Grants for Small businesses - Business and Commerce

The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) application for program year 2023-2024 will open on October 02, 2023 at 8am EST. Indiana residents can apply for utility bill assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federally-funded program through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The application period closes on May 20, 2024 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Applicants can apply online via the online portal, by mail, in-person, or by calling 2-1-1. To apply in-person or request a paper application form, applicants must contact their Local Service Provider. The EAP provides a one-time benefit to assist with the high cost of electricity and heating for homes. However, it is important to note that this benefit is not intended to cover all heating and electricity costs, so applicants should continue to pay their bills regularly. Eligibility and benefits are determined by Local Service Providers based on income qualifications. It may take up to 55 days for eligibility determination and an additional 30 days for the utility company to process the benefit. For more information on eligibility and to find contact information for the Local Service Provider that serves your area, visit http://eap.ihcda.in.gov. If you have any questions or need to follow up on an application, please be sure you contact your Local Service Provider directly rather than contacting IHCDA. For general inquiries about the Energy Assistance Program, please contact the Community Programs team at [email protected].

The Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program and the Low-Density Population Pilot Program, established by the Minnesota legislature in 2014 and continued in 2023, are aimed at promoting broadband infrastructure expansion in Minnesota's unserved or underserved areas. Managed by the State of Minnesota, Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), these programs provide grants to assist broadband providers with the costs of infrastructure installation. The 2024 grant application cycle, announced by DEED, will open on March 12, 2024, with an application deadline of May 10, 2024. Applicants must register and submit applications via DEED’s Grants Management System, following the detailed instructions on DEED's website. The announcement of awards is anticipated in Summer 2024, with project completion required by December 31, 2026. DEED also hosts an information webinar to guide applicants through the application process.

The Gener8tor has introduced the gBETA Oklahoma City Accelerator, a free seven-week program for early-stage companies based in Oklahoma City, offering coaching, mentorship, investor pitches, and over $1M in deals and perks to help local businesses grow and become investor-ready.

The BARN grant program aims to preserve Kansas barns, reviving underutilized, vacant, or dilapidated structures while fostering new economic activity through agritourism ventures. These building grants are specifically designed to rescue barns from likely demolition or collapse and rehabilitate them into spaces conducive for new or expanding agritourism businesses. The types of projects we are looking for with the BARN grant are those that will encourage people, particularly from out of state, to visit agritourism locations in Kansas. All projects should have an accountable tie to the tourism industry. The future uses of the barn, transformed through the BARN program, are not solely about preserving historical structures. Rather, they are about repurposing these spaces into vibrant hubs for agritourism activities, thereby injecting new life and economic opportunities into communities. Agritourism ventures capitalize on the appeal of agricultural experiences, offering visitors opportunities to engage with farming, local food production, and rural culture in immersive and educational ways.

The Recovery Friendly Workplace Pilot Program, launched by the Maryland Department of Labor, aims to create a supportive environment for employees recovering from substance use disorders. The program encourages employers to adopt workplace policies that assist in employee recovery, provides stigma-reducing education, and facilitates research on recovery-friendly practices. It seeks to promote workplace well-being and recovery for employees and their families while fostering community awareness.

This grant provides funding to small businesses and startups that have previously received NSF Phase I awards, helping them advance their innovative research into market-ready products and services.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to individuals, organizations, and businesses looking to improve the community of Rancho Cordova through various projects and programs.

Mountain BizWorks in North Carolina is offering 20 micro-grants of $2,500 each to startups and emerging businesses owned by historically underrepresented groups, aiming to support their growth and contribution to the local community.

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.

Grant Opportunity: West Bend Event and Tourism Development Grant Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for consideration, event or tourism development projects must meet the following criteria: The event must take place in the City of West Bend between October 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. The event must be open to the public, with the option to charge admission. Preference will be given to nonprofit organizations. Priority will be given to new and expanding events that direct marketing efforts outside of West Bend and Washington County. Application Process: Application Deadline: May 22, 2024, at noon Review and Award Date: Tuesday, May 28, at noon (City Hall Council Chambers) Grant Details: The West Bend Tourism Commission reserves the right to: Reject applications Award partial or total grant requests Not award grants up to $10,000 each grant period Contact Information: For inquiries regarding the grant program and application, please contact: Jessica Wildes, Assistant City Administrator Phone: 262-335-5170 Email: [email protected]

Feet First Philly's Public Space Enhancement Mini-Grant, ranging from $500 to $2000, supports projects that enhance walkability and safety in public spaces across Philadelphia, with applications open to organizations, businesses, and individuals, provided the enhancements are not used for financial gain.

