Grants for Small businesses - Energy

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 2024 Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP) and Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) offer grants, funded by the California State Budget, to support projects that reduce methane emissions from dairy and livestock operations in California, with a focus on funding new projects and those that have successfully implemented AMMP projects in the past.

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 Budget Act of 2022 (Senate Bill 178, Skinner) and Government Code section 12100.140 et seq. established an Export Training program within GO-Biz. The program is one-time funding for competitive grants to service providers to develop or scale export training programs and curricula. Respondents to this Request for Proposal (“RFP”) must demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide such training. The key purpose of this program is to fund export training programming that supports California small business owners, provides access to export services for underserved businesses, advances immigrant integration and supports immigrant entrepreneurs, and includes training programs in languages other than English wherever possible. Additionally, this program may consider funding export training programs that are aimed at developing an export-capable workforce should there be sufficient program funding. Organizations are strongly encouraged to collaborate on applications and to utilize each other's resources effectively. Program Objectives:• Equip new-to-export businesses with comprehensive knowledge of global markets and essential international trade knowledge.• Provide ongoing assistance to current exporters, aiding them in sustaining and broadening their presence in foreign markets.• Cultivate a fresh cohort of businesses eligible for the California State Trade Expansion Program, preparing for participation in export promotion activities, including trade shows.

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.

The Geothermal Resources’ Value in Implementing Decarbonization (GRID) FOA aims to advance the Biden-Harris Administration's goals for a carbon-pollution-free electricity sector by 2035 and a net-zero emissions economy by 2050. The program focuses on regional grid modeling studies to quantify geothermal power's potential contribution to a decarbonized grid. Eligible applicants must submit a Letter of Intent by July 24th, 2024, and full applications by September 9th, 2024. The program offers funding between $500,000 and $1,500,000, with an estimated total funding of approximately $7 million.

This program provides financial assistance to businesses and property owners in Portsmouth for improving and renovating commercial spaces to enhance the local streetscape and attract more interest in the area.

The Innes Street Incentive Grant assists property and business owners within the Innes Street Improvement District with enhancements to building facades, landscapes, driveways, and parking lots. Donor Name: City of Salisbury State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: These projects can range from minor repairs and repainting to substantial façade and landscape rehabilitation projects and the installation of new pedestrian amenities such as outdoor seating, planters, awnings, café fences, and lighting. Funding Information The grant is awarded on a 50/50 matching basis with a maximum City participation of $5,000.00 per project.  Eligible Projects Introduction of new pedestrian amenities, including planters, outdoor seating, café fencing, umbrellas, lighting, and art – including the purchase of Salisbury Sculpture Show sculptures  Installation of new façade elements, including signage, lighting, and awnings  Painting of murals and ghost sign restoration  Restoration and rehabilitation of storefronts  Removal of false façades and metal canopies Repair and replacement of windows and doors  Repair or reconstruction of architectural details Repointing brick and masonry repairs  New parking lot amenities, including landscaping and artwork  Paving improvements  Exterior painting  Green building improvements, including solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, green roofs, and white roofs  Other building and landscape beautification projects that enhance that appearance and pedestrian-friendly environment of the Innes Street Improvement District Ineligible Projects  Routine maintenance  Painting of unpainted masonry or brick – excluding approved murals  New building construction  Interior rehabilitation  Properties with any delinquencies in taxes or City utilities cannot be reviewed  Unapproved alterations to buildings, parking lots, and landscapes within the Local Historic District  Projects that have commenced prior to review by the CAC Grants Subcommittee For more information, visit City of Salisbury.

The Municipal Service District Grant Program provides financial assistance to commercial property owners and building tenants for enhancements to building facades, landscapes, and parking lots and the installation of new pedestrian elements. Donor Name: City of Salisbury State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The MSD Incentive Grant assists property and business owners within the Downtown Municipal Service District with enhancements to building facades, landscapes, driveways, and parking lots. These projects can range from minor repairs and repainting to substantial façade and landscape rehabilitation projects and the installation of new pedestrian amenities such as outdoor seating, planters, awnings, café fences, and lighting. Funding Information Grants are awarded on a 50/50 matching basis with a maximum City participation of $5,000. Eligible Projects Introduction of new pedestrian amenities, including planters, outdoor seating, café fencing, umbrellas, lighting, bicycle racks, and art – including the purchase of Salisbury Sculpture Show sculptures  Installation of new façade elements, including signage, lighting, and awnings  Painting of murals and ghost sign restoration  Restoration and rehabilitation of storefronts  Removal of false façades and metal canopies  Repair and replacement of windows and doors  Repair or reconstruction of architectural details  Repointing brick and masonry repairs  New parking lot amenities, including landscaping and artwork  Paving improvements  Exterior painting  Green building improvements, including solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, green roofs, and white roofs  Other building and landscape beautification projects that enhance that appearance and pedestrian-friendly environment of the Municipal Service District  Ineligible Projects  Routine maintenance  Painting of unpainted masonry or brick – excluding approved murals  New building construction  Interior rehabilitation Properties with any delinquencies in taxes or City utilities cannot be reviewed  Unapproved alterations to buildings, parking lots, and landscapes within the Local Historic District  Projects that have commenced prior to review by the CAC Grants Subcommittee For more information, visit City of Salisbury.

