Local Business and Commerce Grants

This program provides financial assistance and support to new small businesses in Santa Ana, helping them thrive during their first three years of operation.

The Community Services Agency Partnership Grant program was initiated by the Board of County Commissioners to address human service needs in Seminole County. Donor Name: Seminole County State: Florida County: Seminole County (FL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/27/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Seminole County has an extensive history of partnership with local non-profit agencies to benefit and improve the quality of life for residents. The CSA program collaborates with community organizations in assisting residents with specific needs in the County. The program provides grant funds to qualified non-profit organizations that meet federal and state tax exemption requirements and have been in existence for a minimum of three years. Agencies must provide services to benefit and improve the quality of life for Seminole County. CSA funded programs must assist residents of Seminole County Priority will be given to projects or programs providing a direct service identified as a top need in the 2024 Community Needs Assessment. The top needs have been identified as the following Childcare Utility Assistance Mental Health Services Rental Subsidy/Assistance Homeless Services Housing for Homeless Families Food Transitional Housing Eligibility Criteria Only the applications meeting the following criteria will be considered: The nonprofit agency is chartered or otherwise authorized to do business in the State of Florida for charitable purposes and exempted from the Federal income tax by the Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(3) for a minimum of three years. The purposes for which the nonprofit agency is organized provides benefits to Seminole County residents. The services or activities to be provided by the nonprofit agency, and funded with County funds, shall address community needs. Agencies providing services identified in the Community Needs Assessment will receive priority funding. The nonprofit agency shall have a governing board whose members serve without compensation and have no conflict of interest between their regular occupations and the services provided by the nonprofit. The nonprofit agency has bylaws or policies which describe the manner in which business is conducted, including management, audit, and fiscal policies and procedures, polices on nepotism, and policies on management of potential conflict of interest. The nonprofit has at least one year’s experience providing the service or activity for which the funds are requested or can otherwise demonstrate to the satisfaction of the County sufficient expertise to successfully carry out the service or activity. The nonprofit must be licensed and accredited in accordance with applicable requirements of Federal, State and County laws. The nonprofit agency may not use a funding agency or other third-party arrangement to meet program requirements for eligibility. Awarded funding cannot make up more than twenty-five (25) percent of an agency expenditures based on the prior year’s IRS 990 form. If the request exceeds twenty-five (25) percent, agency may still be funded, however, maximum award will not exceed the twenty-five (25) percent. Nonprofit must provide the previous year’s fundraising plan and a statement on future fundraising efforts. Only one application per agency will be considered. Grants will be made only to nonprofit agencies whose programs and activities benefit the residents of Seminole County. Capital improvement, construction projects, property or home purchases are ineligible. Administrative expenses are ineligible. Administrative expenses are defined as costs associated with overall program management, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation. Costs include purchase of equipment, insurance, office supplies, leasing/utilities, supervision of program staff and administrative staff salaries, etc. For more information, visit Seminole County.

This grant supports the purchase of new, more efficient equipment to enhance business operations in Goshen County. It focuses on helping businesses become more productive and competitive by upgrading their operational tools. Technology upgrades and deferred maintenance are not eligible. Applicants must seek multiple bids, preferably from local contractors. Deadlines: Applications due first Friday of November, February, May, August

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

This grant caters to unique and innovative projects that do not fit the conventional frameworks of the other sub-grants but still demonstrate significant economic development merit. Eligible projects may include feasibility studies, engineered drawings, architecture plans, and planning studies. These projects should aim to significantly impact the economic landscape of Goshen County. Deadlines: Applications due first Friday of November, February, May, August

This grant aims to assist businesses in Goshen County to diversify and enhance their online presence, a critical factor due to the growing importance of e-commerce post-COVID-19. Funding covers website creation, e-commerce platform set-up, app creation, POS system upgrades necessary for e-commerce integration, and other related online business development tools. Projects require multiple bids and give preference to local contractors. Deadlines: Applications due first Friday of November, February, May, August