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 City of Wentzville's Business Development Grant Program aims to stimulate economic growth and revitalization within its Historic Downtown zoning districts (HD-1, HD-2, or HD-3). This initiative aligns with the city's broader mission to boost property development, strengthen both new and existing businesses, and facilitate the rehabilitation and modernization of downtown buildings. By offering financial assistance for start-up and business development costs, the program directly supports the strategic objective of creating a more vibrant and economically robust downtown core. The target beneficiaries of this grant are new businesses, open for less than 12 months, and significantly expanding businesses within the designated historic downtown areas. The program's impact goals are centered on easing financial burdens associated with business development and improvement, thereby fostering a conducive environment for commercial activity and urban renewal. The grant is specifically designed to alleviate costs for interior building improvements, enabling businesses to enhance their physical spaces and operational capabilities. The program's priorities and focuses include a range of interior building improvements such as paint, finish carpentry, flooring, and countertops. These specific areas of focus are intended to directly contribute to the aesthetic appeal, functionality, and overall value of commercial properties in the historic downtown. By supporting these types of improvements, the City of Wentzville seeks to encourage high-quality business development and attract further investment in the area. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in the number of new businesses opening and existing businesses expanding within the specified districts, a reduction in the financial barriers for these businesses, and an overall improvement in the condition and modernization of downtown buildings. While specific quantitative metrics are not detailed, the program's success can be indirectly measured by increased commercial activity, improved property values, and enhanced community engagement within the historic downtown. The City of Wentzville's strategic priorities are rooted in a theory of change that posits that by directly investing in the physical and operational improvements of downtown businesses, it can catalyze broader economic development and create a more attractive and sustainable urban environment.

This funding opportunity supports organizations in North Carolina that create innovative programs to strengthen local entrepreneurial ecosystems and promote economic growth.

This summer, small farmers and ranchers have a grant opportunity through the Board of County Commissioners. The Board is funding a mini-grant to Alachua County-based farms and ranches that earn between $1,000 and $250,000 annually. Funding is for capital and equipment expenditures that will positively impact these operation’s income. The total grant request must not exceed $5,000. Only one application per farm or ranch is permitted. The total funding available for this mini-grant is approximately $100,000. To reduce inequity in marginalized communities, this grant will also prioritize small farms and ranches owned by black, women, indigenous, and persons-of-color. Applications must be in the County Manager’s Office by 5 PM June 28, 2024.​ Applicants will complete the application and submit it to Alachua County’s Office of Sustainability, Equity, and Economic Development Strategies. Applications may be submitted by email to [email protected]​

The Butler Accelerator for Education & Workforce Innovation, powered by gener8tor, is a program designed to support startups across the United States that are poised to transform how individuals learn and work. This initiative aligns with gener8tor's mission to identify and cultivate innovative solutions for systemic change in education and workforce development, with a particular emphasis on post-secondary education and the future of work. The program seeks to address complex challenges in these areas by engaging with founders who reflect the diverse communities impacted. Each selected company receives a $100,000 investment and 12 weeks of intensive, mentorship-based programming, networking opportunities, and introductions to potential customers, all aimed at building and growing their businesses. The target beneficiaries of this accelerator are startups, particularly those led by marginalized founders from underrepresented groups, who are focused on making systemic change. The program specifically encourages applications from teams working on solutions for post-secondary education, equity in access, the future of work, and workforce training innovations. The overarching impact goal is to drive significant and scalable economic impact through these startups, ultimately transforming stagnant industries, methods, and processes through technology. Gener8tor's strategic priorities include supporting passionate and dedicated founders who bring diverse experiences to the challenges of education and workforce technology. The program prioritizes startups that demonstrate a clear focus on systemic change at various levels, including school, institution, corporate, government, and community. They actively seek founders who are eager to embrace technology as a means to innovate. Key areas of focus include education, equity in access, the future of work, and workforce training innovations. The theory of change behind this accelerator posits that by investing in and providing intensive support to high-potential startups led by diverse founders, they can accelerate the development and implementation of solutions that create more equitable access to education and prepare individuals for the evolving demands of the future workforce. Expected outcomes include the growth and scaling of participating businesses, leading to increased adoption of their innovative solutions. Measurable results would encompass the number of startups supported, the amount of additional investment secured by these companies, job creation, and the broader impact of their solutions on education and workforce outcomes. Gener8tor's expertise in sales, marketing, go-to-market strategies, and fundraising is leveraged to select startups primed for growth, ensuring that their network, resources, and expertise can significantly scale the impact of these businesses.

City of Margate Property Improvement Grant Program (Florida) provides a 50% reimbursement grant of up to $50,000 for commercial or multi-family properties and common areas, as well as building exteriors owned by condominium or homeowner associations. The program also offers 50% reimbursement up to $10,000 for improvements to single-family properties or multi-family homesteaded properties. Eligible improvements include exterior painting, landscaping, impact-resistant improvements, roofing, structural repair, and more. The goal is to encourage property and business owners to enhance their properties, thereby improving the area's visual quality and increasing property values in Margate. For more information, visit the Property Improvement Grant Program website.

This funding opportunity provides $20,000 to independent creators and freelance artists in the US and Canada to help overcome financial challenges and support their creative projects.

This initiative supports local businesses and organizations dedicated to fostering economic growth in communities around Corning business locations. It focuses on empowering and supporting economic activities that align with Corning's values and objectives. Applications are reviewed continuously throughout the year to ensure timely support for impactful projects.

The Main Street Business Relocation Grant Program in Maryland, offered by the City of Laurel, aims to support the success and growth of businesses in the Main Street business area while creating local job opportunities. To be eligible, applicants must have a pre-application meeting with a representative from the Department of Economic and Community Development. Once deemed eligible, applicants can submit a completed application along with preliminary plans that adhere to design guidelines and code requirements. It's important to note that any improvements made prior to application approval and agreement execution are not eligible for reimbursement.