This grant aims to fund innovative projects that increase demand flexibility in the Industrial, Agricultural, and Water (IAW) sectors, with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing grid stability, and developing new technologies and strategies for load shifting, in line with California's goal of achieving a 7,000 MW load shift by 2030.

The purpose of this solicitation is to fund demonstrations of community-based virtual power plant (VPP) approaches and demonstrations of innovative energy management systems (EMS) in commercial buildings with the goal of increasing demand flexibility. Demand flexibility refers to comprehensive programs and strategies that align electricity consumption with dynamic grid conditions. These can include both event-based demand response (DR) and load shifting strategies. Accelerating demand flexibility is a key strategy for California to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet the state’s climate and clean energy goals reliably and affordably.    VPPs are portfolios of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as smart thermostats, rooftop solar photovoltaics, electric vehicles (EVs), batteries, and smart water heaters that are actively controlled by software to benefit the power system, consumers, and the environment. While these resources have the potential to meet grid needs as reliably as conventional alternatives such as gas-fired generators, their advantages extend further, offering greater affordability and substantial decarbonization benefits.[3] However, research and development of both technologies and business models is needed to fully capitalize on and understand VPPs’ potential, especially the systems that feature predictive controls and require minimal consumer engagement. The examples of predictive controls relevant to this research include, but are not limited to, the use of artificial intelligence or model predictive controls for EV load shifting or building pre-cooling applications.   Projects will be funded in two groups. Group 1: Virtual Power Plants: Demonstrations that showcase community-based demand flexibility programs as a long-term (10 or more years) grid resource. Project teams must partner with local governments or non-profits to facilitate customer participation and smart device installations. Projects must evaluate the benefits and cost-effectiveness of community-based VPP approaches that use state-of-the-art DER management software (DERMS).   ·       Group 2: Commercial Building Energy Management in Low-Income or Disadvantaged Communities: Demonstrations of innovative EMS in commercial buildings focused on specific characteristics such as interoperability and adherence to open-source standards. Demonstrations require participation in electric investor-owned utility (IOU) or third-party DR programs and partnerships with device and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). These projects must showcase the latest advancements in energy management in the commercial sector and ensure technology adaptability, efficiency, and collaboration within the broader energy landscape.       

This grant provides funding for innovative projects that enhance energy storage technologies to improve grid reliability and support California's transition to 100% clean energy.

This project will develop technical and economic assessments of storing and retrieving hydrogen blends and/or pure hydrogen as well as California-specific decision-making tools, risk mitigation strategies, market and policy recommendations, and community engagement approaches related to those facilities.

The Recipients will implement the program in their awarded region to install energy-efficient electric appliances, energy efficiency measures, and related upgrades directly to low-income households living in single-family, multifamily, and manufactured homes in underresourced communities. Applications are required to (1) include community-based organizations (CBOs) for culturally appropriate outreach, education, and support for participating households and communities, and (2) include expertise in decarbonization of single-family homes, multifamily buildings, and manufactured housing.