Supports Goshen County businesses in making structural enhancements or expansions such as new construction or renovations, aimed at increasing economic activity and market expansion. Excludes roofing and HVAC projects. Applicants must demonstrate the economic development merit of the project through detailed applications and multiple bids, with a preference for local contractors. Deadlines: Applications due first Friday of November, February, May, August

This grant assists Goshen County businesses in enhancing the external appearance of their buildings to attract more customers and improve community aesthetics. Projects can include updates to building frontages and business signage. Applicants are required to provide multiple bids for their projects, with a preference for local contractors, to demonstrate the economic development merit of the enhancements. Deadlines: Applications due first Friday of November, February, May, August

The City of Charlotte's Corridors of Opportunity (COO) program aims to foster thriving communities, build lasting legacies, and promote equitable growth across six key corridors. These corridors serve as vital links that connect people to essential resources and businesses. Key Partnerships The city collaborates with Business District Organizations (BDOs) to enhance the vitality of neighborhood commercial districts. The partnership involves building organizational capacity and providing business-support services, which are essential for fostering vibrant, healthy business environments. Funding Opportunity The program is leveraging a one-time funding opportunity through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Charlotte City Council has approved $1M to support this initiative. This funding will assist both established and emerging BDOs in enhancing their services and organizational capabilities. Application Period Open Date: Monday, May 6 Close Date: Friday, June 14, at 5 p.m. How It Works Objective: Address the most immediate needs of BDOs within the COO through capacity building and tailored technical assistance. Funding Use: The grant supports organizational development, asset inventories, marketing communications, and development support services. Requirements: All applying organizations must complete strategic work and inventories or provide existing documentation. Eligibility Organizations: Must be non-profit with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) designation. Location: Must serve a business district within the COO. Representation: Must represent at least 10 businesses within the district. Registration: Active SAM.gov UEI or have a fiduciary/fiscal sponsor with an UEI. Application Process Access: Use the provided link to create a login and apply. Documentation: Include a Work Sheet template indicating the desired services for funding consideration. Submission: Ensure all documents are read and understood before submitting. Additional Information Webinar: A Q&A webinar will be held on May 16 at 11 am. Registration is required to receive the virtual meeting link. Contact: Questions can be directed to [email protected].

This program provides financial support to small businesses in Linn County to hire first-time teen employees, helping to subsidize their wages and promote youth employment during the summer months.

The Parks & Public Space Initiative supports the beautification, development and activation of neighborhood/community parks, school parks, trails and other public lands. Donor Name: Oklahoma City Community Foundation State: Oklahoma City: Oklahoma City Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/14/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This initiative grew out of the Margaret Annis Boys Trust, which was established through a gift from Miss Boys’ estate in 1991 to support and encourage landscaping and beautification projects in parks, medians and other public lands in Oklahoma City. Grant awards will vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. In addition to funding, Oklahoma City Community Foundation staff will provide project expertise. Goals and Objectives  To increase utilization of neighborhood parks, neighborhood school parks, trails and other spaces open to the public for recreation, cultural and health improvement. To engage community groups, neighborhoods, corporations, municipalities and other nonprofit organizations in improving the neighborhood parks, school parks and trails and the programs that are in them. To increase community stewardship of parks, school parks, trails and public spaces. Grant Funding Goals Encourage landscaping and beautification projects in public community spaces including neighborhood/community parks, school parks, trails, public medians and other public lands in central Oklahoma. Items eligible for funding include plant material such as trees, shrubs and perennials, soil amendments, mulch and irrigation. Landscape amenities such as shade structures, benches and information signage may be eligible. Master plans and tree canopy studies for public spaces with collaborative partners will be considered. Increase utilization of public spaces that are open and accessible to citizens for recreation, cultural and health improvement. Engage community groups, neighborhoods, businesses, and other nonprofit organizations to improve the public community spaces. Increase community awareness, involvement, and stewardship of the public community spaces. Priorities and Requirements for Considering Funding Existing neighborhood/community parks, school parks, trails, public medians and other open and accessible public properties will be the primary focus area for implementation of approved projects. The majority of Parks and Public Space Initiative grants are infrastructure and support activities or programs. Projects must be completed within a year after funding notification. All proposed projects must be open and accessible to the public during reasonable usage hours. All proposed projects must be located within the Greater Oklahoma City area. The proposed project must provide documentation of approval by the government entity directly responsible for the management and oversight of the project. Neighborhood streetscapes are a low priority for grant funding. A comprehensive site plan of the proposed project must be included with the grant application. The application must include current and future phases of the project if multi-phased. It can be professionally prepared or presented as a graphic over a Google Earth image. A significant volunteer component is required for each grant proposal. The volunteer group must share an active role in the planning, implementation and ongoing maintenance of the project. A realistic location, installation and maintenance plan with identified responsibilities and budget must be submitted to ensure the project’s sustainability. Tree plantings typically require a three-year maintenance plan to ensure establishment. Proposed grant requests supporting bond issue and other publicly funded projects will be considered on a case-by-case basis. There must be strong evidence that the project is ready to move forward immediately and that the Parks Initiative grant portion will play a significant role in the overall success and impact of the project. Who may apply? Neighborhood/community groups connected to parks, school parks, trails and other public spaces in Oklahoma County. Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing direct services and that has a governing board based in Oklahoma County. Local government agencies or state and city-connected agencies. For more information, visit OCCF.

