects that enhance community sustainability and promote healthy lifestyles through community partnerships. Grant Goals  NSG projects must further at least one of the following goals: Meaningfully involve underserved communities, diverse groups, or vulnerable populations. Build community partnerships. Facilitate volunteer engagement or management. Grant Categories  NSG projects must fall into one of the following categories: Building Energy Climate Action Food Public Health Resilience Transportation Waste. Funding Information The NSG Program for the year 2024 will award a total of $75,000 with a maximum of $7,500 for each individual grant. Eligibility Criteria Individuals, groups of individuals, community groups, educational groups, nonprofit organizations, churches, and locally owned businesses are eligible to apply for projects that are within the Flagstaff city limits. Applicants are eligible for a maximum of one award. Applicants are eligible for other City awards in the same year. Successful applicants are eligible for one NSG grant award every other fiscal year. Applicants must disclose any conflicts of interest. Ineligibility  Grants will NOT be awarded to: Political or partisan groups or exclusive clubs. Applicants who have failed to successfully carry out a previous grant project unless appropriate justification is made. Applicants that discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, age, citizenship, non-disqualifying disability, national origin, or sexual orientation. For more information, visit City of Flagstaff.

The Town of Trophy Club's Thrive Business Grant Program offers matching grants to local businesses for improvement projects such as façade enhancements, interior renovations, and equipment purchases, aiming to boost economic growth and community prosperity, with the application deadline set for September 30, 2024.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is accepting applications for its Manufacturing Retention Grant Program to retain a company’s operating presence in Illinois by encouraging investments in its employees, facilities, equipment, technologies, and infrastructure. Donor Name: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity State: Illinois County: McDonough County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/25/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: This is a new program with limited awards, supported though the Enterprise Fund administered by DCEO. Enterprise Fund grants may encompass a wide range of economic development projects including infrastructure, capital equipment purchases and any employee related expenditures that will result in job retention in Illinois.  The primary goal of this grant is to retain the company’s manufacturing campus in Bushnell at operating production levels that support the minimum employment level of 100 employees at this site.  Funding Information Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is $5,000,000. Grant Period The period of performance is expected to be from September 1, 2024 through August 31, 2026.  Eligible Expenses Eligible expenses for these funds include: Employee payroll for existing employees, including unpaid backpay incurred from 5/14/2024 through the time of grant period. Invoices for services incurred from 5/14/2024 through the time of grant period. Training expenses for existing employees.  Machinery, Equipment, Tooling Refurbishment /Replacement (e.g., forging hammers & dies, Swiss lathes, forklift maintenance, EDM mills & dies). Facility Repairs (e.g., roof repair, air compressor installation, safety & electrical upgrades, site demolition & clean-up). Productivity/Innovation (e.g., robotics reprogramming & expansion, induction heat furnaces, material storage redesign). Replenishment of Inventory (e.g., maintain stocking levels at standard amounts to support daily production). Eligibility Criteria Must be a private for-profit business entity.  Must be the legal owner of and have the authority to implement investments in a major manufacturing complex located in Bushnell, IL. Must have extensive direct applicable experience in operating a successful tool manufacturing firm. Business entity must have less than 1,000 employees.  Must have acquired a tool manufacturing firm in McDonough County that has a minimum 100 full-time equivalent employees.  For more information, visit DCEO.

The Alexander County Economic Development Corporation is offering grants of $1,000 to $5,000, funded by the Duke Energy Foundation, to businesses in Alexander County, North Carolina, for projects aimed at enhancing physical spaces, e-commerce, service delivery, equipment purchase, ADA accessibility, and public health compliance, with a special focus on fostering entrepreneurship and expanding childcare centers.

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses and certain nonprofits in Minnesota that have experienced significant revenue declines due to economic hardships.

The Southern Restaurants for Racial Justice (SRRJ) Expansion/Growth Grant supports Black-owned restaurants and food businesses across the United States by providing financial assistance aimed at start-up costs, business improvements, and sustainability efforts. Originating in 2020 as a coalition focused on aiding Black-owned restaurants during the Covid-19 pandemic, SRRJ has since partnered with The LEE Initiative and has raised over $4 million in corporate funding. The grants are part of an ongoing effort to preserve and promote Black culinary traditions and leadership. For 2024, each grant will be awarded in the amount of $20,000. The deadline for applications is September 15, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST.

The Women’s Business Development Council offers grants of up to $10,000 to qualified women-owned small businesses in Connecticut. Donor Name: Women’s Business Development Council State: Connecticut County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Ignite is designed to help women-owned businesses grow! Grants between $2,500 and $10,000 will be awarded for clearly defined projects that will have a measurable impact on the business, its growth and profitability. Eligibility Criteria  To be eligible, the business must: Be 51% or more woman-owned Be headquartered in CT, registered in the state of CT, and owned by a CT resident Have been in business for at least two years before the application round deadline, with a record of sales Have a record of annual sales/revenue in the last twelve months greater than $25,000 and less than $2,000,000 Be in good standing with the CT Department of Revenue Services (DRS) Have an established business checking account Currently utilize a formal, digital bookkeeping/financial system (e.g. QuickBooks, Sage, FreshBooks, Wave Accounting) Be a for profit business Be owned by a woman at least 18 years old Have invested at least $2,500 into your business in the last 12 months, unless the business is located in a distressed municipality The following businesses are not eligible: Childcare businesses are not eligible for the Ignite Grant. If your business is in the childcare industry, WBDC has other programs for you.  Any individual or business that has already received an Ignite Grant, Equity Match Grant or WBDC Municipal Grant is not eligible. Non-profit organizations are not eligible. Current vendors or contractors of WBDC are not eligible. (Former vendors are eligible to apply a year after working with WBDC.) Medical marijuana; liquor stores and alcohol distributors; adult businesses such as strip clubs; vape retailers; tobacco shops and smoking lounges; businesses having to do with gambling; gun stores and ranges; cash advance, check cashing, or pawn shops; bail bonds; collection agencies or services; and auction or bankruptcy or fire or “lost-the-lease” or “going-out-of-business” or similar sale. For more information, visit WBDC.

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.

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.

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 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.