Grants for Small businesses - Business and Commerce

The Creative Howard grant program is offered by the Howard County Arts Council (HCAC) to support small nonprofit arts organizations and arts businesses in Howard County, Maryland. The program aims to strengthen the vitality of the arts community and provide funding for eligible activities. Grants of up to $2,500 are available, and there is no matching fund requirement. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit arts organizations or arts businesses located and operating in Howard County for at least one year with an operating revenue of $100,000 or less. The program supports a wide range of arts activities, including dance, design, folk and traditional arts, history exhibits, literature, media arts, music, theater, visual arts, and workshops. Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis with a deadline of the first day of each month at 11:59 PM. The grant period for FY24 is from September 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. Applicants may receive funding for only one application per fiscal year. The application process must be completed online using the Submittable platform. A final report is required within 15 business days after the funded project occurs.

The Fund Her Future grant program, administered by Block Advisors by H&R Block, offers a total of $100,000 in grants to support the growth of women-owned businesses. This initiative aims to address the funding disparities faced by women, one of the fastest-growing segments of new small business owners. One grand prize winner will receive $50,000, with additional finalists receiving $12,500 each. Alongside monetary awards, winners will also benefit from professional services including small business taxes, bookkeeping, payroll, and business structure analysis. Applications are accepted until May 26, 2024.

The Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development in New York is offering a matching grant of $10,000 to $100,000 for a duration of 3 years to not-for-profit organizations, schools, governmental agencies, businesses, and landowners for the development of tourism events and attractions, with a focus on increasing visibility and visitor numbers.

This grant provides financial support to small businesses in the U.S. that need a commercial vehicle to grow, specifically targeting those with ten or fewer employees and under $5 million in annual revenue.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community-based organizations and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Connecticut that serve Trumbull residents, focusing on projects that address the ongoing public health and economic challenges related to COVID-19.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to U.S.-based small businesses that have previously received Phase I awards to further develop and commercialize innovative research in agriculture, food systems, and environmental sustainability.

This grant provides financial assistance to businesses in Takoma Park for enhancing their storefronts, promoting a vibrant commercial environment.

The CATALYST Grant aims to enhance the capabilities, efficiency, and competitiveness of small and medium-sized manufacturers in South Carolina by promoting the adoption of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), Quality Management Systems (QMSs), and Lean Manufacturing tools. Eligible manufacturers must have a NAICS code beginning with 31, 32, or 33, be physically located in South Carolina for at least one year, operate within the Department of Defense supply chain, and employ at least four workers. The grant supports consultative assessments to identify opportunities for AMT deployment and funds pilot projects in areas such as augmented reality training, digital work instructions, and robotics. The grant application opens on October 5, 2023, following an informational webinar, and closes on June 30, 2024, or when all slots are filled. The grant provides funding for projects recommended by AMT assessments, as well as QMS and Lean Manufacturing implementations to help manufacturers eliminate waste and reduce rework, improving their effectiveness as DIB suppliers.

On March 26, the Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the Northland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) jointly announced the launch of a Promise Act grant opportunity tailored for business owners in northeastern Minnesota. Pat Campanaro, serving as the Cook County consultant for the Northland SBDC, expressed her pride and happiness regarding the collaboration between the EDA and SBDC. The competitive Promise Act grant initiative, sanctioned during the 2023 legislative session, aims to extend assistance to businesses and communities grappling with economic adversity induced by the pandemic. The Northland SBDC has allocated $1.1 million in grants for eligible small businesses and certain nonprofits in northeast Minnesota. The grant application criteria for businesses are delineated as follows: Grants are accessible to currently operating businesses with gross annual revenues ranging from $10,000 to $750,000, as substantiated by their 2021 and 2022 tax returns or Forms 990. Grant amounts will be determined based on 2022 revenues, with the following tiers: Revenues of at least $10,000 but not exceeding $100,000 may qualify for a $10,000 grant. Revenues ranging from at least $100,000 to $350,000 may merit a $25,000 grant. Revenues between $350,000 and $750,000 may be eligible for a $50,000 grant. Preference will be given to applicants who did not receive substantial COVID-19 relief funding exceeding $10,000 from the State of Minnesota. Additionally, according to the Northland Foundation, nonprofit organizations may apply, provided they derive 30 percent or more of their revenue through non-tax-deductible sales or dues in a fee-for-service model. Grant applications opened on March 26 and will be accepted until May 21. The application form for the Promise Act grant program can be accessed through the provided link. To facilitate the application process and address queries, Campanaro and Theresa Bajda, the executive director of the EDA, announced weekly open office hours at the EDA office in Grand Marais, located at 425 W Hwy 61, Suite B. Bajda mentioned the availability of morning, afternoon, and evening sessions to accommodate diverse schedules. Interested individuals can find the scheduled office hours by contacting 218-387-3112 or reaching out to Campanaro via email at [email protected]. Campanaro emphasized their shared goal of fostering economic opportunity in Cook County and expressed satisfaction in collaborating with Bajda to advance this objective and inform businesses about available services that can positively impact their opportunities for growth. WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins conducted an interview with Pat Campanaro, the Cook County Northland SBDC consultant, and Theresa Bajda, the executive director of the EDA, discussing the Promise Act grant opportunity. The audio recording of the interview is accessible below.

This funding opportunity supports U.S.-based small businesses in developing and manufacturing therapeutic extracellular vesicles for regenerative medicine applications, focusing on tissue and organ repair.

The Oregon Community Foundation is offering a grant of $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that enhance economic vitality and workforce development in specified Oregon counties, with priority given to initiatives that improve prosperity, tax base, competitiveness, workforce skills, and image of the region, and can be used for equipment, facility upgrades, start-up costs, and other necessary services.

