Grants for Small businesses - Workforce Development

This program provides financial support to innovative housing manufacturing businesses in Colorado to help alleviate the housing shortage by reimbursing operating expenses and offering incentives for each unit produced and installed in the state.

This program provides funding to businesses and nonprofits in Colorado to create tailored job training for new hires and existing employees, enhancing workforce skills and competitiveness.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and small businesses in Michigan to enhance training and education for the clean energy workforce while improving access to support services for participants.

The Community Foundation of Huntington County is seeking applications for its Accessibility Grants. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Huntington County State: Indiana County: Huntington County (IN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/18/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Currently there are two potential tracks for possible funding: Pathfinder Services has the Community Accessibility Fund which was created to help communities become more inclusive of all people by funding solutions to accessibility barriers. Funding is available to individuals, families, and businesses to take ownership of the physical barriers in buildings and infrastructure that prevent people with disabilities from fully accessing the use and benefits afforded to all. Accessibility needs must be considered from an individual and community perspective to make the changes necessary to be a welcoming community for all. AWS Foundation has the AWS Foundation Community Accessible Communities Fund was created to help accomplish a goal all individuals with disabilities deserve a choice driven life. Preferences, opinions, priorities and accommodations are best defined by the individual rather than for the individual. This will help provide a more inclusive environment. Opportunities with the following criteria will be considered: presented with a focus on encouraging potential rather than identification of limitations.  social settings that include family and friends are preferred. Age related peer groups and potential for new friends is ideal.  ADA standards are the law and the minimum. Exceeding through the principals of Universal Design is desirable.  enhance and support education and employment potential will contribute to greater independence for the individual.  No one has all the answers. Collaboration increases the potential for greater opportunities. For more information, visit  Community Foundation of Huntington County.

This program provides financial assistance to businesses, municipalities, and railroads in Michigan for upgrading rail infrastructure to boost economic growth and increase rail freight usage.

This program provides small employers in Michigan with matching funds, up to $5,000, to invest in safety and health equipment and training, prioritizing high-hazard industries to improve workplace safety and reduce injury risks.

This program provides financial support and mentorship to diverse-led small businesses in Texas, promoting job creation and growth among underrepresented groups.

This grant provides financial support and educational resources to diverse-led businesses in Illinois, helping them grow and create new jobs.

This grant provides $50,000 to diverse-led small businesses in Pennsylvania and New Jersey that meet specific criteria, aiming to support underrepresented entrepreneurs in creating new jobs and fostering business growth.

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 Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant Program is designed to award funds to for-profit, Alabama-based companies that have been granted Federal Small Business Innovation Research Program or Federal Small Business Technology Transfer Program (the “Federal SBIR/STTR Program”) Phase I or Phase II awards. Donor Name: Innovate Alabama State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/02/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Federal SBIR/STTR Program encourages innovative small businesses to engage in research that has the potential for technological innovation and commercialization. Increase the number and types of applications for the Federal SBIR/STTR Program submitted by Alabama-based small businesses conducting research and technology development. Help Alabama companies bridge the funding gap period between the final Phase I payment and the first Phase II payment in the Federal SBIR/STTR Program. Encourage the establishment and growth of high-quality companies committed to the overall economic development of Alabama and to supporting entrepreneurship and innovation across the State. Encourage the establishment of high-wage jobs in Alabama in both moderately and highly skilled occupations. Increase the commercial success of Alabama SBIR/STTR projects. Funding Information Phase I Awards Innovate Alabama may grant available funds to applicants that received funding under Phase 1 of the Federal SBIR/STTR Program in amounts not to exceed the lesser of either: 50% of the award made to the applicant under Phase I of the Federal SBIR/STTR Program; or $100,000.00. Phase II Awards Innovate Alabama may grant available funds to applicants that received funding under Phase II of the Federal SBIR/STTR Program in amounts not to exceed the lesser of either: 50% of the award made to the applicant under Phase II of the Federal SBIR/STTR Program; or $250,000.00. Uses of Funds Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant recipients can utilize these funds to support and grow their businesses, through: Highly Skilled New Hires Business Plan Development Product Testing Market Research Intellectual Property Protection Technical Work Eligibility Requirements The applicant must meet all requirements under the Federal SBIR/STTR Program at the time of their application for the Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant Program.  The applicant must meet the following requirements at the time their application for the Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant Program is made, or within a reasonable time before the distribution of any award (in the sole discretion of Innovate Alabama) and for five years after any award is made under such program Within 12 months after receipt of the grant:  The applicant must have its primary place of business in Alabama;  The majority of the applicant’s top executives must live in Alabama as their place of residence; and At least a majority of the applicant’s employees must live in Alabama as their place of residence. The applicant must be a participant in the E-Verify program. As a part of implementing this Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant Program, any applicant who was awarded Phase I or Phase II funding under the Federal SBIR/STTR Program that was active as of July 1, 2023, or thereafter, is eligible to apply at this time. Once a supplemental award has been made for a Phase I or Phase II of an underlying SBIR/STTR, an application for additional funds for that same phase award may not be requested. For more information visit Innovate Alabama.