The City of Des Moines introduces the Ladder Up Social Equity Grant program, designed to support community organizations that work towards addressing economic disparities among marginalized and underrepresented residents. This initiative is part of the city's commitment to enhancing economic opportunities and fostering equitable outcomes. Funding Source Each year, the program allocates a total of $100,000 from Local Option Sales & Services Tax revenues to fund these critical efforts. The goal is to boost the local economy and strengthen the purchasing power within the community. Eligibility Criteria Organizations eligible to apply must: Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, or have a fiscal partner that is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Be based in Des Moines or demonstrate service to City of Des Moines residents. Have a proven track record of successful economic opportunity programming and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion. Supported Equity Efforts The grant supports a variety of initiatives, including but not limited to: Upskilling Programs: Training and education to enhance job skills. Small Business Support: Start-up assistance and ongoing coaching for underserved residents. Community Outreach: Targeted efforts towards specific marginalized groups. Language Accessibility: Increasing access to services through language support. Proactive Services: Quality services aimed at underserved communities. Economic Connection: Programs that link residents to economic opportunities. Grant Details Award Amounts: Organizations can receive between $10,000 and $25,000. Use of Funds: The grant covers operational costs such as program administration, supplies, and training. Funds must be used to expand or create programs specifically designed to serve historically marginalized communities.

The City of Milwaukee has launched a new round of grant funding for 2024 focusing on healthy food access in the communities. Donor Name: City of Milwaukee State: Wisconsin City: Milwaukee Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/27/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Fresh Food Access Fund (FFAF) provides financial support to activities that increase fresh food access in underserved communities. Goals The Milwaukee Fresh Food Access Fund (FFAF) aims to financially support activities that increase the access of underserved communities to healthy food choices, partner with community organizations, businesses, and other government entities with a fresh food component, and address the issues identified in the Milwaukee Fresh Food Access Report. Funding Information Grant applicants are required to provide a full budget for the proposed project, identifying the sources and uses of all funds. FFAF grants can cover up to 50% of the cash expenditure required to implement a project, up to a maximum of $25,000. Awards of less than $5,000 may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Eligible uses of Fresh Food Access Fund grants FFAF grants may only be used for capital expenditures related to the establishment, expansion, or improvement of a food-related business that increases access to fresh, healthy food for underserved residents. For example, the following could be considered eligible uses: Purchase of equipment to store and/or prepare healthy food Purchase of furniture, fixtures, and start-up inventory for a healthy food business Build-out of space to house or expand a food retail or production operation Purchase of vehicles to transport healthy food Improvements to the exterior and signage of a fresh food retail operation Construction or equipment activities related to community gardens Soft costs that are specifically necessary to carry out another eligible use of funds. Eligible Projects  The FFAF provides 1:1 matching grants to projects that advance one or more of the following strategies: Attract grocery stores and mobile market stops to underserved neighborhoods Develop other retail outlets in underserved neighborhoods as sources of fresh foods Increase the stock of fresh foods in corner stores Increase the amount of locally grown food that is available to Milwaukee consumers Meet the fresh food needs of populations with special dietary requirements Improve transportation to grocery stores and farmer’s markets for individuals who live in underserved areas. Eligibility Criteria  Applications will be accepted from not-for-profit organizations with current 501(c)3 registration with the US Internal Revenue Service, and for-profit businesses. Other types of entities may be considered on a case-by-case basis. For more information, visit City of Milwaukee.

