Grants for Small businesses - Diversity Equity and Inclusion

The SB 1 Grant Program offers funding to local, regional, and tribal governments for planning and implementing projects to adapt to sea level rise and climate change impacts, with additional technical assistance available for those representing Environmental Justice communities.

This grant provides financial support to women entrepreneurs across various industries, offering multiple funding opportunities throughout the year to help both established and early-stage businesses thrive.

This funding opportunity provides $25,000 grants to women-owned businesses that have previously won smaller monthly grants, supporting their growth and development across various industries.

This funding opportunity provides $50,000 to support diverse-led businesses in Southern California, helping them create new premium wage jobs while offering business development resources.

The Route 66 Black Experiences Grant Program provides direct grant awards to African-American owned/operated businesses and attractions along Route 66, and funding to support research and programs designed to tell the stories of Black experiences related to Route 66. The program, celebrating the Route 66 Centennial, aims to help Black-owned businesses and attractions stay in operation, reopen, and expand, while also supporting research and storytelling efforts related to Black experiences on Route 66. Eligible applicants include Black-owned/operated businesses located along Route 66 with fewer than 20 employees. The 2024 grant round offers a total of $50,000 in awards, with applications due by July 14, 2024, and awards announced the week of August 5, 2024.

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is offering grants through the relaunch of the Materials Management grants program, which has been renamed the Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine Grants Program. Donor Name: Oregon Department of Environmental Quality State: Oregon County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The purpose of the Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine Grants program is to support statewide efforts to reduce the environmental and human health impacts of materials at all stages of their life cycle. The goal of the program is to build local capacity and support community solutions that address the environmental, social and health impacts created by production, consumption, use and disposal of materials. The objectives of the program are to: Inspire promising solutions to reduce the impacts of materials by funding innovative projects and programs. Empower community action to reach environmental solutions. Create environmental and health benefits that result from more sustainable consumption and use of materials. Advance equity and environmental justice by providing resources to historically underserved and underrepresented communities across Oregon. Funding Area  In an effort to make the  application process more accessible and streamlined, the program will focus on one annual funding area each year. For the 2024 grant cycle, the annual funding area is waste prevention. Waste prevention is an environmentally centered approach to reduce the consumption of natural resources and generation of waste before something becomes trash or pollution. Waste prevention activities reduce waste by changing product design, by using less, by using something longer, or by repairing it. DEQ may award grants for activities that reduce the environmental and human health impacts of materials such as: A farmers market purchasing reusable dishes to eliminate single-use products Establishing or expanding services for community tool libraries or other share libraries. A small business buying a new technology to etch glass instead of applying plastic product labels. A store investing in bulk storage for resupplying low-waste products. Funding Information Up to $ 1,000,000 is available for the 2024 grant cycle. $ 25,000 is the minimum available for individual grant awards. $ 125,000 is the maximum available for individual grant awards. Grant Period DEQ anticipates that grant agreements will be drafted beginning in January 2025. The grant term begins the date that the grant agreement is signed. After signing the agreement, recipients must complete their projects within 24 months. Eligible Activities Education and outreach Training Research Program, project or policy development Workforce development Eligible Costs Administrative costs, such as travel, office expenses, and overhead Salaries and benefits for project personnel and payments to consultants or contractors Publications and other printed materials Machinery, vehicles, equipment, signs, containers and project-related supplies. Eligible Applicants Local governments, Nonprofit (501(c)3 or 501(c)4 status) or fiscally sponsored organizations, Organizations created by an Oregon public entity, Tribal nations, Public schools, Public universities, Community colleges, or Small businesses of 50 people or less. For more information, visit Oregon DEQ.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to innovative technology startups in Minnesota for research, development, and business expenses, helping them grow and succeed in their early years.

