Grants for Small businesses - Workforce Development

This program provides financial support to small and mid-sized manufacturers in Maryland to adopt advanced technologies and improve their business practices, helping them become more competitive and grow.

The Main Street Micro Business Startup Grant Program, funded by Main Street Oakland County and Genisys Credit Union, offers grants between $1000 to $10,000 to support the creation, relocation, or expansion of small businesses in specific Main Street Districts, covering costs such as location renovations, rent assistance, equipment purchases, and other relevant expenses.

The City of Frederick is excited to announce the launch of a new grant opportunity through the Department of Economic Development. Donor Name: City of Frederick State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The grant, called “ACCESS GRANTED,” is specifically designed to support and empower small minority, and women-owned businesses. This initiative is available to both start-up and established businesses in need of access to capital for a defined project that will help scale their business. By providing this financial assistance, The City of Frederick aims to foster a supportive and inclusive business environment that enables entrepreneurs to reach their full potential.  Preferences will be given to Small minority and/or woman owned business.  Physically located within The City of Frederick limits.  Funding Information The city has earmarked $400,000 to deploy as grants for this new program.  Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, businesses must meet the following criteria:  Be a registered for-profit business.  Be in good standing in the state of Maryland.  Have no more than 25 full-time equivalent employees For more information, visit City of Frederick.

The IDEA Fund program is a state-sponsored venture capital initiative that utilizes public funding (both state and federal) to drive economic development within the state. The primary focus of this program is to foster innovation and support technology-driven entrepreneurial endeavors that contribute to the state’s overall economic development growth. MTC’s Venture Capital Program was created to accelerate private venture capital investment in Missouri-based start-up companies and to increase the overall investment impact of third-party investments. The Venture Capital Program supports technology startups through matching equity or convertible debt investments up to $2,000,000 for the purpose of scaling the business to attract additional venture capital. Since 2010, MTC has invested over $49 million in more than 150 early-stage Missouri-based high-growth technology-focused companies. Since 2018, our portfolio companies have gone on to raise over $1.6 billion in additional private capital.

This program provides financial assistance to businesses and property owners in Portsmouth for improving and renovating commercial spaces to enhance the local streetscape and attract more interest in the area.

This grant provides financial support and resources to early-stage marketing and creative consultants in the U.S. and Canada to help them grow their businesses.

Applications are now being accepted for the Minority Business Enterprise Grant Program Donor Name: Regional Economic Development Inc State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Grant program, administered by REDI and funded by the City of Columbia, focuses on inclusivity in opportunity and elevating underrepresented businesses. Through this program, a total of $50,000 will be awarded to ten small for-profit businesses in Columbia that are 51% or more owned by individuals self-identifying as one or more of the following: African, African American, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, Latinx, Native American (including Native Alaskan or Hawaiian), or Subcontinent Asian.  Funding Information Each year, REDI awards ten $5,000 grants to deserving Minority-owned Businesses.  Eligibility Requirements Business must be 51% or more owned by a person(s) of color as defined above Business must be a for-profit entity legally registered with the State of Missouri and have a Federal Tax ID (EIN) Business must have a Columbia business license Business must be located in Columbia city limits Business must be actively working with a business coach through REDI or another organization Business must have 10 or fewer employees (or full-time equivalents) For more information, visit REDI.

The City of Riverside Small & Micro Business Grant Program is designed to support local small business resiliency consultation to identify areas for improvement and build customized strategies to increase financial stability, long-term sustainability, and capacity for success. Donor Name: City of Riverside State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: In addition to direct financial support, all applicants will have the opportunity to participate in a FREE one-on-one Strategic Planning Consultation to identify opportunities for improvement and build customized strategies to increase financial stability, long-term sustainability, and capacity for success. The goal of the City of Riverside Small & Micro Business Grant Program is to address not only continuing pandemic recovery needs, but, as provided for in the Department of Treasury State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), it is intended to support long-term resiliency and growth of local small businesses, promote access to valuable partner resources, and reduce the barriers to success faced by small businesses in disadvantaged communities. Eligibility Criteria Privately-Owned, For-Profit Business in operation Prior to 3/13/20 The term “Business” includes Self-Employed Individuals, Entrepreneurs, Sole Proprietors, 1099 Independent Contractors, Home-Based Operations, Limited Liability Corporations (LLCs), C-Corporations, etc. Individuals who started a business (became self-employed) due to covid employment challenges prior to 1/1/23 Located within City Limits of City of Riverside Must have a physical business address (or residential address if home-based) If you are unsure about your location, you can search your address via the “Find My Ward” map.  Please Note: If you are not within a shaded area, you are unfortunately not eligible. Are Categorically Eligible (Presumed Impacted by ARPA) and/or Can Demonstrate Covid Financial Impact Decreased revenue or gross receipts Increased costs Challenges covering operating expenses such as payroll, rent, utilitities, etc. Lower capacity to weather financial hardship due to depleted savings, selling off assets, lack of working capital, etc. Other covid related impacts may be considered on a case-by-case basis Annual Gross Revenue between $10K – $2.5 Million Under 50 Employees (including the owners) Active & In Good Standing with all City, County, State, & Federal Entities Funding Information Grant awards of up to $25,000. For more information, visit City of Riverside.

