Grants for Small businesses - Business and Commerce

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

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

The PeopleFund’s BIPOC Small Business Accelerator provides underserved entrepreneurs in Texas with the capital, education, and resources needed to support healthy business growth. Donor Name: PeopleFund State: Texas County: All Counties Type of Grant: Training or Mentorship Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Program participants commit to an orientation, a series of virtual training sessions, and assigned “homework”. Participants also receive access to technology and tools including LivePlan business planning software and an online curriculum for 6 months, expedited loan packaging and application support, and ongoing after-care provided by PeopleFund and the partners. Participants must apply, be admitted to the program, and qualify for a PeopleFund loan product. Funding Information A grant amount between $3,000 and a maximum of $5,000. Eligibility Criteria  To qualify for the BIPOC Small Business Accelerator, applicants must meet the following criteria: Must be located in the state of Texas Participants must demonstrate at least one of the following three criteria: Their business is located in a low to moderate-income area OR That the address of the individual is in a low to moderate-income area OR That the household income of the participant is low to moderate-income Open to start-up and existing businesses Must be able to support a loan payment through available global cash flow Must meet credit and lending qualifications No bankruptcies within the last 5 years U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Not currently in active litigation Not currently past-due on federal obligations or are on a recovery plan Total collections, derogatory marks, and past due items cannot exceed 10% of the total loan amount up to $5,000 Not involved in felony-level criminal activity, crimes of moral turpitude, or financial Not engaged in any of the following industries: adult entertainment, gambling or gaming, real estate investments or housing projects, passive activity (rental), anything federally illegal, multi-level marketing, and nonprofit activities. Program Benefits Participants will have access to: Qualify for a PeopleFund loan product (dependent on approval) Connections to business and professional resources in the community Completion of a business plan, financial statements, and capital portfolio Access to tools and technology including LivePlan business planning software and the Verizon Digital Ready Program Curriculum guide within an online learning platform Ongoing support and aftercare through dedicated business coaching and mentorship Networking opportunities within the cohort. For more information, visit PeopleFund.

The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center, through the York County Economic Alliance, is pleased to announce the opening of the 2024 BLOOM Grant Program for Small Businesses in York County. Donor Name: York County Economic Alliance State: Pennsylvania County: York County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The BLOOM Grant Program was first created in 2018 to help businesses address a tangible need that will help them improve productivity, expand their services, or grow to the next level. Since its launch, 235 BLOOM Grants totaling $480,000 have been distributed to small businesses/organizations in York County, Downtown York, York County Trail Towns communities, to women-owned businesses, start-up entrepreneurs, and graduates of the BLOOM classes, with 49% of grants going to businesses owned by persons of color and 78% going to women-owned businesses. Funding Priorities Priority consideration will be given to: Businesses that have not received funding from previous BLOOM grant programs. Businesses owned by Women, or Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Businesses owned by Veterans. Businesses that use local businesses to fulfill the grant implementation, where applicable. Funding Information This program will seek to will award grants from $500 to $1,500 to small businesses owned and operating in the County of York for projects that will help them improve productivity, expand their services, or grow to the next level. Grant amounts will be considered based on need and potential impact. Examples of projects funded through other BLOOM grant funds include improving signage, physical improvements to business location, marketing, training & certification for new services, or purchase of new equipment. Eligibility Criteria  Small Businesses in York County are eligible to apply for this grant program. For more information, visit YCEA.

The Pacific Coast Coalition is offering a grant of over $1 million for dairy processors in selected states to fund projects that diversify dairy product markets, promote business development, and encourage innovative use of regionally produced milk, with funds potentially used for planning, training, equipment, product development, and co-packing capabilities.

The Latino Restaurant Association is accepting applications for its Helping Latino Restaurant Owners Thrive Grant Program. Donor Name: Latino Restaurant Association State: California, California County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/23/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Latino Restaurant Association provides resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities to help Latino-owned restaurants succeed and grow. The Foundation looking to assist 35 restaurants in South Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties, focusing on owners of Latino heritage and those who made significant contributions to the Latino community. Eligibility Criteria You are a restaurant owner of Latino heritage and/or have made significant contributions to the Latino Community You own 3 or fewer restaurants making less than $1M a year each You have been in business for more than 3 years You are a business customer of SoCalGas And your restaurant is in South Fresno, Kings and Tulare Counties, CA If you meet all of these criteria requirements, you can apply for the $2,500 restaurant grant! Please do not apply if you do not meet all the eligibility requirements. Document Guideline W9 Form Official photo ID of restaurant owner Annual report or taxes for last 3 years SoCal Gas Commercial Bill (current) Summary of use of funds: How would you use these funds (ie: kitchen equipment, technology upgrades, employee training and bonuses)? How would the funding impact your business in a manner that reflects on your restaurant/community? How do you plan on sustaining funds received in your restaurant? For more information, visit Latino Restaurant Association.

This program provides financial assistance to Minnesota farmers for purchasing and installing safety equipment in their grain storage facilities.