If you are an LGBTQ+ small business owner who is looking to sustain and grow your business, the Equity Fund may be perfect for you! PFund Foundation is seeking LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who have owned and operated a business for a year or more and are seeking to grow through grant funding and business education sessions. Donor Name: PFund Foundation State: Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/22/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This program invests in queer entrepreneurs and small businesses from across the Upper Midwest, with a particular focus on queer entrepreneurs of color and queer-owned businesses in rural areas. PFund and Quorum are offering more than $400,000 in grant fundings across three distinct cohorts this year. Each grant recipient receives: Grants ranging from $5,000 up to $30,000 to be used to support building small business capacity and developing queer entrepreneurship across the region. Access to five training sessions customized to the needs of small business owners. Training for grantees from greater Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin will meet virtually. A one-year membership to Quorum, Minnesota’s LGBT chamber of commerce. Grantees from outside Minnesota will be given modest stipends to purchase an annual membership from a local queer chamber of commerce (for example, the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce). Eligibility Requirements  Eligibility Guidelines Grantseekers must meet all of the following  criteria to apply: You identify as LGBTQ+ If your business is located in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa or Wisconsin you must also identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color. Your business has been in operation for at least one year. The annual gross revenue of your business for your most recently completed fiscal year was $250,000 or less. Your business has 20 or fewer employees. Grantee Obligations If awarded a grant, you must agree to the following conditions: You agree to only use grant funds for the business purposes outlined in your proposal. Personal uses of funds are not allowed. You agree to provide PFund Foundation with the paperwork necessary to process grant payments (signed grant agreement, IRS W9 form, and your business’s logo). You agree to complete an online survey and produce a report on how you used grant funds at the conclusion of the grant period (due in spring 2025). You agree to attend 80% of the cohort meetings over the course of the program. You will be assigned to a cohort based on your location and the demographic information in the application. Meeting dates will differ by cohort: Twin Cities Queer Entrepreneurs of Color cohort will meet on the second Tuesday of the month from 5:30-8:00 pm in person, at the Quorum offices in St. Paul. Meeting dates are: October 8, November 12, January 14, February 11, March 11 Midwestern Queer Entrepreneurs of Color cohort and the Minnesotan Queer Entrepreneurs cohort will meet on the second Wednesday of the month from 6:00-8:30 virtually. Meeting dates are: October 9, November 13, January 15, February 12, March 12. For more information, visit PFund Foundation.

The Storefront Improvement Program (SIP) is to revitalize Soldotna’s commercial areas by stimulating additional private investment in the local economy. Donor Name: City of Soldotna State: Alaska City: Soldotna Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: By partnering with local business owners and lessees to share the cost of beautifying the exterior of a business, the program aims to boost traffic, increase property values, and improve the overall look and vitality of the city’s commercial districts. The program was established in 2012 to meet several goals of Envision Soldotna 2030, the City’s long-range plan, including: Promoting development of the “downtown area” to attract both visitors and residents; Encouraging redevelopment of key areas, particularly along the river and major highways; Ensuring a healthy economy by supporting a diversity of local businesses; and Improving the streetscape along the Sterling and Kenai Spur Highways. The SIP is a discretionary reimbursement grant, which can be used for exterior improvements to businesses in the City of Soldotna.  Funding Information The amount available for each property is 50% of the cost of eligible improvements, up to a maximum of $7,500. Eligible Work  Rehabilitation of building facades that are visible to the street, including the following elements: storefronts; windows; exterior lighting; canopies and awnings; painting and masonry work; permanent landscaping; decorative, artistic or unique signs and graphics and accessibility improvements. The emphasis of the grant program is to encourage the transformation of building facades through improvements to one or more of the elements listed above.  Greater weight is awarded to projects that incorporate multiple elements.  The grant program is not intended to provide financial assistance for routine upkeep and maintenance (e.g., painting) or to satisfy required updates (e.g., signage resulting from change in ownership or business type, franchise requirements to change paint scheme, etc.). Applications are competitive and the highest ranking proposals will be funded first. Eligibility Criteria Eligible participants include property owners and business lessees. Ineligible participants Properties primarily in residential use (ex. apartments or condominiums); Structures not facing or visible from the right-of-way; Government offices and agencies (non-governmental tenants are eligible); New construction, less than 5 years old. For more information, visit COS.

