Grants for Small businesses - Infrastructure

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture is offering the Resilient Food System Infrastructure grant, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, to support Vermont-based businesses and organizations in strengthening local and regional food systems by increasing market access, production, and product diversity, with a focus on creating new revenue streams and economic opportunities, improving job quality, and enhancing compliance with food safety requirements.

This program provides mentorship and resources to early-stage startups focused on innovative transportation solutions, including self-driving technology and electric vehicles, to help them grow and prepare for investment opportunities.

The City of San Carlos is offering a Childcare Grant Program, providing funding between $10,000 to $100,000 for local childcare centers, family childcare homes, and non-profit centers to fund capital improvement projects aimed at increasing childcare spaces, particularly for infants and children with special needs, with applications due by October 18, 2024.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is accepting applications for its Manufacturing Retention Grant Program to retain a company’s operating presence in Illinois by encouraging investments in its employees, facilities, equipment, technologies, and infrastructure. Donor Name: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity State: Illinois County: McDonough County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/25/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: This is a new program with limited awards, supported though the Enterprise Fund administered by DCEO. Enterprise Fund grants may encompass a wide range of economic development projects including infrastructure, capital equipment purchases and any employee related expenditures that will result in job retention in Illinois.  The primary goal of this grant is to retain the company’s manufacturing campus in Bushnell at operating production levels that support the minimum employment level of 100 employees at this site.  Funding Information Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is $5,000,000. Grant Period The period of performance is expected to be from September 1, 2024 through August 31, 2026.  Eligible Expenses Eligible expenses for these funds include: Employee payroll for existing employees, including unpaid backpay incurred from 5/14/2024 through the time of grant period. Invoices for services incurred from 5/14/2024 through the time of grant period. Training expenses for existing employees.  Machinery, Equipment, Tooling Refurbishment /Replacement (e.g., forging hammers & dies, Swiss lathes, forklift maintenance, EDM mills & dies). Facility Repairs (e.g., roof repair, air compressor installation, safety & electrical upgrades, site demolition & clean-up). Productivity/Innovation (e.g., robotics reprogramming & expansion, induction heat furnaces, material storage redesign). Replenishment of Inventory (e.g., maintain stocking levels at standard amounts to support daily production). Eligibility Criteria Must be a private for-profit business entity.  Must be the legal owner of and have the authority to implement investments in a major manufacturing complex located in Bushnell, IL. Must have extensive direct applicable experience in operating a successful tool manufacturing firm. Business entity must have less than 1,000 employees.  Must have acquired a tool manufacturing firm in McDonough County that has a minimum 100 full-time equivalent employees.  For more information, visit DCEO.

The Regional Site Readiness Program’s Capital Ready Grant Program, funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, offers between $250,000 to $3,000,000 to local governments, economic development organizations, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and private landowners for infrastructure and capital improvements to prepare sites for future industrial and manufacturing development across all counties in Illinois.

The Regional Site Readiness Program’s Planning Grant, funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, offers $100,000 to $500,000 to local governments, economic development organizations, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and private landowners for planning and due diligence activities aimed at preparing industrial and manufacturing sites for future development across all counties in Illinois.

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.

Apply now to the Wells Fargo Equitable Access Boost Camp presented in partnership with Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN). Donor Name: Hello Alice State: All States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Program Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/16/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Eligibility Criteria To be eligible to enter a business in the Program, you (“Officer”) must be all of the following as of the first day of the Program Period (defined below): an entrepreneur who is the leading executive (i.e. Founder and/or President, CEO, CFO, COO, or any such other similar title) of a business that meets the below business criteria; a legal resident of one of the fifty United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico; eighteen (18) years of age or older (19 in AL and NE). To be eligible to participate in the program, the business (“Entrant”) must meet all of the following criteria as of the first day of the Program Period: Be a for-profit business located and registered in one of the fifty United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico; Must be willing to participate in a virtual 12-week Business Accelerator b. Must be willing to participate in a 12-week virtual business Boost Camp beginning in September or October (depending on preferred start time); and Have a demonstrated need for business coaching to support growth. The potential winners are subject to verification of eligibility by Sponsors, which may include completing associated documentation. Entry Qualifications Sponsors may disqualify any Entry that, as adjudged in Sponsors’ determination: contains any material that is indecent, obscene, hateful, discriminatory; defamatory, slanderous, libelous, unlawful, or otherwise inappropriate; is submitted in bad faith, is inappropriate, or otherwise violates these Terms and Conditions; is submitted by an Entrant or Officer who is ineligible or noncompliant with these Terms and Conditions; and/or, is submitted by any person who tampers with or abuses any aspect of the Program or the Hello Alice website, who acts in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner, who violates these Terms and Conditions, or about whom a background check provides unsatisfactory results. If there is a dispute about who submitted an Entry, the authorized account holder of the email address used to register will be deemed to be the Officer and the business identified in the Entry will be deemed the Entrant for the Program. The “authorized account holder” is the natural person assigned an email address by an Internet access provider, online service provider, or other organization responsible for assigning email addresses for the domain associated with the submitted address. The Officer may be required to show proof of being the authorized account holder. For more information, visit Hello Alice.

