Grants for Small businesses - Workforce Development

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.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Texas Rural Woman Grant. Donor Name: Texas Woman’s University State: Texas County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/05/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose is to create greater economic development activity in rural Texas by encouraging and enabling rural woman-owned, small businesses to undertake new and innovative projects. Funding Information A total of ten $5,000 grants for a total of $50,000 are available for this round of funding. What can the funds be used for? Purchase of machinery, equipment, or technology. Farm implements or machinery. Addition or acquisition of new inventory or raw materials. Purchase and installation of fixtures or display units. Property improvements that will result in increased sales and revenue. Marketing or advertising campaigns. Any other business-related activity that CWE deems is aligned with the stated purpose of this program. Who can apply? Eligible businesses must satisfy all of the following conditions: Existing rural, woman-owned businesses (at least 51% directly owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens). The business owner must reside in Texas. The business must currently be set up as a legal business entity. The business must be a for-profit corporation, partnership, LLP or LLC, or sole proprietorship. Not-for-profit corporations or similar nonprofit entities are not eligible. If the business or business owner owns the premises where the business operates, all property taxes must be current. All sales, payroll, and other taxes must be current. The business must be located and operated within an eligible Texas County. The business, business owner and the applicant must not be involved in any pending or current litigation. The business owner must not have any felonies or convictions for a crime of dishonesty or breach of trust. Previous grant winners cannot apply. The business must be in one of the eligible rural counties in Texas. The business, business owner and applicant are operating with all required permits and licenses and are conforming to all required laws. Grant Requirements  The successful applicant will receive two installments of the award: $2,500 after signing the grant agreement, a photo release and all required paperwork for payment. $2,500 following completion of a small business training course hosted by the Center for Women Entrepreneurs, 3 hours of small business advising/mentoring and submission and approval of a completed business plan with three years of financials. Additionally, itemized receipts or proof of purchases made with initial grant funds of $2,500 (costs must have been incurred after receiving grant funding) must be provided to CWE to receive the remaining $2,500. You need to meet with CWE staff to talk over the grant specifics and ask any questions you have. Use the spreadsheet that the CWE provides for documentation. The University will send winners a 1099 for the grant funds received. Ineligible applicants Any business that is not on the rural county list. TWU faculty/staff (or any immediate family member of the applicant’s family, including spouse, child, parent), trustee, and advisory committee member. TWU Students are not eligible to apply. Prior grant winners. Applicants who have taken part in any CWE program in the last year including AccelerateHER, TechFW or NTEEC awardees. For more information, visit TWU.

The Southern STEM Network Grant VI, administered by the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology (OSIT), aims to support innovative initiatives that help develop an educated, skilled, and diverse STEM workforce in Southern Nevada. Projects should address increased participation in high-quality STEM programs from underserved groups, raise awareness about STEM opportunities, and ensure high-quality STEM education with engaged business partners across all counties, cities, and districts. Funding is available up to $50,000, with applications due by June 28, 2024. Eligible projects include pilot programs, scaling up existing programs, or extending successful initiatives from other regions.

The Rural STEM Network Grant VI, administered by the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology (OSIT), aims to support innovative initiatives that help develop a diverse workforce in Rural Nevada with the skills and education needed by STEM industries. Projects should address increased participation in high-quality STEM programs from underserved groups, raise awareness about STEM opportunities, and ensure high-quality STEM education with engaged business partners across all counties, cities, and districts. Funding is available up to $50,000, with applications due by June 28, 2024. Eligible projects include pilot programs, scaling up existing programs, or extending successful initiatives from other regions.

The Northwestern STEM Network Grant VI, administered by the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology (OSIT), aims to support innovative initiatives that align with the objective of developing a diverse talent pool to meet the employment needs of Northwestern Nevada’s evolving STEM industries. Projects should address equity in STEM, raise awareness about STEM opportunities, and ensure high-quality STEM education with engaged business partners across all counties, cities, and districts. Funding is available up to $50,000, with applications due by June 28, 2024. Eligible projects include pilot programs, scaling up existing programs, or extending successful initiatives from other regions.

The UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge, powered by Innovation Works and funded by the BNY Mellon Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania, creates cross-sector partnerships to solve some of community’s most pressing problems. Donor Name: Innovation Works State: Pennsylvania County: Allegheny County (PA), Armstrong County (PA), Beaver County (PA), Butler County (PA), Fayette County (PA), Greene County (PA), Indiana County (PA), Lawrence County (PA), Washington County (PA), Westmoreland County (PA) Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes Deadline: 07/08/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge, an annual competition to promote entrepreneurship that makes a lasting community impact in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Since its founding in 2015, the UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge has allocated more than $3.1 million in investments, grants, and educational assistance to local nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and other participants. Prize Information The top three finalists will receive a combined $300,000 in prize monies and accelerator assistance to launch or expand startups using technology to address social inequities. First Place: $125,000. Second Place: $100,000. Third Place: $75,000. Eligibility Criteria You must be 18 years old or older The submitting nonprofit, business, or individual must be based in one of these counties in Pennsylvania: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, or Westmoreland. The startup’s impact must also be in one of these counties. Must ensure that their participation does not violate their employer’s policies or procedures or any other third-party rights or obligations (e.g. non-competition agreements). The applicant company leaders or individual and their immediate family members must not be employed by or affiliated with BNY Mellon, Innovation Works, or any of their/the parent and affiliate companies. Have not received funding of $50,000 or more in previous UpPrize cycles. For more information, visit UpPrize.

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.

The CATALYST Grant aims to enhance the capabilities, efficiency, and competitiveness of small and medium-sized manufacturers in South Carolina by promoting the adoption of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), Quality Management Systems (QMSs), and Lean Manufacturing tools. Eligible manufacturers must have a NAICS code beginning with 31, 32, or 33, be physically located in South Carolina for at least one year, operate within the Department of Defense supply chain, and employ at least four workers. The grant supports consultative assessments to identify opportunities for AMT deployment and funds pilot projects in areas such as augmented reality training, digital work instructions, and robotics. The grant application opens on October 5, 2023, following an informational webinar, and closes on June 30, 2024, or when all slots are filled. The grant provides funding for projects recommended by AMT assessments, as well as QMS and Lean Manufacturing implementations to help manufacturers eliminate waste and reduce rework, improving their effectiveness as DIB suppliers.

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

This funding opportunity supports national neuroscience education programs that provide hands-on research experiences and training for graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and junior faculty to enhance the biomedical research workforce.

The Alachua County is seeking applications for its Small Farmer Grant Program. Donor Name: Alachua County State: Florida County: Alachua County (FL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Small farmers and ranchers have a grant opportunity through the County Commission this summer. The Commission is funding a mini-grant to Alachua County-based farms and ranches that earn between $1,000 and $250,000 annually. Funding Information The total grant request must not exceed $5,000. The total funding available for this mini-grant is approximately $100,000. Criteria Promote local food system economic resilience and equity for marginalized communities that will: Assists Alachua County residents. Applicable to Alachua County based small producers (farms, ranches, or other agricultural operations) producing food stuffs for human consumption. Prioritize funding for small producers with annual gross cash income of no more than $75,000. Prioritize black, women, indigenous, and persons-of-color owned agricultural operations Support the immediate acquisition of capital infrastructure and equipment to enhance the farm’s productive capability and financial expansion. This grant recognizes that small producers may not have adequate cash flow to acquire capital equipment and then wait for reimbursement by the County. This grant offers an immediate infusion of funds at the point of award by the Board of County Commissioners. This grant is not a cost reimbursement grant. Improve the economic viability of these small producers. Increase the resiliency of local food production and expand the production of related value added farm products. Achieve Board policies related to economic development: increases economic prosperity, economic equity and diverse tax base. Achieve Board policies related to economic development: increases economic prosperity, economic equity and diverse tax base​. For more information, visit Alachua County.

This grant provides funding to Goshen County businesses to enhance their workforce training initiatives. It aims to complement potential funding from Wyoming Workforce Development, addressing the increasingly competitive nature of workforce development funds. The grant supports the creation of training programs that improve skills and capabilities, thereby boosting job creation and economic prosperity within the county. Deadlines: Applications due first Friday of November, February, May, August

The Statewide Health Strategies Grant (SHSG) is designed to enhance the health and well-being of North Dakotans by activating the ND State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP). This grant aims to improve health outcomes across the state through collaborative action, innovation, and evidence-based practices. The grant focuses on addressing North Dakota’s health priorities, such as strengthening the healthcare workforce, expanding access to healthcare services, promoting holistic wellness, and building community resilience. Funded by the North Dakota State Legislature, it offers a competitive application process with projects needing to align with at least one SHIP priority. A total of $3 million is available with a maximum award of $400,000 per project. Applications are due by May 20, 2024, and projects must be completed by June 30, 2025.