Nebraska Innovation Fund (NIF) Prototype Grants offer financial support for new product development to businesses in Nebraska through a matching program. The grants are highly competitive, and applicants are advised to seek guidance from the Department of Economic Development (DED) to understand program requirements and expectations and to submit the strongest possible application. About Prototype Grants Prototype grants are awarded at up to $150,000 per project. Applicants must be businesses operating in Nebraska that can provide a minimum of 50% of the grant request as matching funds. Projects qualifying as value-added agriculture require a reduced match of 25%. Grant funds are accessed via reimbursement. DED reimburses project costs at a rate of 66%, or 80% for value-added agriculture projects. Eligible applicants must submit an application form and provide a business plan, plus evidence of matching funds. If approved, the project must be completed and all funds drawn down within 24 months. Eligible Businesses Eligible recipients include any Nebraska-based corporation, limited liability company, partnership, registered limited partnership, sole proprietorship, business trust or other entity with fewer than 500 employees that is engaged in non-retail primary industries and is adding value to products or processes in Nebraska. Eligible Use of Funds Prototype grant funds must be used towards the development of a product. Examples of eligible costs include wages for employees or contractors, prototype materials and limited preapproved tooling or equipment costs. Applicants must provide a budget at the time of application that outlines anticipated project costs. Eligible Matching Funds Includes any non-state source — e.g., private foundations, federal or local governments, quasi-governmental entities, commercial lending institutions, investors, etc. — provided they are not using funds appropriated by the Nebraska Legislature. Matching funds must be in the form of a cash match. Important Deadlines: Applications for this grant are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. Contact DED to determine the availability of funds.

This grant provides financial support to non-profit organizations and local entities in Bergen County, New Jersey, to promote and preserve local history through various programs and projects.

This program provides essential financial support to small businesses in Pennsylvania that have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, helping them access working capital to sustain their operations.

The City of Dearborn is accepting applications for its Small Business Grant Program. Donor Name: City of Dearborn State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The program will enable Dearborn Small Businesses with 15 or fewer employees who have been in business in Dearborn for at least five years and are in good standing with the City to apply for $5,000 in assistance to improve their business, with an expected $2,500 match from the business themselves. The grant dollars can be put towards the following improvements: Facade improvements (paint, windows, building face materials, etc.) Awnings Other exterior improvements (signage, patios, walkways, landscaping, etc.) Eligibility Criteria Any Dearborn business that meets the following requirements can apply for funding: In business in Dearborn for at least 5 years No more than 15 employees  In good standing with the City, State, and IRS, and not in bankruptcy.  Business owner(s) must not be listed on the MI State Police Sex Offender Registry For more information, visit City of Dearborn.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to small businesses that have previously received a Phase I grant to further develop their innovative research and commercialization plans in areas aligned with NOAA's mission.

The Washington State Department of Commerce (Commerce) is seeking Proposals from those qualified and interested in grant funding to support community healer services as part of the Community Reinvestment Project (CRP). Donor Name: Washington State Department of Commerce State: Washington County: Clark County (WA), King County (WA), Pierce County (WA), Snohomish County (WA), Spokane County (WA), Yakima County (WA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/13/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The purpose is to provide holistic, trauma-informed, person and/or community-centered, culturally responsive services serving people of all ages, identities and abilities. This violence intervention and prevention program allows for flexibility and low-barrier innovation to better serve impacted communities and individuals in need of restoration, accountability, and healing. The objective of the Community Healer RFP is to address violence that targeted Black, Latine,and tribal communities because of the historic design and enforcement of state and federalcriminal laws and penalties for drug possession (the war on drugs). This program is designed tosupport personal healing, intergenerational healing, burnout prevention, and repair harm causedby systemic racism, anti-Blackness, and colonialism. Priority community representation (if accurate, you may choose more than one): Black Communities (inclusive of all cultures within) Latine Communities (inclusive of all cultures within) Tribal Communities (inclusive of all cultures within, including urban Indians) Priority counties and geography Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane, and Yakima. Funding Information Tier 1 Small-sized: with annual budgets under $150,000—can apply up to $50,000 Tier 2 Small-Mid-Sized: with annual budgets between $150,001 and $500,000—can apply up to $150,000 Tier 3 Mid-Sized: with annual budgets $500,001 to $1 million—can apply up to $250,000 Tier 4 Large-Sized: with annual budgets over $1 million—can apply up to $500,000 Project Period Begin on or about August 15, 2024 and to end on June 30, 2025.  Eligibility Criteria Minimum qualifications for this RFP: Federally recognized tribal government, tribal-led 501(c)3, or tribal-led communitybased organization; OR Licensed to do business in the State of Washington, or a statement of commitment to become licensed in Washington within thirty (30) days of being selected as the apparently successful contractor (exception: tribes); AND Small businesses, non-profits, faith-based organizations, and grassroots community – led organizations who are led by-and-for Black, Latine, and tribal communities as defined by the Community Reinvestment Project; AND Registered with the Community Reinvestment Project as a by-and-for organization. Partner organizations may collaborate with registered by-and-for organizations if they can provide evidence of partnership. For more information, visit Washington State Department of Commerce.

The 24 Squared Grant Program, funded by Square Financial Services and the Community Foundation of Utah, offers grants between $1,000 to $10,000 to Utah-based non-profit organizations engaged in community development activities such as affordable housing, small business development, reentry support, and financial wellness, with special awards for the highest scored organization, those with great potential, and those supporting local small businesses.

This grant provides funding for collaborative, arts-based projects that improve community livability and cultural vibrancy in Pennsylvania, focusing on diversity, equity, and local engagement.

This grant provides financial support and resources to early-stage marketing and creative consultants in the U.S. and Canada to help them grow their businesses.