Local Business and Commerce Grants

This program provides financial support to retail, service, and restaurant businesses in East Haddam and Haddam to help them recover from revenue losses caused by local construction disruptions.

The Charlevoix County Community Foundation (C3F) is seeking applications for its Community Priorities Grant to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Charlevoix County, now and for generations to come. Donor Name: Charlevoix County Community Foundation (C3F) State: Michigan County: Charlevoix County (MI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose of the Community Priorities Cycle is to offer all eligible nonprofit partners the opportunity to apply for projects and programs that address a variety of needs in Charlevoix County. Individuals, couples, families, and businesses who advise funds at the Community Foundation (donor advisors) may choose to make grants through the cycle as well. Community Priorities grant proposals will additionally be evaluated on the following specific criteria: Organization’s impact and relevance in the community they serve Organizational capacity (leadership, staffing, planning, etc.), and solvency Degree to which funds will help strengthen the organization and/or the community the organization serves Comprehensiveness of proposal, including degree to which proposed activities are wellplanned and address the need(s) identified Duration of impact in the community served Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants include: 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations All units of government All educational institutions (preschool through college) Organizations described above that serve Charlevoix County residents Organizations that do not discriminate in hiring of staff or the provision of services For more information, visit C3F.

The City of Evanston is seeking applications for its Small Business Recovery Program to protect small business economy and preserve Evanston’s economic and cultural fabric. Donor Name: City of Evanston State: Illinois City: Evanston Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: All Time Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Small, independently owned businesses define Evanston’s economic and cultural identity. The Small Business Recovery Program will help existing small businesses, particularly minority, disadvantaged, and veteran-owned businesses, recover from the sustained negative economic impacts of the pandemic. Funding Information The maximum grant amount per applicant is $25,000. All other expenses are eligible for up to $10,000. Eligible Services  Eligible applicants may request any of the following services: Facade improvements Rehabilitation or renovation of a commercial property Signage, including blade signs Professional Services (accounting, tax, insurance, legal) Marketing / communications technical assistance (including social media and paid advertising expenditures) Capital expenditures, including tools and equipment (software, hardware, process-specific tools or equipment) Training and certifications Relocation and expansion within Evanston (if located in qualified census tracts) Hiring and training of new employees Other expenses may be considered on a case by case basis Eligibility Criteria  Brick and mortar businesses who were open and operating on or before March 13, 2020. The business must have a physical location in Evanston which is also properly registered and/or licensed with the City of Evanston. The business has 50 or fewer employees. Completed applications must include three quotes for each service or expense for which funding assistance is requested, including at least one quote from an Evanston-based provider whenever possible. The business must demonstrate they were negatively impacted by the pandemic and how the requested expenses will aid recovery. In the event applications exceed available funding, priority will be given to M/W/D/EBE businesses or those located in qualified census tracts For more information, visit City of Evanston.

The City of Evanston’s “Sustain Evanston” Incentive Program is a funding tool to assist small business owners to implement sustainability measures that align with the goals of the City’s Climate Action & Resilience Plan while reducing their operating costs and better serving their customers. Donor Name: City of Evanston State: Illinois City: Evanston Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The City provides a rebate of the total cost of qualifying interior or exterior improvements. The Economic Development Division and Sustainability & Resilience Division manage the program. Funding Information Eligible applicants will receive assistance from $1,000 to $25,000. Eligible Expenses Capital Projects such as: Heat Pumps EV Charging Infrastructure Solar PV Waste Collection Enclosures Balers/Compactors Green Infrastructure Green Roofs Insulation Windows Equipment such as: Containers Reusable containers Lighting/Fixtures Appliances (dishwasher, refrigerator, induction stove) Services such as: Composting Services Recycling Services Energy/Water Benchmarking Services Consulting Education Materials such as: Signage Labels Eligibility Criteria Eligible participants of the program include: Commercial property owners Tenants of commercial buildings Business Districts Coalition of businesses Tenants must have:  A written commitment to operating within the City of Evanston: A current lease with a minimum of five (5) years remaining from the date of application or; Evidence that the business has operated in Evanston for over five (5) years or; A combination of historical operation and remaining lease time totaling at least five (5) years Written approval from the property owner to participate in the Program Proper business license and/or registration with the City No outstanding debt with the City Business Districts or Coalitions must have:  List of businesses that the project would benefit; Participating business owners’ signed letter of support or signature Proper business license and/or registration with the City No outstanding debt with the City Commercial Property Owners must have:  Proof of ownership No outstanding debt with the City For more information, visit  City of Evanston.

This program provides financial assistance to new small businesses in Evanston, helping them cover essential operating costs and equipment expenses to foster job creation and sustainability.

