Grants for Small businesses - Workforce Development

This funding opportunity is designed for research institutions and innovators to develop groundbreaking microsystems technologies that enhance national security and have potential commercial applications.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for U.S.-based institutions to develop advanced mining technologies and establish proving grounds that will enhance the domestic supply chain of critical minerals while promoting safety and environmental sustainability.

This program provides financial support and resources to help Black-owned businesses grow, acquire customers, and succeed on Amazon's platform through education, mentorship, and expert guidance.

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 incentives to businesses in Colorado that are expanding or relocating and creating new permanent jobs, contingent upon local government funding support.

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 Orange County Business Investment Grant Program in North Carolina is seeking applications to provide financial support ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to stimulate non-farm business development and expansion within the county, with eligibility criteria including the business's physical location, operational duration, tax status, and connection with business counseling services.

This program provides financial support to non-farm businesses in Orange County, particularly those owned by women and BIPOC, to help them grow, hire staff, and make a positive economic impact.

The Chesapeake Oyster Innovation Award Program, offered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and supported by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, aims to increase knowledge of the value of oysters, advance technologies for increasing oyster populations or aquaculture production, and improve oyster population monitoring techniques. This program supports projects in Maryland and Virginia and welcomes requests from members of the Chesapeake Oyster Alliance, including community organizations and both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. The grant awards up to $10,000, with applications due by September 19, 2024. Match is encouraged but not required.

Supports the construction, purchase, expansion, or upgrade of workforce or training-related infrastructure to better meet the needs of the offshore wind industry.

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) of Lawrenceville, Georgia, has launched the Façade Grant Program to revitalize its downtown area. This program aligns with the DDA's mission to serve as a resource to the City Council for downtown revitalization through strategic land use planning, land banking, business recruitment and retention, and the execution of the community's vision for a vibrant and inclusive urban center. The grant specifically targets businesses within the Downtown Entertainment District, aiming to encourage and support exterior renovations that enhance the aesthetic appeal and overall vitality of the area. The primary beneficiaries of this program are businesses located within the Downtown Entertainment District. The impact goals are centered on improving the physical appearance of downtown buildings, stimulating economic activity, and fostering a more attractive and inclusive urban environment. By offering reimbursement for façade renovations, the DDA seeks to reduce the financial burden on businesses, thereby encouraging investment in property improvements and contributing to a more appealing downtown. The program prioritizes projects that enhance or update the exterior of buildings, including activities such as painting, restoration, stabilization, awning additions, and improved signage. Eligibility criteria dictate that projects must be within the Downtown Entertainment District, and reimbursement is solely for expenses incurred during exterior façade renovations. Furthermore, all projects must comply with applicable building, development, and zoning regulations, and properties on the National Historic Register require a preservation review. Expected outcomes include a visibly improved and more attractive downtown area, increased business investment in property aesthetics, and a boost in overall community pride and engagement. Measurable results for the program include the number of businesses participating, the total amount of grant funds disbursed, the types of renovations undertaken, and the completion of approved work within the stipulated twelve-month timeframe. The reimbursement structure, covering half of the total project cost up to $2,500 per grant, provides a tangible incentive for businesses to participate.

This grant supports entrepreneurs and researchers in Pennsylvania by providing resources and funding to help turn innovative ideas into marketable products and services that benefit the community and beyond.

The Nebraska SBIR/STTR Initiative provides financial assistance to small businesses in Nebraska participating in the federal SBIR/STTR programs. This state initiative offers Phase 0 assistance to help businesses apply for federal Phase 1 funding and matching funds for successful Phase 1 and Phase 2 federal awards. The initiative aims to promote innovation and technology transfer among small businesses in Nebraska, with a total fund availability of up to $6 million per year. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadline: July 1st to June 30th

This funding opportunity supports organizations and businesses in Kentucky that are working on innovative nuclear energy projects, with a focus on job creation, workforce training, and community engagement in underserved areas.

