Grants for Small businesses - Community Development

This grant provides financial support and resources to women-owned small businesses in the U.S. to help them grow and gain visibility in the entrepreneurial community.

The Enthuse Foundation awards $2,500 grants to ten female-owned businesses annually. The non-profit supports women entrepreneurs in launching or growing their businesses. Eligible applicants must identify as women or non-binary, run an established business full-time, and demonstrate financial need. Winners for 2024 will be declared in June, with details for the 2025 cycle to be announced.

The City of Oakley is excited to announce the second cohort of the Small Business Grant Program. Donor Name: City of Oakley State: California City: Oakley Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/26/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This program is designed to support Oakley’s small businesses posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and financial market fluctuations. Eligible small businesses can receive a grant of either $2,500 or $5,000, based on the financial impact during the pandemic.  The grant amounts are determined by the total annual revenue in 2020 OR 2021 Businesses with an annual revenue of less than $100,000 are eligible for a $2,500 grant. Businesses with a total revenue of $100,000 or more can receive a $5,000 grant, acknowledging that larger businesses have greater operational needs and a more significant impact on the local economy. Use of Funds The grant can be used for essential business expenses such as implementing safety protocols, covering rent and utilities, retaining employees, and for marketing and promotional activities. Eligibility Criteria Must be located within Oakley City Limits. A valid City of Oakley Business License is required. Private corporations, LLCs, and similar entities are welcome. Publicly traded companies are not eligible. Must have fewer than 25 employees. Proof of financial hardship due to the pandemic. Business must have an “active” status with the California Secretary of State. For more information, visit City of Oakley.

This program provides financial support to businesses and property owners in downtown Cape Girardeau for improving the exterior appearance of their commercial buildings.

Beyond Open is a competitive small business grant program focused on enhancing economic mobility within Charlotte's Corridors of Opportunity. It aims to support diverse-owned small businesses, including those owned by minorities, women, veterans, LGBTQ individuals, and persons with disabilities. The grant can be used for capital assets such as equipment, technology, inventory, and real estate, and does not require repayment. Administered by FFTC Partners For Empowering Communities, a supporting organization of the Foundation For The Carolinas, and funded by the Wells Fargo Open for Business Fund, Beyond Open has awarded over $10 million in grants to nearly 300 small businesses during its first two rounds. The third round will distribute approximately $5 million in grants. The program aims to retain jobs, encourage job growth, and inspire new entrepreneurial endeavors in areas with low economic mobility and among historically underrepresented groups. It also seeks to create opportunities for small businesses to provide goods or services in affluent areas where minority business owners have been under-represented.

The CASF Broadband Public Housing Account provides grants and loans to build broadband networks offering free broadband service for residents of low-income communities including, but not limited to, publicly supported housing developments, farmworker housing, and other housing developments or mobile home parks with low-income residents that do not have access to any broadband service provider that offers free broadband service that meets or exceeds state standards for the residents of the low-income community. The allocated funding for the Broadband Public Housing Account is $15 million for fiscal year 2022-2023.  The Broadband Public Housing Account will finance up to 100 percent of the costs to install inside wiring and broadband network equipment.

The California Public Utilities Commission will give preference to programs and projects in communities with demonstrated low broadband access, including low-income communities, senior citizen communities, and communities facing socioeconomic barriers to broadband adoption. Eligible Projects: Digital Literacy Projects- Digital inclusion projects may include digital literacy training programs and public education to communities with limited broadband adoption, including low-income communities, senior citizen communities, and communities facing socioeconomic barriers to broadband adoption. Broadband Access Projects- may include those that provide free broadband access in community training rooms or other public spaces, such as local government centers, senior citizen centers, schools, public libraries, nonprofit organizations, and community-based organizations. It can also include funding community outreach, such as analysis, comparison of Internet plans with the community, and call centers that will increase broadband access and adoption.

We are so excited to be offering the Applefest Business Grant again this year! There are some amazing opportunities for businesses to capitalize on funding for those projects that can boost your business! This is a first come first serve grant program. All applications are reviewed by a committee and grant workshops will be held to assist those who need help filling out the application or who have questions about qualifying purchases. All grants are due by noon on Friday, November 1. Late applications will not be accepted. Since this is a rolling grant, once the funding had been dispensed, the grant program will close; even if it is before November 1.

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.

This program provides funding to certified community development financial institutions to strengthen their operations and expand services for small businesses and underserved communities in Pennsylvania.

This program provides financial assistance and support to new small businesses in Santa Ana, helping them thrive during their first three years of operation.

