Grants for Small businesses - Workforce Development

This program provides funding to small and medium-sized manufacturing companies and water/wastewater treatment facilities to implement energy efficiency improvements and reduce emissions, while also creating job opportunities in disadvantaged communities.

This program provides financial support to established small businesses in downtown North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro, North Carolina, to enhance their operations through equipment upgrades, physical space improvements, and e-commerce development.

This funding opportunity is designed to help organizations provide training that equips individuals with essential soft skills and job readiness competencies needed to succeed in the workforce.

This program provides financial support to artists and creatives in Summit County, Ohio, for professional development opportunities that enhance their skills and career growth.

The GitLab Foundation is offering a two-phase grant, exceeding $1 million, for US-based non-profit organizations to develop and scale AI projects that enhance economic opportunities, with a focus on areas like skill development, job matching, and data analysis.

This program provides financial assistance to local governments and organizations in Pennsylvania to develop and enhance competitive sites for businesses looking to relocate or expand in the state.

This grant provides financial support ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to small businesses owned by minorities, women, and veterans in Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties in Northern Kentucky, helping them with various business improvement expenses.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that empower underrepresented innovators, entrepreneurs, and small businesses in Raleigh, North Carolina, to foster economic development and collaboration within the community.

This grant provides financial support to New Jersey companies for hiring Ph.D. candidates and graduates to conduct technological research and foster innovation in the state.

This funding provides financial support for small businesses and property owners in Chicago to make permanent improvements and repairs to their commercial and industrial properties.

Applications are now being accepted for the Science & Technology Business Startup Grants from the New Mexico Economic Development Department. Donor Name: New Mexico Economic Development Department State: New Mexico County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/24/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The New Mexico Science & Technology Business Startup Grant is a competitive state-funded grant that supports small businesses engaged in research and development with the potential for commercializing their technology. This grant assists early-stage companies that are developing a unique product and exhibit strong growth potential. Funds from this grant are intended for business development expenses, providing recipients additional resources to commercialize their technology in their company’s early stage. Criteria New Mexico-based for-profit science or technology companies are eligible to apply. Applicants must be in one of the following industry sectors: aerospace, biosciences, advanced computing, intelligent manufacturing, and sustainable and green energy. For more information, visit EDD.

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.

The 24 Squared Grant Program, funded by Square Financial Services and the Community Foundation of Utah, offers grants between $1,000 to $10,000 to Utah-based non-profit organizations engaged in community development activities such as affordable housing, small business development, reentry support, and financial wellness, with special awards for the highest scored organization, those with great potential, and those supporting local small businesses.

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 Alexander County Economic Development Corporation is offering grants of $1,000 to $5,000, funded by the Duke Energy Foundation, to businesses in Alexander County, North Carolina, for projects aimed at enhancing physical spaces, e-commerce, service delivery, equipment purchase, ADA accessibility, and public health compliance, with a special focus on fostering entrepreneurship and expanding childcare centers.

The Rockford is currently accepting applications for its Restaurant Relief Grants to provide vital relief to restaurants in Rockford and Winnebago County. Donor Name: Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau State: Illinois County: Winnebago County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing and management organization for Rockford and Winnebago County and is responsible for promoting the Rockford region as an attractive travel destination and enhancing its public image as a dynamic place to live and work. Funding Information The maximum award a restaurant may receive, as set by the State of Illinois, is $100,000. Eligibility Criteria To qualify to apply, an authorized representative of a restaurant will need to certify that: The restaurant’s principal place of business is located within the geographical boundaries of Winnebago County, Illinois. The restaurant complied with the indoor dining closure mandates enacted by the State of Illinois during the first quarter of 2021 via Executive Orders 2021-01, 2021-02, 2021-03, 2021-04, and 2021-05.  In complying with indoor dining closure mandates in Q1 of 2021 the restaurant laid off staff and, as a result, has experienced an increase in state unemployment insurance charges. The restaurant incurred and/or will incur a higher rate of state unemployment benefit charges in 2022, 2023 and 2024, because of the higher unemployment benefit charges in Q1 of 2021. The restaurant remains operational today. For more information, visit RACVB.