The Butler Accelerator for Education & Workforce Innovation Powered by gener8tor supports startups from across the country that are best poised to transform the way individuals learn and work. Donor Name: Gener8tor State: All States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Program Deadline: 07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Each company receives a $100k investment and 12 weeks of concierge, mentorship-based programming, networking, and potential customer introductions needed to build and grow their business. The program is open to any startup that is focused on making systemic change in the way individuals and companies work and learn, with a specific emphasis on solutions for post-secondary education and the future of work. Gener8tor is looking for  The Butler Accelerator for Education & Workforce Innovation is open to any startup that is focused on transforming the way individuals work and learn, and it is open to teams based anywhere in the United States. Since the challenges facing education & learning are complex and overarching, are focusing on startups driving systemic change and look to engage with founders that reflect the diverse communities equitable access is impacting. Solutions for post-secondary education and the future of work are especially encouraged to apply. Focus on Systemic Change They prioritize startups focused on driving systemic change at the school, institution, corporate, government, and community level, as well as founders that embrace technology as a way to transform stagnant industries, methods, and processes. Founders from across the country that focus on education, equity in access, future of work, workforce training innovations are encouraged to apply. Passionate and Dedicated Founders Innovating education and workforce technology requires diverse experiences from the communities impacted most. They seek out marginalized founders from underrepresented groups who may have been passed over by mainstream investors and accelerators. If you fit this bill, urge you to apply. Scalable Business Model They focus on startups that have the opportunity for significant and scalable economic impact. If you are generating revenue or have a clear path toward greater adoption, urge you to apply. Can they Help? Based on expertise in sales, marketing, go-to-market, strategy and fundraising, select startups that are primed for growth. If you are at a point where network, resources and expertise can scale your impact, urge you to apply. Eligibility Criteria Applications are open to teams based anywhere in the United States. The program will be held in-person in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ideal participants are focused on change at the highest level in education, equity in access, future of work, workforce training innovations. Innovating education and workforce technology requires diverse experiences from the communities impacted most; seek out marginalized founders from underrepresented groups that have unique perspectives to these difficult challenges. For more information, visit Gener8tor.

Community Climate Collaborative Energy Efficiency Grants are available to small businesses for energy efficiency upgrades (appliances, lighting, heating/cooling systems, etc). Donor Name: Community Climate Collaborative State: Virginia County: Albemarle County (VA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The goal is to help businesses achieve emissions reductions and financial savings through capital investment. Funding Information Grants are up to $2,000 each! Eligibility Criteria Have a business license in the City of Charlottesville or County of Albemarle. Qualify as a Microbusiness by Virginia SBSD criteria (25 employees or fewer). Preference will be given to Woman- or Minority-owned Business as defined by Virginia SBSD criteria. SWaM certification is desired, but equivalence is acceptable with valid documentation. Proposed upgrade must have demonstrable savings of energy usage and/or reduction of emissions. For more information, visit Community Climate Collaborative.

Gener8tor is accepting applications for its gBETA Wyoming Accelerator Program, a free seven-week program offering coaching, mentorship, and resources to early-stage companies based in Wyoming, aimed at fostering growth and investor readiness.

The City of Alexandria is accepting applications for its 2024 Small Business Resiliency Grant Program. Donor Name: City of Alexandria State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The City of Alexandria contributed funds to support the 2024 Small Business Resiliency (SBR) Grant Program to provide vital assistance to Alexandria’s small businesses, fostering a resilient and inclusive business environment within the community. The program aims to assist businesses in overcoming challenges in accessing essential resources. Administered by the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC), this initiative underscores the City’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and nurturing a thriving business environment. Funding Information Up to $7,000 in grants is available. Eligibility Criteria  To be eligible, businesses in Alexandria must:  Have one or more location(s), including the principal place of business, in the city of Alexandria. Have 100 or fewer employees. Have been established and revenue-generating before December 31, 2023. Have business revenue in 2022 or 2023 that did not exceed $250,000. Be in “good standing”. Be current on all local taxes or have a payment plan with the City of Alexandria. Not currently in any bankruptcy proceedings. Ineligible businesses include: Non-profits, banks, financial institutions, and gig economy contractors. Corporate-owned locations, branches, subsidiaries, and franchise businesses (unless locally owned and operated within the City of Alexandria). For more information, visit City of Alexandria.