This grant assists Goshen County businesses in enhancing the external appearance of their buildings to attract more customers and improve community aesthetics. Projects can include updates to building frontages and business signage. Applicants are required to provide multiple bids for their projects, with a preference for local contractors, to demonstrate the economic development merit of the enhancements. Deadlines: Applications due first Friday of November, February, May, August

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]​

This program provides financial support to small businesses in Linn County to hire first-time teen employees, helping to subsidize their wages and promote youth employment during the summer months.

Overview: The Google for Startups Ukraine Support Fund aims to provide equity-free cash awards and Google support to assist Ukraine-based startups in sustaining and expanding their businesses, fortifying their community, and establishing a foundation for post-war economic recuperation. Background: Ukraine boasts a robust and dynamic startup ecosystem. However, the nation's economy and its enterprises confront formidable challenges. Startups often operate transnationally, with teams in both Ukraine and neighboring nations, to ensure liquidity, sustain operations, and attract further investment. Google for Startups recognizes the importance of bolstering these endeavors. Funding Details: An initial $5 million fund was allocated in 2022. A subsequent fund of $10 million has been earmarked for 2024 and 2025. Selected startups will be announced on a rolling basis. Each chosen startup will receive up to $100,000 in non-dilutive funding. Ongoing Google mentorship and product support will be provided. Up to $350,000 in Cloud credits will be made available. Purpose: The fund is intended to empower Ukrainian entrepreneurs in sustaining and expanding their ventures amidst the current crisis. It seeks to support startups in maintaining growth trajectories, resuming operations, or pivoting products or operations impacted by the war and ongoing crisis. Entry Criteria: Must have at least one entity registered in Ukraine. Should be at the post-MVP stage with demonstrated traction (product launched, pilots, early revenue). Companies leveraging AI and possessing a social impact mission will receive priority. Founders intending to utilize the non-dilutive cash award for growth continuation, business resumption, or product/operation pivot due to war-induced challenges are encouraged to apply. Deadline June 5th, 2024

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.

This initiative provides crucial support to small businesses recovering from the pandemic enabling them to thrive and serve our community. Additionally, it acts as financial assistance to attract new businesses into the Downtown Business District. PROGRAM ELEGIBILITY Grant funding is available to small business owners and owners of mixed-use and commercial properties in the Downtown Business District: In good standing with the City of Mount Vernon – i.e. not delinquent on real property, personal or school district taxes) Own a small business or property with ground floor commercial space in Downtown Business District. Business owner must have at least three (3) years remaining on their commercial lease. An active City of Mount Vernon Business Registration number. Demonstrate commitment to program requirements. Own a home-based business and plan to occupy a ground floor commercial space in the Downtown Business District.

Amazon Business Small Business Grants Overview Amazon Business is distributing over $250,000 in monetary grants and prizes to support the growth of 15 small businesses. This initiative is open to Amazon Business small business customers in the U.S. with annual revenues of $1,000,000 or less. Key Details: Application Period: May 1–May 24, 2024 Eligibility: U.S.-based, self-owned businesses with annual revenue ≤ $1,000,000 Application Portal: Open to Amazon Business account holders Number of Recipients: 15 (1 Grand Prize, 4 Finalists, 10 Semi-finalists) Recipient Announcement: July 22, 2024 How to Apply

The EmpowHer Grants by Boundless Futures Foundation aim to support female entrepreneurs who prioritize social impact within their business products or practices. The grants, up to $25,000, are awarded to new businesses (not older than 3 years) registered and operating in the United States, focusing on addressing social issues such as poverty, hunger, sustainability, the environment, and strong communities. The funds are reimbursed based on proof of business-related expenses and require applicants to submit a business plan and detailed budget. Additionally, grantees gain access to a network of business advisors for ongoing support.

The Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program aims to propel small businesses towards success and sustainability. This initiative offers entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to connect with essential support resources and participate in a 12-week series of comprehensive workshops aimed at crafting new business and marketing plans. Upon completion of the program, participants become eligible to apply for $10k grants, empowering them to expand their business capacity and enhance resilience. 25 businesses will be selected to participate in this program and receive grant awards upon completion. 10 additional businesses will be selected to participate in the workshop series only, and may be eligible for grant awards if funds become available. Program selection and awards will be determined by a selection committee based on the following criteria: • Representation of businesses across all parts of the city with priority for businesses located in low-to-moderate income areas • Representation of businesses across multiple sectors • Business readiness and potential impact of program participation This application will close on May 21st at 5pm. No late applications will be accepted. Applicants will be notified of selection decisions in late June. For assistance with this application, please contact BizCare at 562-570-4249 or [email protected].