This program provides matching funds to business and property owners in Alameda for improving the exterior appearance of their buildings through enhancements like painting, signage, and architectural restoration.

The Economic Assistance Grant Program assists Utah businesses in promoting and supporting economic opportunities in the state and provides services related to industry, education, community development, or infrastructure. Donor Name: Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity State: Utah County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Based on the categories stated above, grant prioritization includes: Projects focused on developing Utah’s five targeted industries: Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace & Defense, Financial Services, Life Sciences & Healthcare, and Software & IT. Funding Tiers Funding tiers are set to encourage applications from businesses of all sizes, with project budgets and grant requests both small and large. EAG tiers include: Tier 1 – For grant requests up to and including $50,000. Tier 2 – For grant requests greater than $50,000, up to and including $100,000. Tier 3 – For grant requests greater than $100,000, up to a maximum award of $200,000. Project Period Project can be completed within 18 months from the award date. Criteria For this grant, a business is defined as a for-profit or nonprofit entity. Government entities are not eligible to apply. To qualify for this grant, an applicant’s principal place of business must be in Utah, and the applicant must be registered and in good standing with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code. For more information, visit Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity.

The City of Dallas Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability’s (OEQS) Urban Agriculture Division announces its partnership with Dallas County Health and Human Services on the implementation of an Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Support Program. Donor Name: City of Dallas State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/02/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The main goal of UAISP is to strengthen the capacities of urban growers and farmers in the city of Dallas, thereby advancing food security, fostering healthier communities, and mitigating disparities within the local food system. More specifically, the grant aims to assist farmers and food growers in the planning, design, and installation of eligible infrastructures, while also streamlining the permitting process.  Funding Information The available amount for this pilot program grant is $99,600 with maximum reimbursements of up to $10,000 per applicant.  Allowable Expenditures  Permissible costs mainly encompass expenditures associated with the planning, design, and/or implementation of power or water infrastructure to support the production, aggregation, and/or processing of food. Projects involved in activities falling within this scope will receive preferential consideration during the application evaluation and selection process. The following is an itemized list of some costs that the program will reimburse: Project/Infrastructure plans or designs.  Urban agriculture infrastructure counseling and professional services  Utility connections to on or off-grid water systems, including drip irrigations.  Utility connections for off-grid energy supporting urban agriculture operations. Contracted labor/installations. Greenhouses/hoop houses.  Versatile high tunnels (multi-season).  Cold storage temperature control equipment. Grow light systems.  Bee hives.  Other expenses deemed allowable by DCHHS & the City of Dallas Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for funding, individuals or establishments must fulfill the following criteria:  Engage in edible farming and gardening, and/or participate in aggregation, and/or process agricultural food products.  Contribute to the local food system by either engaging in food production and/or facilitating access to healthy and safe foods.  Clearly demonstrate a need for funding to improve food-related infrastructure.  For more information, visit City of Dallas.

The spring application period for Wentzville’s Facade Improvement Grant Program is now open! Donor Name: City of Wentzville State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose of this program is to permit and encourage the preservation of historic structures and avoid general neighborhood deterioration through renovation and restoration. This program is open to businesses and mixed-use buildings more than 30 years old that are located in the HD-1, HD-2 or HD-3 zoning districts.  These grants are designed to: Boost property development Strengthen new and existing businesses Facilitate the rehabilitation and modernization of downtown buildings. Funding Information Facade Improvement Grants are a 50-50 match for an amount not to exceed $10,000, per project. For more information, visit City of Wentzville.