The NAACP x BACARDI are working together to provide dedicated support under-represented minorities in the beverage alcohol service, sales and hospitality industries. Backing the B.A.R. is an NAACP initiative that is awarding over $100,000 in acceleration grants, education, support and entrepreneurship solutions for minority-owned bars, restaurants, nightclubs, lounges, liquor stores and small businesses in the process of applying for a liquor license. If you are a minority-owned business owner with a liquor license or real liquor license aspirations - and you need financial, educational or mentorship support, please apply here. Ideal grant recipients are looking for support in accelerating their business for the future.

The Community Livability Grant (CLG) provides grants to community-based organizations for projects that promote healthy, complete, and resilient neighborhoods and respond to and respect the diversity of its residents. Donor Name: Prosper Portland State: Oregon County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Prosper Portland seeks proposals from community-based organizations for projects that foster vibrant and healthy neighborhoods and improve the prosperity of area residents and businesses. Priorities The CLG program prioritizes projects that benefit historically underserved communities and promote widely shared prosperity. For example, such projects would: Improve access to jobs and workforce development services. Support wealth creation opportunities for small business owners. Honor and enhance the neighborhood’s cultural diversity and history. Deliver a community asset tailored to the community’s expressed priorities and opportunities. Funding Information The total maximum grant award is $300,000; awards typically range from $10,000 to $50,000. The project must be completed within one year of the grant award. Uses of funds Funding for the Grant Program is through tax increment financing (TIF) and, therefore, is tied to permanent, physical improvements (including tenant improvements) of real property. (Temporary installations, ongoing administration, routine maintenance costs (such as regular inspections and routine repairs), equipment, working capital, or work that was completed previous to the grant agreement execution are not eligible.) Who is the CLG for? Nonprofit organizations, neighborhood and business associations, and neighborhood groups located within the Central Eastside, Gateway Regional Center, Interstate Corridor, Lents Town Center and North Macadam Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Districts are eligible. Eligibility Criteria Nonprofit organizations, neighborhood and business associations, and neighborhood groups. Groups formed solely for performing a project in a neighborhood should have a 501(c)3 or 501(c)6 nonprofit organization to serve as their fiscal agent. Private property owner or for-profit entity may be eligible if the applicant does the following: leases or provides space for no fee or at a substantially reduced rate to meet the needs of a nonprofit organization or community group (it is strongly encouraged to apply in partnership with the non-profit organization); and provides or proposes to provide a significant community benefit that adds to the livability for area residents. If awarded, applicant must produce documentation that grant funds will be used only for improvements to space occupied by a nonprofit or directly related to providing a community benefit, and benefits will be ongoing for a minimum of three years. Schools if: The project provides a broad community benefit, is accessible to the public, and has been approved by the school district or other owner with a three-year maintenance and public access plan. The proposed project does not support a core educational function (e.g., building or improving pre-K-12 classrooms). For more information, visit Prosper Portland.

The HealthTech Accelerator is a 90-day tech business accelerator exclusively for pre-Series A HealthTech startups focused on Digital Health, Healthcare Services, Health Sustainability and Wellness, Medical Devices and Equipment, Software, Femtech, Augumented Reality, Virtual Reality, PharmacyTech, Wearables and Quantified Self, etc. Donor Name: Tampa Bay Wave State: Florida City: Tampa Type of Grant: Program Deadline: 05/24/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: HealthTech|X is the latest startup focused business accelerator launched by Tampa Bay Wave, a nationally-recognized nonprofit, in partnership with the University of South Florida Research & Innovation, The Florida High Tech Corridor, U.S. Economic Development Corporation and more. Other Wave partnerships include Accenture, hospitals and health systems, healthcare specific VC funds, JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, Raymond James, and more. Selected companies are not required to relocate for the duration of the program but must plan for on-site participation in Tampa, FL during each of the three blocks of programming.  Criteria for Consideration Business built with proprietary technology creating the next-generation of health technology products & solutions Dedicated management of at least two full-time people Ability to travel to Tampa at least 3 times during the 90-day program Proof of market validation Investable and/or scalable business Viable business plan Financial runaway of at least 6-12 months. For more information, visit Tampa Bay Wave.