The City of West Haven is accepting applications for its American Rescue Plan Act Storefront Façade Improvement Grant Program. Donor Name: City of West Haven State: Connecticut County: New Haven County (CT) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The storefront facade program will provide funds to businesses to enhance the character and attractiveness of the downtown area and other public shopping and pedestrian areas, as well as to provide added safety measures such as additional lighting to these areas. Successful applications will preserve or upgrade existing storefront facades to improve West Haven’s overall aesthetic and vibrance. Uses of Funds Storefront/exterior improvements to facade  New windows  Doors  Awnings  Painting  Signage attached to facade  Siding, brick appointing  Exterior Lighting attached to façade  HVAC installation and/or upgrades  Outdoor dining and patio space (must be affixed to building, no furniture) Grant Information  Eligible applicants can apply for up to $10,000. Ineligible Grant Uses Work that has been completed prior to the execution of an agreement with the Department of Community Development and Planning are not eligible to participate in the program.  New construction  Temporary, portable, or non-permanent improvements  NEON SIGNS  The following improvements are not eligible under this program:  Interior improvements  Roofs, not part of a larger project  Removal of architecturally significant features  Other improvements not included in this list that are deemed ineligible by the City Property Owner/Business Eligibility Criteria  For-profit businesses must meet the definition of a small business, meaning:  Have no more than 50 full time employees, and  Are a small business concern as defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act (which includes, among other requirements, that the business is independently owned and operated, and is not dominant in its field of operation). Project Eligibility Criteria Criteria complies with the most recent US Treasury Guidelines and has been reviewed by our partners at UHY.  Business must be located within the City of West Haven  Business must have less than 50 FTE’s  Improvements must comply with City building and zoning standards. Proposed improvements may be required to receive SHPO approval to ensure any historical features are preserved or considered in the renovation Business must address how the requested funds will be used and relate to the Program objectives  Improvements are limited to the explicit uses listed above  Business must be in good standing with the City of West Haven AND the Connecticut Department of Revenue Service (ie. Fully permitted, up-to-date on taxes)  Business cannot have received alternate Federal, State, or Local funding to cover the        same intended costs  Business cannot have any pending litigation or legal action  Projects concerning outdoor dining are subject to proper permitting and zoning requirements  Note: If Business leases space to which intended capital improvements are to be made, Copy of  Lease and Prior written approval of Lessor will be Required. Additionally, Only Businesses that  Own Property or Businesses with lease term extending through June 2026 will be eligible. For more information, visit CWHC.

Applicants are invited to apply for the Resilience Fund. Donor Name: Restaurants Care State: California 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: Restaurants Care Resilience Fund is a program of the nonprofit California Restaurant Foundation. In 2024, they will be awarding grants of $5,000 to 278 independent restaurants. This fund is powered by generous gifts from PG&E, SoCalGas, and SDG&E.  Funding Information It anticipates awarding $5,000 grants to 278 small businesses Uses for Grant (select one category): Kitchen equipment: Eligible equipment must be energy efficient and qualify for rebates (Hey! That’s extra money to help pay for your equipment!). Items include steamer, rack oven, conveyor broiler, combination oven, conveyor oven, fryer, underfired broiler, convection oven, griddle, and dishwasher. You can use your $5,000 check to purchase from whichever vendor you would like. To learn more about rebates available. Technology upgrades: tell us how you’ll put this grant to work! Eligible uses include POS system, website, accounting software, HR software, inventory management, and loyalty programs.  Employee training: Been meaning to elevate your employee training and systems? Use this grant to design a training program/handbook, purchase ServSafe trainings, or join the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers. Retention bonuses: Reward your best and brightest employees. You will need to state how many employees will receive grants and which positions they have (front of house, back of house, managers). The number of employees and positions do NOT impact your likelihood of getting a grant, we simply want to know how the funds will be used.  Unforeseen hardship: Within the last 12 months, has your restaurant experienced robbery/theft, vandalism, fire/flood, or natural disaster? This grant can help. Eligibility Requirements Must be an independently owned, for-profit restaurant or commercial caterer (franchises, home businesses, food trucks, and meal prep companies are not eligible) Owned by a CA resident 1-5 units Must earn no more than $3 million in annual gross revenue (combined for all units) Commercial customer of either PG&E, SoCalGas, or SDG&E Must be currently open and active for business. For more information, visit Restaurants Care.

The City of Pittsburg Façade Improvement Grant Program aims to spur that investment opportunity by offering up to $10,000 for facade improvements to qualified businesses all across the community. Donor Name: City of Pitsburg State: California City: Pitsburg Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The City of Pittsburg recognizes the importance of investing in its local businesses to help them thrive. These businesses are the heart and soul of the Pittsburg community and are incubators of opportunity and creativity. Businesses with storefronts greatly benefit from investment on those parts of the building that are most visible to the public and face publicly accessible areas such as streets and sidewalks. Investments in these façades provide a number of benefits that include more inviting storefronts, improvements to neighborhood characteristics, reinvestment into older buildings, and more potential foot traffic. The City of Pitsburg is providing small businesses with the opportunity to apply for grants up to $10,000 for façade improvements. The City will be awarding grants each worth up to $10,000 to reimburse expenditures per applicant, from a budget of $30,000. Any additional work above the $10,000 threshold is the responsibility of the applicant. The purpose of these funds is specifically for the enhancement and beautification of public-facing building façades that will improve the image and characteristics of the building, the business, and the City and will create an inviting experience that will mutually benefit the business, its customers, and the Pitsburg community. These funds can be used for the following: Signage Awnings Exterior paint (including an -graffiti exterior paint and coatings) Architectural treatments Stucco, cladding, and/or siding repair Windows Front Entrance Doors Exterior lighting which provides or highlights architectural features Planter boxes Bicycle Racks Other enhancements determined by the City in its sole discretion to enhance the aesthetic value of the building. Eligibility Criteria  The City is seeking to help those businesses with storefronts that would provide the maximum return on investment for the City, while realizing the greatest amount of long-lasting benefits to the business. Businesses must meet the following qualifications. Business must be operating within Pittsburg city limits. Business must have an active City of Pittsburg Business License. Business, and the property where business is located, must have no outstanding, active Code Enforcement cases or building violation cases. Business must be a brick-and-mortar operation with a public-facing storefront. Home-based businesses are ineligible. Shopping Centers with 5 or less tenants are eligible. A property-owner-led application is highly encouraged to create a uniform project, but individual tenants can apply also. Business applying for or located within the structure and/or center to be improved through grant funds may not sell tobacco, alcohol, and/or cannabis products or adult materials. For more information, visit City of Pittsburg.