The Legacy Business Recovery Grant Program offers grants of up to $20,000 to eligible Legacy Businesses that need financial assistance to aid in their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Donor Name: Economic & Workforce Development Department (EWDD) State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Legacy Business Recovery Grant Program is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation to the City of Los Angeles. Applicants must explain how the grant funds will be used toward necessary COVID-19 recovery business expenses and make available documentation demonstrating that the grant funds were used toward those expenses. Funding Priorities EWDD will utilize a weighted selection process for grants to ensure equitable distribution across the selection of finalists and to prioritize City of Los Angeles geographic diversity and low-to-moderate income neighborhoods. Grant application submissions made from the following demographics will be more heavily weighted: Businesses located in low-and moderate-income communities (50% and 80% of Area Median Income or AMI), as defined by HUD Businesses owned by low- and moderate-income owners (50% and 80% of AMI), as defined by HUD Businesses facing an imminent threat of displacement. Funding Information Grant amounts of $10,000 will be provided for Legacy Businesses with one to five employees. Grant amounts of $20,000 will be provided for Legacy Businesses with six or more employees. Uses of Funds Eligible uses of funds to address the negative economic impacts caused by the COVID-19 crisis include: Employee payroll Rent, utilities, and insurance Working capital to reopen or continue operations Adapting to technologies Payment of outstanding business expenses incurred on or after March 3, 2021 Adaptive business practices needed to operate the business Legal fees to negotiate long-term lease agreements with their landlords. Eligibility Criteria Eligible Businesses: The business must be listed on the Legacy Business Registry The business must be a for-profit business located within Los Angeles city limits. Must be operating from a commercial, industrial, or manufacturing location and have a valid commercial lease (home-based businesses are not eligible) Annual revenue cannot exceed $3 million. If applicable, the business must be in good standing with the Secretary of State. The business must have an active Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC) with the City of Los Angeles that is current and in good standing. The business must demonstrate that the grant funds will be used for recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The business must disclose whether they have received funding from other federal, state, or local sources (including PPP and EIDL). Applicants who have received funding are still eligible, provided the funds are not currently being spent on the same expenses covered by the Legacy Business Recovery Grant. For more information, visit EWDD.

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 Sacramento Office of Innovation and Economic Development is now accepting applications for grants to fund organizations that help start-up businesses and entrepreneurs in Sacramento Donor Name: City of Sacramento State: 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: 1 Year Details: Incubator and Accelerator Grants are focused on nurturing and supporting early-stage businesses with an end goal of the participants of the funded incubator and accelerator programs starting or growing their own business, spurring innovation, and stimulating economic development in the Sacramento region. Companies and non-profits are invited to apply to fund incubator and accelerator programs for a cohort of startups with high growth potential and innovative solutions. These programs should provide support through a combination of the following services:  Mentorship and Coaching: Guidance from experienced entrepreneurs, industry experts, and mentors on business development, strategy, marketing, fundraising and more;  Educational Programs: Training sessions or workshops on topics such as business planning, market research, product development, and financial management;  Product Development Support: Assistance or guidance on prototyping, testing, iteration, and product refinement based on market research;  Legal and Administrative Support: Assistance with legal, accounting, and administrative tasks such as business incorporation, intellectual property protection, and contracts;  Marketing and Branding Support: Assistance in identifying and reaching target audiences and customers through marketing and public relations strategies;  Strategic Partnerships: Connections with other startups, industry leaders, corporate entities, and business support organizations to expand access to resources and expertise; Access to Funding: Pitch training and hosting pitch events, demo days, and introductions to investors including venture capital firms, angel investors, and government grants; and  Office Space: Access to shared office space for startups to work and collaborate. Funding Information The City has allocated approximately $500,000 for this Incubator and Accelerator Grant solicitation. Grant requests may be for no more than $100,000. Proposed incubator or accelerator cohorts must be completed within a 12-month contract period.  Eligible Activities Examples of what expenditures this grant may be used for include:  Program development and delivery;  Salaries for staff delivering programming;  Stipends for volunteers and participants;  Training supplies and equipment;  Office space and co-working membership fees;  Marketing and public relations for program recruitment;  Food and non-alcoholic beverages provided to participants at the funded programs (costs cannot exceed 5% of the grant total);  Scholarships for program participants;  Software subscription fees; and Professional services Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet the baseline requirements outlined below:  Applicants must operate from a fixed place of business within the Sacramento city limits, except as follows:  Applicants that do not operate from a fixed place of business within the city limits are eligible if grant-supported programming is provided within the city limits, and  Applicants must be in compliance with current and past City grants. For more information, visit City of Sacramento.

The Regional Development Corporation Tribal Economic Diversity Fund awards businesses owned by a federally recognized Indian tribe or by an enrolled member(s) of a federally recognized Indian tribe for critical technical services and equipment. Donor Name: Regional Development Corporation State: New Mexico County: Los Alamos County (NM), Mora County (NM), Rio Arriba County (NM), San Miguel County (NM), Sandoval County (NM), Santa Fe County (NM), Taos County (NM) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Awards are made on a competitive basis and are intended to provide services to tribal business entities that diversify revenue, leverage other investments, create new jobs and/or put systems in place that lead to growth.  The goal is to sustain and assist developing businesses in Northern New Mexico with job creation and diversifying the region’s economy. Funding Information Up to $8,000. Uses of funds  Funds to be used to: Procure needed business equipment, tools. Pay for advertising and/or marketing costs. Purchase consulting services. Purchase specialized software. Eligibility Criteria  Business enterprise owned by a federally recognized Indian tribe; or business owned at least 51% by an enrolled member(s) of a federally recognized Indian tribe from the Pueblos of Cochiti, Jemez, Nambe, Ohkay, Picuris, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, Santa Clara, Taos, or Tesuque Business headquartered in Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Northern Sandoval, Santa Fe, or Taos County Business-only bank account Been in business for at least 6 months before applying Preference given to first-time applicants and previous unawarded applicants. For more information, visit RDC.