This initiative provides crucial support to small businesses recovering from the pandemic enabling them to thrive and serve our community. Additionally, it acts as financial assistance to attract new businesses into the Downtown Business District. PROGRAM ELEGIBILITY Grant funding is available to small business owners and owners of mixed-use and commercial properties in the Downtown Business District: In good standing with the City of Mount Vernon – i.e. not delinquent on real property, personal or school district taxes) Own a small business or property with ground floor commercial space in Downtown Business District. Business owner must have at least three (3) years remaining on their commercial lease. An active City of Mount Vernon Business Registration number. Demonstrate commitment to program requirements. Own a home-based business and plan to occupy a ground floor commercial space in the Downtown Business District.

The Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program aims to propel small businesses towards success and sustainability. This initiative offers entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to connect with essential support resources and participate in a 12-week series of comprehensive workshops aimed at crafting new business and marketing plans. Upon completion of the program, participants become eligible to apply for $10k grants, empowering them to expand their business capacity and enhance resilience. 25 businesses will be selected to participate in this program and receive grant awards upon completion. 10 additional businesses will be selected to participate in the workshop series only, and may be eligible for grant awards if funds become available. Program selection and awards will be determined by a selection committee based on the following criteria: • Representation of businesses across all parts of the city with priority for businesses located in low-to-moderate income areas • Representation of businesses across multiple sectors • Business readiness and potential impact of program participation This application will close on May 21st at 5pm. No late applications will be accepted. Applicants will be notified of selection decisions in late June. For assistance with this application, please contact BizCare at 562-570-4249 or [email protected].

The City of Hyattsville Vandalism Recovery Grants Program provides economic relief to small businesses and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations within Hyattsville impacted by vandalism. The program, funded with $15,000 through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) This grant provides up to $2,000 per business or nonprofit organization for reimbursement of repairs following vandalism incidents that occurred between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2024, which weren't fully covered by insurance.