The City of Twentynine Palms is thrilled to announce the launch of its 2024-2025 Community Event Grant program. Donor Name: City of Twentynine Palms State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Aimed at showcasing the city’s vibrant culture and fostering community engagement, these grants offer support for events that celebrate Twentynine Palms’ character, diversity, and history. Funding Information Range of Event Grant Awards: The minimum amount allocated is $1,000, and the maximum amount allocated is $10,000. Partial Funding: The Event Ad Hoc Committee and the City Council reserve the right to not grant the full amount requested from the applicant. Distribution of Funds: Recipients will be provided with 75% of the funding upfront and the remaining 25% upon completion of the event. For instance, a grant awarded in the amount of $10,000 will be provided with $7,500 upfront and $2,500 upon completion. Eligibility Criteria  Non-profit organizations, businesses, and individuals are encouraged to apply. Prior experience in event organization is required to ensure the successful execution of proposed activities. Residency in Twentynine Palms is not mandatory. Goals: Events should showcase Twentynine Palms’ character, diversity, or history. Events should not be intended to celebrate or recognize a small group, such as reunions. It is encouraged that events be free to attend and open to the public. Event Location: Events must occur within the City of Twentynine Palms limits. Applicants must provide a preliminary Venue Agreement as part of their application. Target Audience: Events should primarily benefit the citizens of Twentynine Palms, enhancing their quality of life. ADA Accessibility: Events must be held at ADA-accessible venues, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity. For more information, visit City of Twentynine Palms.

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 City of Canby is excited to announce the 2024 Business Enhancement Grant Program. Donor Name: City of Canby State: Oregon City: Canby Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The program was created to assist local, Canby businesses. The grant can be spent on projects, programs, and events which improve and enrich Canby. Local businesses seeking funding from the Business Enhancement Grant program must be located within Canby city limits and the funding must be put toward a project that supports and engages the Canby community. Grant applications should focus on capacity building, program creation, investments in equipment, innovative or expansion programming. Any and all changes to projects, programs, or events funded by the Business Enhancement Grant must be approved by City of Canby Economic Development staff. If the scope of the grant-funded work is changed without approval from the Economic Development department, the applicant may not be eligible to apply for the Business Enhancement Grant in the future. Funding Information The City of Canby has budgeted $50,000 for the Business Enhancement Grant in the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Eligible applicants will be able to apply for up to $2,500 for projects, programs, or events. Event, Program, and Project Eligibility Criteria The following criteria is to be used as a guide for applicants for the types of activities funded by the Business Enhancement Grant program. The Review Committee will consider the uniqueness and overall quality of each request. Events, programs, and projects will be considered eligible provided it: Builds capacity, encourages innovation or expansion, creates new programming, or investments in equipment; and, Enhances and supports Canby’s unique history, culture, education, diversity, arts, needed services, or community involvement with and/or for the benefit of Canby; Encourages and fosters advances in civic engagement or community leadership; Promotes community involvement with diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at the forefront to ensure all of Canby’s unique and diverse residents benefit from the projects funded by the Canby Business Enhancement Grants. Eligibility Criteria Applicant must be an authorized representative of a local business located within Canby city limits. An applicant will only be eligible to apply for a grant if any previously awarded grant projects (which would have been funded in 2023 as part of the Community Enhancement Grant) complied with all grant procedures including submitting final grant report. Canby’s Business Enhancement Grants may not be used for costs associated with salaries or operations. For more information, visit City of Canby.