The Kansas City Outdoor Dining Enhancement Grant Program is offering eligible restaurants an opportunity to apply for grants of up to $15,000 to enhance their outdoor dining spaces. Donor Name: City of Kansas City State: Missouri City: Kansas City Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This program aligns with the City’s broader goals of fostering a thriving local economy, supporting small businesses, and creating vibrant, community-oriented neighborhoods. Funding Information Eligible businesses can apply for a grant up to $15,000 to enhance their outdoor dining spaces. Eligiblity Criteria To be eligible a restaurant must:  Be a private, for-profit, full-service restaurant.  Be located within Kansas City, Missouri  Possess all necessary licenses and permits for your business, and be in good standing with the city, a KCMO Tax Clearance letter will be required.  Use the Grant funds to increase the total number of available tables for outdoor dining, specifically, at least six (6) months out of a calendar year.  Must have been in business for at least one (1) year, i.e. acquired a KCMO business license as of July 1, 2023. The size of Street Café or Sidewalk Café to be used must be able to accommodate a 5-foot clear path to meet ADA requirements.  The totality of all grant monies issued must be used for the sole purpose of outdoor dining enhancement of the space listed on application, including but not limited to, building structure construction, building infrastructure, expanding walkways, purchasing of furniture and coverings and necessary permit(s) costs. For more information, visit City of Kansas City.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture is offering a grant of over $1 million for the implementation of dairy digesters on California dairy farms, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by converting methane into renewable energy, with a focus on projects that use at least 80% dairy livestock manure as feedstock.

The Kansas City Outdoor Dining Enhancement Grant Program, under the leadership of Mayor Quinton Lucas and Councilman Wes Rogers, offers financial support to enhance permanent and multi-season outdoor dining spaces for restaurants in Kansas City, Missouri. The program aims to foster a vibrant restaurant industry, contributing to a thriving local economy and community-oriented neighborhoods. Eligible restaurants can receive grants of up to $15,000 for outdoor dining enhancements such as building structures, infrastructure improvements, and the purchase of furniture and coverings. Eligibility criteria include being a private, for-profit, full-service restaurant located in Kansas City, Missouri, possessing necessary licenses and permits, and having been in business for at least one year. Applications are accepted from July 29 to August 16, 2024, with selections announced in September 2024.

The Women’s Business Development Council is offering the Torrington Grant Program to help businesses in the City of Torrington, Connecticut grow. Donor Name: Women’s Business Development Council State: Connecticut County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The grant funds cannot be used towards operating expenses (e.g. inventory, on-going marketing expenses, salaries), real estate improvements (e.g. construction costs), reimbursement for past purchases or debt repayment. Funding Information Grants between $2,500 and $10,000 will be awarded. Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, the business must: Have been in business for at least two years (as of the date of your application submission) 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 registered in Connecticut Be located in Torrington, Connecticut and have a zoning permit from the City of Torrington 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 person that is at least 18 years old The following businesses are not eligible: Child care businesses are not eligible for the WBDC/Torrington Small Business Grant.  If your business is in the childcare industry, WBDC has other programs for you Any individual or business who has already received a grant from WBDC is 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-our-lease” or “going-out-of-business” or similar sale. For more information, visit WBDC.

The Regional Development Corporation Tribal Economic Diversity Fund awards businesses owned by a federally recognized Indian tribe or by an enrolled member(s) of a federally recognized Indian tribe for critical technical services and equipment. Donor Name: Regional Development Corporation State: New Mexico County: Los Alamos County (NM), Mora County (NM), Rio Arriba County (NM), San Miguel County (NM), Sandoval County (NM), Santa Fe County (NM), Taos County (NM) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Awards are made on a competitive basis and are intended to provide services to tribal business entities that diversify revenue, leverage other investments, create new jobs and/or put systems in place that lead to growth.  The goal is to sustain and assist developing businesses in Northern New Mexico with job creation and diversifying the region’s economy. Funding Information Up to $8,000. Uses of funds  Funds to be used to: Procure needed business equipment, tools. Pay for advertising and/or marketing costs. Purchase consulting services. Purchase specialized software. Eligibility Criteria  Business enterprise owned by a federally recognized Indian tribe; or business owned at least 51% by an enrolled member(s) of a federally recognized Indian tribe from the Pueblos of Cochiti, Jemez, Nambe, Ohkay, Picuris, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, Santa Clara, Taos, or Tesuque Business headquartered in Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Northern Sandoval, Santa Fe, or Taos County Business-only bank account Been in business for at least 6 months before applying Preference given to first-time applicants and previous unawarded applicants. For more information, visit RDC.

This program provides financial support to small and mid-sized manufacturers in Maryland to adopt advanced technologies and improve their business practices, helping them become more competitive and grow.

This program provides financial support to small and mid-sized businesses in Maryland to help cover costs associated with international marketing efforts.