The Mayer Economic Development Authority (EDA) Local Business Improvement Grant Program is designed to stimulate private investment in high-quality improvements that contribute to the overall strength and community vitality of local business economy. Donor Name: Mayer Economic Development Authority State: Minnesota City: Mayer Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: 06/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Mayer EDA establishes funding to assist private business owners in their efforts to make broad improvements to enhance the economic prosperity of the community. Funding Information Program grants are up to a $10,000 match. A minimum of 1:1 match for funding is required. An applicant may only be awarded one grant per property per 12-month period. Eligibility Criteria Grants will be made available to owners or tenants of a commercial property located within the corporate limits of the City of Mayer, Minnesota. The business must be current on all applicable taxes, licenses, permits, and in good standing with the State of Minnesota. The business must be current on their utility account with the City of Mayer. Ineligible Applicants Home based or primarily residential businesses. Churches. Schools or other similar institutions. For more information, visit EDA.

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.

The City of Dearborn is accepting applications for its Small Business Grant Program. Donor Name: City of Dearborn State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The program will enable Dearborn Small Businesses with 15 or fewer employees who have been in business in Dearborn for at least five years and are in good standing with the City to apply for $5,000 in assistance to improve their business, with an expected $2,500 match from the business themselves. The grant dollars can be put towards the following improvements: Facade improvements (paint, windows, building face materials, etc.) Awnings Other exterior improvements (signage, patios, walkways, landscaping, etc.) Eligibility Criteria Any Dearborn business that meets the following requirements can apply for funding: In business in Dearborn for at least 5 years No more than 15 employees  In good standing with the City, State, and IRS, and not in bankruptcy.  Business owner(s) must not be listed on the MI State Police Sex Offender Registry For more information, visit City of Dearborn.

Equip Harlingen is a small business matching grant program offered by the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation that provides up to Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000) for new equipment purchases for businesses that are looking to expand their production capabilities. Donor Name: Harlingen Economic Development Corporation State: Texas City: Harlingen Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This grant encourages the retention and creation of jobs for business enterprises in the City of Harlingen to stimulate further economic activity. Applicants must have been in business at least one full year prior to the application date. Funding Information Financial assistance to eligible commercial businesses for equipment purchases is fifty percent (50%) of the incurred costs, not to exceed Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000). Eligible Expenses New equipment that will allow the business to increase production to expand its operations or generate more sales. Equipment must be under warranty when purchased. Such equipment may include: stoves, ovens, refrigerators, lathes, table saws, tooling machines, plastic injection molding machines, etc. Equipment essential for the creation of more products. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible businesses must be for-profit entities occupying commercial space. Applicants must demonstrate that they have been in business within a commercial space for the previous 12 months of the application date. Applicants must be a commercial property owner and/ or an existing for-profit business (tenant) within the city limits of Harlingen, TX with fewer than 20 employees. National chains (more than three) or franchises are not eligible. Establishments with more than two locations are not eligible. Only one business per person will be considered. All existing business owner applicants must possess a current City of Harlingen Business Tax Receipt, and must generate local sales taxes. The business or owner must not be currently recipients of Harlingen EDC  incentives or must not have received a Harlingen EDC incentive as of December 31, 2021 including a Revitalize Harlingen Grant. All applicants (business and/ property owner) must not have outstanding code enforcement violations or liens (unless related to a change of use). All applicants must be current on rental, mortgage and all tax payments if applicable. For more information, visit Harlingen EDC.

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.

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.

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.

The Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) will administer the PROMISE Act Grant program for small businesses in southwest Minnesota located within its service area. Donor Name: Southwest Initiative Foundation State: Minnesota County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Competitive from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to organizations that have been adversely affected by lack of access to capital, loss of population or an aging population, structural racial discrimination, civil unrest, and/or lack of regional economic diversification. The most competitive applicants have experienced economic hardship and did not receive significant COVID-19 relief funding of more than $10,000 from the State of Minnesota. Priority Criteria Business either did not receive pandemic relief grants from the State of Minnesota, or received $10,000 or less in the following pandemic relief grants from the State of Minnesota:  Minnesota Small Business Loan Guarantee  Minnesota Small Business Relief Grants Minnesota Main Street COVID-19 Relief Grants  Minnesota Business Relief Payments AND/OR  Experienced 10% or greater decrease in gross revenue, or any reduction in net income, in 2022 as compared to 2021. Tax documents for 2022 and 2021 will need to be uploaded to verify. If you were not in business in 2021 but were in 2022, you can still apply. Funding Information Competitive grants range between $10,000 to $50,000. Eligiblity Criteria Business must have a primary business operating within the SWIF’s service area which includes the counties of Big Stone, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Swift and Yellow Medicine; and Pezihutazizi Oyate (Upper Sioux Community) and Cansayapi Oyate (Lower Sioux Indian Community).  Home based businesses are eligible to apply, so long as at least 50% of the employees are based in Minnesota.  Sole proprietors are also eligible to apply but will be required to demonstrate business income sources separately from other sources of income.  Businesses not operating within the SWIF region should review the DEED website to determine which organization to apply through, as this is a statewide program with different organizations administering in various regions.  Business owner(s) and any directors or officers have not been convicted of a crime related to any state law.  Business is in good standing with the Department of Revenue.  Businesses with $750,00 or less in gross revenue (based on 2021 and 2022 taxes). Have a minimum of $10,000 in revenue in 2022.  Businesses must be registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State, if required by Minnesota State Law. Sole proprietors operating their business under their own name do not need to be registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State.  Nonprofits operating like a for-profit business, earning 30% or more of revenue on an ongoing basis through non-tax-deductible sales or dues in a fee-for-service model similar to for-profit businesses.  Definition of “business-like” revenue that counts toward meeting the 30% threshold includes: program service revenue, membership dues, unrelated or other business income. Revenue that does not count towards meeting the 30% revenue includes: contributions, gifts or grants; fundraising events; asset sales; investment income.  Business is operating as of the application date and can produce documents of ongoing operations. This can include recent invoices, payroll records, current lease or other business activity For more information, visit SWIF.

The Creative Economy Fund (fka Creative Industries Incentive Fund) awards project grants to arts, cultural, and creative-based commercial businesses that are located in the City of San José and involved in the production or distribution of the arts, including manufacturers, service providers, presenters, and designers, among others. Donor Name: Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI) State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Funding supports projects and activities aimed at building successful arts, cultural, and creative-based small businesses in San José.  The Creative Economy Fund is an initiative of the City of San José Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs (OEDCA). The Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI), a nonprofit intermediary focused on the economic security of individuals in the arts, is partnering with OEDCA to administer the Creative Economy Fund.  The goals of the Creative Economy Fund are to: Enhance San José’s creative economy. Bolster the growth and financial resilience of small arts, cultural, and creative-based businesses in San José. Provide financial support to artists and creative entrepreneurs (across all disciplines in both the non-commercial and commercial arenas). Funding Information For the 2024 grantmaking round, a total of $40,000 is available. Grants of up to $8,000 will be awarded through a competitive grant application process. Competitive applicants will contribute to the city’s cultural vibrancy, demonstrate readiness for project implementation, grow and achieve greater financial resilience, and demonstrate economic impact (e.g., attracting visitors, generating sales tax, creating jobs) in the City of San José. Competitive applicants will also reflect the City’s diverse cultural communities and creative-based commercial landscape. Period of Support     September 2024 – September 2025. Eligibility Criteria  To be eligible for Creative Economy Fund consideration, businesses must meet the following criteria:  Be a commercial enterprise, including small businesses (defined by the City of San José as businesses with 35 employees or less) and sole proprietorships (Note: businesses do not have to be brick and mortar; they can be online storefronts or nomadic enterprises); Be based in San José; Primarily provides a cultural, creative, or arts-related service or product;  Be in good standing with the City of San José, evidenced through possession of an active San José business tax certificate (aka business license, business permit)* and fulfillment of OEDCA or any other City department’s funding requirements, if applicable; and Cannot have a conflict of interest (family or financial relationships) with the boards, staff, and directors of CCI or OEDCA. The following are ineligible for funding consideration: Nonprofits; Individuals, organizations, or projects that will use a fiscal sponsor to receive grant funds if funding is approved; Businesses that are not arts, cultural, or creative-based;  Projects that are already funded through another Office of Cultural Affairs grant program;  Projects that have already taken place (funding can only be applied to expenses accrued during the grant period); and Incomplete Creative Economy Fund applications. For more information, visit CCI.