The Impact 100 Ozark grant program seeks to provide transformational grants to organizations serving eastern Christian County, Missouri. The foundation's mission is deeply aligned with this program, aiming to empower women to significantly improve community lives through generosity and by funding impactful grants. This strategic approach ensures that the grants have a lasting positive effect within the specified geographic area, reflecting Impact 100 Ozark's commitment to community betterment through focused financial support. The target beneficiaries for these grants are 501(c)3 organizations or other IRS-approved entities, including government entities, school districts, and churches, that specifically serve the eastern Christian County area. The primary impact goal is to fund significant initiatives that dramatically improve lives. While not explicitly stated as a "theory of change," the foundation's approach suggests that by empowering local organizations with substantial funding, they can address critical community needs and foster sustainable improvements. The program prioritizes proposals that avoid funding day-to-day operations, scholarships, or the start-up of new nonprofit agencies, indicating a focus on established organizations and projects with a clear, transformative scope. This ensures that the grants are directed towards initiatives that can create a significant, rather than incremental, impact. The available funding includes two grants totaling $49,000, with one grant of $35,000 and another of $14,000, underscoring the "significant grants" aspect of their mission. Expected outcomes and measurable results are inherent in the program's design, aiming for "lasting impact." While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the emphasis on "transformational grants" implies a desire for substantial and demonstrable change within the community. The foundation's strategic priority is clearly to harness generosity to fund these impactful projects, thereby improving the lives of individuals and families in eastern Christian County.

This program provides financial support to small businesses in Lancaster for purchasing essential equipment to help create jobs and boost local economic growth.

The City of Sacramento Office of Innovation and Economic Development is offering Incubator and Accelerator Grants to fund organizations that support start-up businesses and entrepreneurs in the Sacramento region. The program's mission aligns with stimulating economic development and fostering innovation by nurturing early-stage businesses. The grant size ranges from $10,000 to $100,000, with a total allocation of approximately $500,000, and a grant duration of one year. The deadline for applications is September 9, 2024. The target beneficiaries are early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs within the Sacramento region, particularly those with high growth potential and innovative solutions. The primary impact goal is for participants of the funded incubator and accelerator programs to successfully start or grow their businesses, thereby spurring innovation and stimulating economic development locally. Non-profits and companies are invited to apply for funding to run these programs. The grant prioritizes programs that offer a comprehensive suite of services, including mentorship and coaching from experienced professionals, educational workshops on business planning and financial management, product development support, and legal and administrative assistance. Furthermore, programs should focus on marketing and branding support, strategic partnerships, and facilitating access to funding through pitch training and investor introductions. Access to shared office space is also a valuable component. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of new businesses started and existing businesses grown within the Sacramento region. The program aims to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, leading to job creation and economic prosperity. The City's strategic priority is to invest in initiatives that directly contribute to innovation and economic growth, with the theory of change being that by supporting early-stage businesses through comprehensive programs, they will be better equipped to succeed and contribute to the local economy. Eligible activities for grant expenditures are broad, covering program development and delivery, staff salaries, stipends for volunteers and participants, training supplies, office space, marketing, and even food for participants (up to 5% of the grant total). Scholarships for program participants, software subscription fees, and professional services are also permissible. Applicants must operate from a fixed place of business within Sacramento city limits, or provide grant-supported programming within the city, and be in compliance with current and past City grants.

The COVID-19 PA Hazard Pay Grant Program was established to help employers provide hazard pay to employees in life-sustaining occupations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Hazard pay is intended to keep front-line employees working in sectors that are vital to every Pennsylvanians’ existence. The program will help employers provide hazard pay for their employees to retain current employees. This reimbursement-based grant is for employers who will be offering hazard pay over the eligible program period. For general questions about the program or specific application questions, visit our Hazard Pay FAQs. Hazard Pay FAQs Financial Info: The COVID-19 PA Hazard Pay Grant Program was established to help employers provide hazard pay to employees in life-sustaining occupations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Hazard pay is intended to keep front-line employees working in sectors that are vital to every Pennsylvanians’ existence. The program will help employers provide hazard pay for their employees to retain current employees. This reimbursement-based grant is for employers who will be offering hazard pay over the eligible program period. For general questions about the program or specific application questions, visit our Hazard Pay FAQs. Hazard Pay FAQs

This funding initiative provides financial support to organizations in New Mexico that promote creative entrepreneurship and industry development, particularly those serving rural and underserved communities.

This grant provides funding to small businesses in the U.S. to develop innovative technologies with the potential for commercial success and societal impact.