The Baraga County Chamber is excited to announce the Dynamo Young Business Grants to help attract new businesses and assist young businesses in Baraga County. Donor Name: Baraga County State: Michigan County: Baraga County (MI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/03/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The program will offer to start-up businesses or businesses within the first twelve months of start up as selected by the Dynamo Grant Program committee. This funding is a grant and does not need to be repaid. The businesses may be for profit or non-profit. Funding Information The program will offer up to $5,000. Criteria Type of Business: For profit or non profit business within the first twelve months of existence or not yet opened, but preparing to do so. Dynamo Grant is seeking businesses that will create jobs, have a positive impact on the community and provide products/services that are in demand. Business must be located in Baraga County. Business Plan: The committee will review the business/marketing plan to assess its viability and sustainability. Factors to be considered will be the demand for products/services, funding, the experience of owners, number of potential employees and business location. The business plan must include details on how the grant money will be used.  Applicants are encouraged to seek business planning assistance from the Michigan Small Business Development Center and local financial institutions. For more information, visit Baraga County.

The 2024 BLOOM Grant Program aims to support small businesses in York County, Pennsylvania, by providing grants to improve productivity, expand services, or enhance their operations. Eligible applicants must be for-profit businesses located in York County, have generated revenue as of January 1, 2024, and employ no more than 50 full or part-time employees. Grants, ranging from $500 to $1,500, are intended for tangible business improvements such as renovations, equipment upgrades, and marketing expenses. Funds must be utilized within six months, and applicants must match 10% of the grant's capital value. Priority is given to businesses that have not previously received a BLOOM grant, as well as those owned by women, veterans, and Black, Indigenous, or People of Color.

The Main Street Micro Business Startup Grant Program, funded by Main Street Oakland County and Genisys Credit Union, offers grants between $1000 to $10,000 to support the creation, relocation, or expansion of small businesses in specific Main Street Districts, covering costs such as location renovations, rent assistance, equipment purchases, and other relevant expenses.

The City of Frederick is excited to announce the launch of a new grant opportunity through the Department of Economic Development. Donor Name: City of Frederick State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The grant, called “ACCESS GRANTED,” is specifically designed to support and empower small minority, and women-owned businesses. This initiative is available to both start-up and established businesses in need of access to capital for a defined project that will help scale their business. By providing this financial assistance, The City of Frederick aims to foster a supportive and inclusive business environment that enables entrepreneurs to reach their full potential.  Preferences will be given to Small minority and/or woman owned business.  Physically located within The City of Frederick limits.  Funding Information The city has earmarked $400,000 to deploy as grants for this new program.  Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, businesses must meet the following criteria:  Be a registered for-profit business.  Be in good standing in the state of Maryland.  Have no more than 25 full-time equivalent employees For more information, visit City of Frederick.

The “Main Street Connected” Grant Program is designed to provide technology and digitally based support to complement MSOC’s other economic vitality efforts that bolster small businesses at the local community level. Donor Name: Oakland County State: Michigan City: Selected Cities Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/21/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: “Main Street Connected” Grant Program to support the attraction, retention and growth of small businesses in designated downtowns and historic neighborhood commercial corridors, Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) has partnered with MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) to create the “Main Street Connected” Grant Program. Funding Information Grants can be up to $2,500 each. Eligible Activities Eligible activities include: Development or use of data analytics software Payment processing software or equipment purchases, including Point of Sale (POS) Website creation and e-commerce support Social media or digital marketing costs Cybersecurity and data protection Customer relationship management (CRM) costs Project or inventory management software costs Creation or implementation of pop-up operations or public markets Eligibility Criteria Eligible small business may be up to 10 years old and must be in one of the Main Street Districts in Auburn Hills, Berkley, Birmingham, Clarkston, Clawson, Farmington, Ferndale, Lathrup Village, Oak Park, Ortonville, Pontiac, Rochester, Royal Oak, Southfield, and Wixom. For more information, visit Oakland County.

The anticipated funding opportunity announcement (FOA) aims to support research and development projects under the Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO). The goals include the demonstration of smart charge management for electric vehicles, improvement of 12-volt lead-acid batteries for safety-critical electric vehicle applications, development of strategies to reduce the likelihood of cascading effects of electric vehicle fires, reduction in battery electrode, cell, and pack manufacturing costs, advancement of silicon-based anodes for lithium-ion batteries, and development of high-energy density conversion cathodes. The FOA emphasizes advancing equity, addressing the climate crisis, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Eligible applicants are encouraged to include underrepresented groups and underserved communities in their project teams. The FOA will fund activities related to electric vehicle (EV) technologies, focusing on areas such as smart charge management, safety improvements in EV batteries, cost reduction in battery manufacturing, and the development of advanced battery materials. The Department of Energy aims to drive innovation in clean energy technologies, ensuring environmental justice and inclusion. Specific areas of interest include wide-scale demonstrations of smart charge management, enhancement of safety-critical 12-volt lead-acid batteries, reduction of cascading effects of battery fires, cost reduction in battery manufacturing, and the development of high-energy-density battery components.