The Business Development Grant Program is to promote economic development aimed at creating new job opportunities, filling vacant store fronts, and encouraging diversification, additional private sector investment and in-fill business development. Donor Name: Town of Perryville State: Maryland County: Cecil County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This program will provide existing and new small businesses with funds necessary to meet operational needs and remain financially viable. Eligible Use of funds Building improvements, purchase of machinery, equipment, furniture, fixtures, inventory, the purchase or leasing of property, advertising campaigns, and other costs associated with opening or expanding a business. Eligibility Criteria  Applicant must be a new/existing business owner within the corporate limits of the Town of Perryville. If applicant is not the property owner (i.e. tenant), written permission must be given by property owner for building improvement application requests. Applicant and property must not have any current zoning or other Code violations and be in good standing (current on all monies owed, such as, but not limited to, taxes, water & sewer bills, trader’s license) with the Town of Perryville, Cecil County and the State of Maryland. Business must be located in the following zoning districts: Neighborhood Business (NB), Town Center (TC), Highway Commercial (C2), Residential Marine (RM), Commercial Maritime (CM-1 & 2). Eligibility within the R-1, R-2 and R-3 Residential districts shall be limited to existing businesses only. Applicants must be one of the following for profit entities: sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, cooperative or LLC. For more information, visit Town of Perryville.

The City of Wentzville is accepting applications for its Business Development Grant Program. Donor Name: City of Wentzville State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This program is open to new or significantly expanding businesses in Wentzville’s Historic Downtown zoning districts (HD-1, HD-2 or HD-3). The Business Development Grant is designed to ease start-up and/or business development costs. The grant can be used for various interior building improvements such as paint, finish carpentry, flooring or countertops. New businesses must have been open for less than 12 months. These grants are designed to: Boost property development Strengthen new and existing businesses Facilitate the rehabilitation and modernization of downtown buildings. For more information, visit City of Wentzville.

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 City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) accepting applications Juneau Affordable Housing Fund (JAHF) to promote the creation of affordable housing in the Capital City. Donor Name: City and Borough of Juneau State: Alaska County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/23/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Program Goals and Objectives  The primary purpose for establishing the JAHF is to direct financial resources for creation of affordable (0% to 80% area median income (AMI)) and middle-income housing units (80% to 120% AMI) in the City and Borough of Juneau through the following activities: Funding capital costs of rental and ownership housing; Funding for capacity‐building activities of non‐profit housing developers; Leveraging CBJ investments with other fund sources to maximize the number of quality affordable and middle-income housing units that are created or preserved. Funding Priorities The following are priorities of the JAHF in line with the priorities of the CBJ Housing Action Plan. Use of Capital to Develop Housing Units: Funding for capital costs for acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, or preservation of affordable or middle-income housing, senior housing, and possibly homeowner opportunities. Long‐Term Affordability: Units created using JAHF funds that include affordability covenants or that are permanently affordable are preferred. Downtown Housing Development: Units developed within the boundaries established by the Downtown Juneau Residential Tax Abatement Map, Ordinance 2021-01(c)(am) . Funding Information Funds will typically be made available in the following forms: Grants for non-profit organizations and public housing authorities targeting households in the affordable housing range (0% to 80% AMI), and; Low-interest loans for private developers building affordable or middle-income housing; Long-term rental units, with restrictions on short-term rentals; and Qualifying projects are eligible for grants and loans up to $50,000 per housing unit created and for other eligible uses on a similar per-unit basis. For profit-developer projects utilizing JAHF funds for middle-income housing must reserve at least 20% of units for tenants with gross incomes at 80% or less AMI for at least ten years or the life of the loan. Uses of Funds Funding is available for the following uses: For acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, or preservation of affordable housing located within the City and Borough of Juneau, including activities such as: Purchase of developable real estate; Fees for architects and other professionals; Demolition to make way for affordable or middle-income housing; Building materials and labor costs. Costs incurred by nonprofit organizations to develop or implement a specific affordable or middle-income housing project. Examples include: Capacity building such as training, legal, and accounting costs; Technical assistance such as development consultants. Eligibility Criteria  Public and regional housing authorities Non-profit organizations Tribal governments For-profit developers. For more information, visit CBJ.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is seeking applications for its 2025 Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin Grants to strengthen Wisconsin’s agriculture and food industries by helping farms and businesses more efficiently process, market, and distribute locally grown food products. Donor Name: Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection State: Wisconsin County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: Managed by DATC​P, the grants can help farms and business more efficiently process, market and distribute food in local markets including stores, schools and institutions. Keeping food dollars in Wisconsin communities supports local businesses, improves farm​ incomes, and creates jobs.​ Funding Information Grant requests must be between $5,000 and $50,000. Grant Period Projects can receive grant funds for up to three years. Eligibility Criteria Qualified applicants include individuals, groups, or businesses involved in Wisconsin production agriculture, food processing, food distribution, food warehousing, retail food establishments, or agricultural tourism operations. Funded projects must report on increased local food sales, created and retained jobs, and new investments. For more information, visit DATCP.