The Employment Development Department (EDD), in coordination with the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), announces the availability of up to $1 million in California State General Funds for the Evaluation and Technical Assistance (ETA) for the Displaced Oil and Gas Worker Fund (DOGWF). The DOGWF ETA PY 23-24 awardee will be responsible for providing evaluation and technical assistance for DOGWF PY 23-24 program awardees as they pioneer initiatives that guide displaced oil and gas workers into new jobs and career trajectories by extending beyond singular sectors, committed to securing stable, well-compensated, and gratifying roles for these workers across diverse industries. The DOGWF ETA PY 23-24 grant aims to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of DOGWF projects. The initiative seeks to fund an organization with expertise in assessing program and operational capacity, facilitating Communities of Practice (CoPs), conducting a developmental evaluation for continuous learning and improvement, and addressing the needs of displaced workers impacted by energy sector shifts for future policy and program planning. In addition, the ETA awardee will support program grantees with developing and implementing strategies for partnership development, participant assessment, skills transfer, career navigation, administering training stipends, providing wrap-around support, identifying relevant career pathways and training programs, and guidance on participant tracking and performance outcomes reporting. Applicants for the DOGWF ETA must be organizations with the capacity, relationships, and expertise to deliver ETA to grantees across the state. Proposals from non-profit or for-profit consulting, technical assistance, evaluation, capacity-building organizations, labor organizations, community colleges, adult education providers, workforce boards, and education and training providers will be accepted. Proposals must be received by 3 p.m. PST on July 22, 2024. An informational webinar will be held on June 25, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. PST.  Pre-registration is required for all attendees. Please register through the following link by June 24, 2024 by 9 a.m. PST: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EOwky4VSQ06lWDMieX-9bA The EDD encourages applicants to submit a Notice of Intent to apply by July 1, 2024, at noon to [email protected]. To view this SFP, visit the EDD Workforce Development Solicitations for Proposals webpage

The Santa Rosa Improvement Vitalization Enterprise (StRIVE) Grant is intended to provide commercial property owners and business owners grants for façade improvements and signage. Donor Name: Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office State: Florida County: Santa Rosa County (FL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: StRIVE provides funding to upgrade the appearance of property, increase property value, and stimulate economic activity within Santa Rosa County. Funding Information Up to $10,000 to be used for improvements to the exterior façade of a building, including signage. A 100% match is required. Matching funds may be used anywhere in the proposed renovation project. Uses of funds Use Grant Funds for: Exterior Painting Exterior Lighting New Windows & Doors New or Replacement Awnings Restoration of Architectural Features Parking Improvements Screening & Fencing Sprinkler System Signage Soft Costs (licenses, permit fees etc.) Eligibility Criteria  Property must be located within Santa Rosa County and zoned for commercial purposes. Property cannot be exempt from ad valorem property tax. ­ Applicants must have all necessary business licenses/permits/inspections. Any outstanding legal issues that could encumber the property or prohibit immediate use as a commercial venture must be resolved or explained. Any proposed business/tenant must document zoning and land-use eligibility at the proposed location as part of this application. Unoccupied properties must have a signed lease to participate. ­ Property owners must sign the program application and other related documents. Tenants may apply only with property owner’s consent. Applicants are limited to one application per funding cycle. ­StRIVE is based on availability of funds. ­Exterior improvements must comply with applicable city/county code and zoning requirements. It is the responsibility of the applicant to contact the appropriate agency to determine required permits, if any. Once the project has been completed, the property must be eligible to obtain, or already have a certificate of occupancy, and have received the final inspection from the appropriate agency. For more information, visit Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office.

This grant provides matching funds to commercial property owners and businesses in specific zoning districts of Libertyville, Illinois, to improve the appearance and condition of their buildings and sites.