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is accepting applications for its Food Security Processing Grant Program. Donor Name: Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) State: Utah County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Utah Food Security Processing Grant (UFSPG) was created in 2022 with a $1 million appropriation from the Utah State Legislature. With these funds, UDAF issued grants to Utah-based businesses to increase processing capacity of agricultural products produced in the state. UDAF received additional funding to continue this program during the 2023 and 2024 legislative sessions. The UFSPG covers expenses including processing equipment, coolers/freezers, contractor costs (plumbing, draining, electrical work), portion cutters, slaughter equipment, sorting equipment, bottling equipment, etc. Funding Information Individual grant awards will be capped at $200,000. 50% of the funds will be set aside for meat and poultry processing. $20,000 will be held for microgrants of $5,000 or less. Applicants must complete planned improvement, purchase equipment, etc. no earlier than July 1, 2024, and no later than June 30, 2025. Eligible Expenses May include, but are not limited to Coolers/freezers Portion cutters Processing equipment (smoking units, sausage stuffers, etc.) Slaughter equipment (cradles, saws, hooks, scalders, sinks, etc.) Electronic sorting equipment (e.g. grading and sizing for apples, cherries, or peaches) Bottling equipment for juices Contractor costs (plumbing, draining, venting, electrical work) Eligibility Criteria Grants of up to $200,000 are available to processors located in Utah with no more than 100 employees who use at least 51% of ingredients or product inputs that were grown/raised in Utah, or that sell at least 51% of their products to Utah consumers. Meat/poultry processors wishing to apply must be either: A state-inspected “equal-to” slaughter and/or processing plant, A licensed custom-exempt slaughter plant, or A Talmadge-Aiken (TA) or very small federally inspected plant. For more information, visit UDAF.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) through the Solano County Farm Bureau is pleased to announce funding availability for Healthy Soils Program Block Grant Pilot Program. Donor Name: Solano County Farm Bureau State: California County: Alameda County (CA), Contra Costa County (CA), Sacramento County (CA), Solano County (CA), Yolo County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The objectives of the HSP are to increase statewide implementation of conservation management practices that improve soil health, sequester carbon and reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs) by providing financial incentives to California growers and ranchers to implement agricultural management practices that sequester carbon, reduce atmospheric GHG emissions and improve soil health. The Healthy Soils Program (HSP) provides financial incentives in the form of grants to farmers and ranchers to implement conservation management practices that sequester carbon, reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs), and improve soil health. A few eligible practices include: Mulching – Compost Cover Crops Reduced Tillage Riparian, Herbaceous & Woody Plantings Windbreaks Filter Strips Whole Orchard Recycling Funding Information The California Climate Investments (CCI) appropriated $50 million. The maximum award is $100,000 The grant term is three years.  Eligibility Criteria California farmers, ranchers, agricultural business entities, and California Native Americans, are eligible to apply. Nonprofit organizations as agriculture operations are eligible to apply. Grant Recipients must be at least 18 years old. Cannabis cultivation operations are not eligible to apply. Hemp cultivation operations are eligible to apply. Project Eligibility Requirements Projects must be located on agricultural operations in California. For the purposes of this program, an agricultural operation is defined as row crops, vineyard, field and tree crops, commercial nurseries, nursery stock production, and greenhouse operations producing food crops, or flowers as. Projects located on grazing lands (including grasslands, rangelands, and pastures. Grant funds cannot be used for projects that use potted plants and plant growth media other than soil. Grant funds cannot be used for research and product development activities. All entities receiving grant funds must have a physical California business address. Awards are limited to one per agricultural operation using a unique tax identification number per round of funding, including applications submitted to Block Grant Recipients. Applications from Alameda, Contra Costa, Sacramento, Solano and Yolo County producers can apply with priority to those qualifying as socially disadvantaged.  For more information, visit CDFA.

Launch LC is a competitive grant opportunity through Naturally Lewis that helps start-up businesses in Lewis County. Donor Name: Naturally Lewis State: New York County: Lewis County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The 6-month program will provide entrepreneurs with the training, funding, and the tools needed to successfully open your business. At the program’s completion, entrepreneurs will submit business plan proposals for a chance to receive funding for their project. Naturally Lewis is looking to fund creative entrepreneurs that will enhance the quality of life for residents and make our community a more attractive place to live, work, and play. Naturally Lewis is seeking start-up businesses in the following categories: Food & Beverage Small-scale Manufacturing Tourism Construction Trades Funding Information Naturally Lewis has $280,500 in funding to award, and winners will receive a grant of $10,000, $20,000 or $30,000, depending on total project costs. Eligibility Criteria Must be a for-profit microenterprise business (five or fewer employees) Be considered low-to-moderate income OR create a job to be made available to low-to-moderate income individuals Applicants must be prepared to submit 2022 & 2023 Income Tax Returns to demonstrate eligibility If creating a new job is eligibility for grant, awardee must create job first in order to receive grant Applicants must contribute at least 10% of project cost with personal funds; grant funds can only cover up to 90% of total project cost. Eligibility Checklist Start-up businesses (new or open less than six months) Must be a for-profit microenterprise (five or fewer employees) Grant funds can only be used to purchase equipment, machinery, furniture and inventory. Must enhance experiences for tourists and locals, alike Funding cannot be rewarded for retroactive projects or projects that have already started For more information, visit Naturally Lewis.

This program provides financial assistance to small business and commercial property owners in Jackson, Mississippi, to improve the appearance of their buildings and attract more customers and investors.