The Kansas City Outdoor Dining Enhancement Grant Program is offering eligible restaurants an opportunity to apply for grants of up to $15,000 to enhance their outdoor dining spaces. Donor Name: City of Kansas City State: Missouri City: Kansas City Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This program aligns with the City’s broader goals of fostering a thriving local economy, supporting small businesses, and creating vibrant, community-oriented neighborhoods. Funding Information Eligible businesses can apply for a grant up to $15,000 to enhance their outdoor dining spaces. Eligiblity Criteria To be eligible a restaurant must:  Be a private, for-profit, full-service restaurant.  Be located within Kansas City, Missouri  Possess all necessary licenses and permits for your business, and be in good standing with the city, a KCMO Tax Clearance letter will be required.  Use the Grant funds to increase the total number of available tables for outdoor dining, specifically, at least six (6) months out of a calendar year.  Must have been in business for at least one (1) year, i.e. acquired a KCMO business license as of July 1, 2023. The size of Street Café or Sidewalk Café to be used must be able to accommodate a 5-foot clear path to meet ADA requirements.  The totality of all grant monies issued must be used for the sole purpose of outdoor dining enhancement of the space listed on application, including but not limited to, building structure construction, building infrastructure, expanding walkways, purchasing of furniture and coverings and necessary permit(s) costs. For more information, visit City of Kansas City.

The City of Wickliffe (City) is pleased to offer commercial, non-franchised property owners and/or business owners a reimbursement grant program for the purpose of improving the appearance of storefronts, including front façade, parking lots, signage or street-visible hardscaping. Donor Name: The City of Wickliffe State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: More than 10 Years Details: Goals Promote reinvestment and restoration of commercial property  Support efforts to improve the exterior aesthetics of commercial buildings  Contribute to the economic growth and prosperity of Wickliffe  Attract, retain and support locally-owned businesses Types of Eligible Projects Front Exterior Façade  May include new/restored front doors and windows, painting, siding, tuck pointing (which does not exceed 50% of the project cost), awnings or outdoor cafes (which are visible from the street). Signage  May include items that bear company marks, such as signage, awnings and/or window/door graphics, along with any restorations that are necessary due to the project.  Parking Lot  May include seal coating, resurfacing or full reconstruction, either in asphalt and/or concrete. Pot hole filling or concrete repairs are permissible only when they are part of a larger, approved project. Maximum grant amount for parking lot funding not to exceed $1,000.00.  Street-Visible Hardscaping  May include perennial plantings, if they are part of a larger, hardscape project.  Annual Plantings: $200.00 maximum grant. Funding Information Reimbursement assistance of up to 50% of total, eligible project costs, with the reimbursement amount not to exceed $10,000. Requirements One grant per Applicant, per building, within a calendar year.  The City reserves the right to permit additional grants for businesses at a single location, in the event the City deems it is in the City’s best interest.  If a business/tenant is the Applicant, the property owner must confirm support of the project.  The Applicant is responsible to pay for 100% of the project cost up front, as the grant is intended to be a reimbursement once the project is complete.  All real estate taxes must be paid and current, all City income taxes (collected by RITA) will need to be current, and there may not be any delinquent bills owed to the City or to Lake County, Ohio. There must be no violations with any City, County or State code requirements.  Any/all businesses must have current occupancy certificates and business licenses before a grant will be issued. All City requirements must be met, including securing the necessary zoning permits, building permits and approvals from the Architectural Board of Review, Board of Zoning Appeals and/or City Planning Commission, as may be required. For more information, visit City of Wickliffe.

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.