Comcast RISE provides grants to help an even broader range of small businesses, while continuing to focus on diversity, inclusion, and community investment. Donor Name: Comcast RISE State: Selected States City: Selected Cities Type of Grant: Program Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Comcast RISE was created in 2020 to help small businesses hardest hit by COVID-19 recover and thrive. They’re pleased to bring Comcast RISE back in 2024, and they’re proud to continue the efforts to help an even broader range of small businesses, while continuing to focus on diversity, inclusion, and community investment. The program is built to help businesses and their communities thrive with a focus on economic growth. This year, Comcast RISE will award 500 recipients in five cities with a grant package that includes business consultation services, educational resources, monetary grant, creative production, media schedule, and a technology makeover. Funding Information Each Winner will receive $5,000 US Dollars in the form of a cash grant (“Monetary Grant”), a creative and media campaign (“Creative and Media Campaign”), a technology makeover (“Tech Makeover”), business education courses (“Education”), and a consultation (“Consultation”). This is awarded based on the judging criteria above. The Monetary Grant award consists of a $5,000 cash prize. The Creative and Media Campaign award consists of the production of a turnkey 30-second television commercial and the right to use that television commercial in a one hundred-eighty (180) day linear TV media schedule. After completion of the 180 day media schedule, recipients will have the opportunity to purchase an extension to the Media Campaign at then-current rates. Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”) of each Creative and Media Campaign prize: $17,500.00. The Education award consists of access to online business education courses through a 12-month complimentary LinkedIn Learning account. The Consultation award consists of a business assessment and tactical planning; business to business coaching; and mentorship to advise on how to grow business. The Technology Makeovers will include some combination of Comcast Business Internet, Voice, and cybersecurity malware detection with no monthly service charge for up to a 12-month period and computer equipment from a selection of laptops and/or tablets. Tech Makeover services can only be awarded to one business location for a 12- month consecutive period. Value of Comcast Business service and equipment not to exceed $7,500.00 for the year. Comcast Business will install services and a modem(s) at the business location specified on the submission. After completion of the 12-month period, recipients will have the opportunity to subscribe to the Comcast Business service at current rates. Exact make, model, type, and quantity of computer equipment received to be determined by Sponsor, in its sole discretion. ARV of each Tech Makeover prize: $7,500.00. Application Criteria To be eligible to apply, companies must meet the following criteria: Open only to eligible small businesses located and operating in one (1) of these geographies (as defined by Comcast via zip codes) in the United States: Atlanta, GA Southern Colorado Houston, TX Jacksonville, FL Richmond, VA Small business must be owned by an individual eighteen (18) years of age or older as of the start of the Program Period that also meets the following eligibility requirements: Person who owns the business is the primary decision maker for, and has been actively engaged in, the day-to-day operations of the business Owner owns at least 51% of the equity of said business Business is independently owned and operated and not a franchise location Business has been actively operating for at least three (3) years Business has been revenue generating for at least the 12 months prior to the Program Period Business does not fall into any of the following categories: Non-profit Chamber of Commerce Public or private education provider that participates in the FCCs E-Rate Universal Service Program Church or Religious Organizations including nondenominational ministries, interdenominational and ecumenical organizations, and organizations whose main purpose is to study or advance religion Political advertiser Any business related in any way to the growing, marketing, sale, distribution, or use of marijuana or related products Manufacturer or retailer of drug paraphernalia Virtual MVPD Internet Service Provider Gun manufacturer or retailer Fireworks manufacturer or retailer Tobacco/vape manufacturer or retailer Illegal products or services provider Adult entertainment company, including, but not limited to gentlemen’s clubs, adult toy stores, adult magazines, and adult programming services Ride sharing service providers (including independent contractors of ride sharing companies.) Business employs one hundred (100) employees (including full-time and part-time employees) or less Employees of Comcast Corporation, and each of its respective parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are not eligible to enter or win Employees of EY (Ernst & Young), Hello Alice, LinkedIn are not eligible to enter or win Only one submission per business owner Business owner has no prior felony convictions, tax-related convictions, or child support delinquency convictions Business owner may not currently be serving (either in a full time or part time capacity) as a federal, state, or local government or quasi-government official or employee Business or business owner who has previously received a Comcast RISE monetary grant, consultation, media, creative production, or technology makeover is not eligible. For more information, visit Comcast RISE.

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.

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]​