Roanoke County Economic Development Authority’s Business Equipment Acquisition Program (BEAP) Grant offers funding opportunities for eligible for-profit businesses that desire to bolster their operations through the acquisition of new capital. Donor Name: Roanoke County Economic Development Authority State: Virginia County: Roanoke County (VA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information The Authority will award grants of up to 50% of capital acquisition costs in amounts up to $20,000 per award. Eligible Acquisitions Eligible capital acquisitions must be taxable, pursuant of the Roanoke County Code, as business personal property or business machinery or tools. Examples include: Tangible Personal Property such as furniture, fixtures, office and business machines, tools and equipment used in any business or profession. Computer Equipment Only. Does not include software. Includes computer equipment, printers, disk drives, mouse, modem, etc. Machinery & Tools used in manufacturing, mining, processing, broadcasting, dry cleaners, commercial laundry, and dairy businesses. Eligibility Criteria In order to qualify for an award, a business must:  Employ more than three (3) full-time employees (or FTEs) at a physical location in Roanoke County, Have operated as a for-profit business for at least one year in Roanoke County,  Have a current County or town business license and be in good standing with all applicable requirements, and Have been and continue to be in compliance and in good standing with all local ordinances, on the County tax rolls, current with Roanoke County taxes/fees or other assessments, and have a current business license as required. For more information, visit Roanoke County Economic Development Authority

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 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 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.

If you are an LGBTQ+ small business owner who is looking to sustain and grow your business, the Equity Fund may be perfect for you! PFund Foundation is seeking LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who have owned and operated a business for a year or more and are seeking to grow through grant funding and business education sessions. Donor Name: PFund Foundation State: Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/22/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This program invests in queer entrepreneurs and small businesses from across the Upper Midwest, with a particular focus on queer entrepreneurs of color and queer-owned businesses in rural areas. PFund and Quorum are offering more than $400,000 in grant fundings across three distinct cohorts this year. Each grant recipient receives: Grants ranging from $5,000 up to $30,000 to be used to support building small business capacity and developing queer entrepreneurship across the region. Access to five training sessions customized to the needs of small business owners. Training for grantees from greater Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin will meet virtually. A one-year membership to Quorum, Minnesota’s LGBT chamber of commerce. Grantees from outside Minnesota will be given modest stipends to purchase an annual membership from a local queer chamber of commerce (for example, the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce). Eligibility Requirements  Eligibility Guidelines Grantseekers must meet all of the following  criteria to apply: You identify as LGBTQ+ If your business is located in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa or Wisconsin you must also identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color. Your business has been in operation for at least one year. The annual gross revenue of your business for your most recently completed fiscal year was $250,000 or less. Your business has 20 or fewer employees. Grantee Obligations If awarded a grant, you must agree to the following conditions: You agree to only use grant funds for the business purposes outlined in your proposal. Personal uses of funds are not allowed. You agree to provide PFund Foundation with the paperwork necessary to process grant payments (signed grant agreement, IRS W9 form, and your business’s logo). You agree to complete an online survey and produce a report on how you used grant funds at the conclusion of the grant period (due in spring 2025). You agree to attend 80% of the cohort meetings over the course of the program. You will be assigned to a cohort based on your location and the demographic information in the application. Meeting dates will differ by cohort: Twin Cities Queer Entrepreneurs of Color cohort will meet on the second Tuesday of the month from 5:30-8:00 pm in person, at the Quorum offices in St. Paul. Meeting dates are: October 8, November 12, January 14, February 11, March 11 Midwestern Queer Entrepreneurs of Color cohort and the Minnesotan Queer Entrepreneurs cohort will meet on the second Wednesday of the month from 6:00-8:30 virtually. Meeting dates are: October 9, November 13, January 15, February 12, March 12. For more information, visit PFund Foundation.

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.