The City of Alpena Downtown Development Authority (the “DDA”) established its Façade Improvement Grant Program for Commercial & Mixed-Use Properties. Donor Name: Alpena Downtown Development Authority State: Michigan City: Alpena Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/24/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: In October 2023, the Alpena DDA was awarded $400,000 grant through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) through its Façade Restoration Initiative (FRI) Program to supplement our local program. Projects may now apply for grants of 50% of their façade project total. All projects must be complete by April 30, 2025. Funding Information The Design Committee may award grants under the program in any amount requested from a minimum award of $500.00 to up to 50% of eligible renovation costs. All requests must be approved by the DDA Board. Building Eligibility Requirements Location and Nature of Building Use.  Properties located within the legal boundary of Alpena’s DDA district engaging in retail, restaurant, commercial, entertainment, office services, or properties that are mixed- use shall be deemed eligible for grant funding. Any question concerning the eligibility of a specific property may be submitted to the Executive Director of the DDA. A determination of location and building use eligibility will be provided to the interested party within two business days following receipt of the inquiry. Payment of Taxes and Other Public Accounts. All previously billed and currently payable property taxes and annual installments of assessments must be paid in full for the subject property before an application for a façade improvement grant will be considered. Additionally, all City of Alpena accounts in the name of the applicant and/or attaching to the subject property must be current. All taxes, assessments, and other city accounts must be kept current during the application, review, construction, and post-construction processes. Nature of Façade. Grant funding may be requested for any façade (front, side, or rear) that fronts on a public right of way (street, alley, or public parking lot). Applicants may apply for up to 50% of eligible renovation costs per façade. All requests for funding must be approved by the DDA Board of Directors. Greater consideration for funding will be given to work proposed on a façade fronting a city street. Structural Integrity of Building. Buildings for which improvements are proposed must have basic structural integrity and an intact roof as confirmed by the City of Alpena Building Department, thereby protecting the DDA’s potential investment in the façade. Insurance Coverage. The applicant or the owner of the subject property must carry suitable property insurance coverage on the subject property and must provide a certificate of coverage to the DDA with the application. The applicant or owner is strongly encouraged to also carry a builder’s risk policy of insurance covering potential damage to the building’s structure by the contractor. For more information, visit Alpena DDA.

This program provides financial support and resources to small businesses in low-to-moderate income areas of Southern California, helping them grow and create jobs in their communities.

The purpose of the Rowan Chamber’s Small Business Assistance Grant pilot program is to strengthen and grow established businesses within the City of Salisbury. By making these grants available, the Chamber is fulfilling its mission of driving economic stability, diversity, and growth in our community. Accessibility to funding contributes to the strength and effectiveness of the entrepreneurial ecosystem which in turn supports and nurtures small businesses. The Chamber recognizes the value of entrepreneurism/small businesses who bring innovation, quality of life, jobs, and investment to the community. Businesses who receive funding through this program will be those who bring innovation and therefore have a unique competitive edge. They must be good corporate citizens and are encouraged to support their employees and other locally owned businesses. Applicants are not required to be Rowan Chamber investors (members) in order to participate. Since the funding is coming from the City of Salisbury, applicants must operate their business within the City of Salisbury limits. Since there are already a number of downtown business grants, this small business grant is designed to focus on priority corridors outside of downtown, for example: West End, South Main St. & West Innes St. Small business grant overview: Businesses located in City of Salisbury limits with 10 or fewer employees (or full time equivalent). They must be a legal entity and registered with the NC Secretary of State and have appropriate permits to operate. They must submit a quality business plan (FREE assistance available from RCCC Small Business Center) Grant funds may be used for a fixed asset utilized for the business or permanent improvements to physical space (examples: manufacturing equipment, lawnmower, vacuum cleaner, building signage, lighting, awnings, flooring) Grant funds may NOT be used for ongoing operational expenses (examples: rent, utilities, salaries, financing debt, inventory, memberships, legal fees) Grant requests may range from $5,000 – $10,000.