The Town of Olathe is pleased to announce that it has received a Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) grant from the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). Donor Name: Town of Olathe State: Colorado Town: Olathe Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 12/02/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This grant is intended to support the revitalization of our Main Street and bolster local retail businesses. Funding Information Up to $10,000 Eligible Improvements Include, but are not limited to: Awning repair, replacement, removal or addition Removal and replacement of existing business sign(s), or new signs Façade improvements include, but not limited to: Storefront repairs or upgrades, including entryway doors Window repair or replacement Façade alteration Rehabilitation of historic features of building Cleaning of façade materials, painting, brick pointing and other façade improvements Modifications to improve accessibility to business Other improvements with a proven economic benefit or significant return to historical context. Roof and foundation work will not be considered for grant funding at this time. Eligibility Criteria All businesses in the 200 and 300 blocks of Olathe’s Main Street and retail businesses along Highway 50 Business Loop. Tenants must have at least two years remaining on their lease with the property owner and have the property owner’s written permission approvals to apply. A property owner of multiple properties may apply for grant funds for each owned property with separate grant applications, and each application may not exceed $10,000 total project cost. (Total project cost includes applicant’s 25% match.) For more information, visit  Town of Olathe.

The City of Seaside Visitors Bureau invites funding requests from businesses and organizations that produce tourism projects, programs or events designed to increase overnight visits to the area, especially in the shoulder and winter months. Donor Name: City of Seaside Visitors Bureau State: Oregon City: Seaside Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/03/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The goal of Seaside’s Tourism Grant Program is to support and coordinate event development to ensure that Seaside can meet or exceed visitor expectations as a tourism destination and derive the greatest possible economic impact from visitor spending. Funding priority is given to projects and events that occur during the shoulder seasons and winter months with a strong potential for creating local room nights. No more than $3,000 will be granted to projects happening between Memorial Day and Labor Day (with the exception of July 4th fireworks funding, which City leaders typically earmark as a “signature Seaside event”). Funding Information Up to $25,000. Project Period Projects or events to be completed between July 1, 2024 and December 31, 2025. Grant Projects Below is a sample list of grant projects. Actual projects are not limited to only what is listed below. All projects must generate overnight stays in Seaside or have the potential to generate overnight stays. Events, festivals or activities that accentuate and/or complement Seaside. Development assistance to non-profit or government-owned visitor attractions. Development projects by “for profit” businesses and organizations may be considered, but not for brick-and-mortar types of projects or any programs that duplicate City marketing efforts. Eligibility Criteria Non-profit organizations and businesses with a project or event that promotes local tourism attractions and has a strong potential to create overnight stays for commercial lodging properties in Seaside are eligible to apply. Activities Not Eligible for Funding The following is a partial list of activities that are not eligible for consideration. Grant funds to cover general administrative costs. Grant funds to cover operational expenses. Commercial or for-profit orgs seeking funds for capital improvements or projects. Projects promoting tourism outside the Seaside area. Applicants who did not complete the required reports in previous year. Award requests for more than $5,000.00 (or $3,000 in the high tourism season.). Used as a match for other City of Seaside funding awards. For more information, visit  City of Seaside Visitors Bureau.

The City of Pasadena is accepting applications for its 2024-2025 Festival and Parade Grant Program. Donor Name: City of Pasadena State: California City: Pasadena Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: For the purpose of this grant program, a “festival” or “parade” is a publicly oriented thematic event with a defined cultural or artistic focus, comprised of multiple arts genres/cultural activities – or – multiple offerings focusing on one artistic genre or cultural activity, that include elements of community involvement. For example, music festivals, dance festivals, fairs, parades and cultural celebrations would all be eligible. It is produced by a non-profit or consortium of non-profit organizations. It takes place within the boundaries of Pasadena at one site or in one geographic area for one or more consecutive days, and features but is not limited to music, theatre, visual art, dance or film. Specific art /cultural “elements” of a larger event are also eligible. Simple outdoor or housed “exhibitions” without community involvement would not qualify. A non-profit arts and culture organization or non-profit social service organization (including but not limited to a chamber of commerce, social service agency, homeowners association or business district) in partnership with an arts and culture organization is eligible to apply for the production of an arts/cultural festival, fair or parade. Festival and Parade Program grants will generally support marketing costs and artists fees in order to foster accessibility, cultural diversity, and geographic equity. This grant is available only to events which take place within the Pasadena city limits. Funding Information Maximum grant request is $10,000. Project Period Project or program must take place between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. Eligible Projects  The Annual Grants Program provides support for the following types of Festivals and Parades: A public event or element of an event with a defined cultural or artistic purpose An arts/culture festival or parade held in publicly accessible space and free, or of reasonable cost. A collaboration between one or more Pasadena non-profit art/culture organizations and any other non-profit organization (including, but not limited to, a chamber of commerce, social service agency, homeowners association or business district). In this case either partner may take the lead on the application as long as a nonprofit partnership exists. A Pasadena social service organization may apply but only in partnership with a Pasadena arts/culture organization. An arts/culture event as stated above produced in Pasadena by a non-profit arts/culture organization not based in Pasadena but providing an event otherwise not produced by a local producer. For more information, visit City of Pasadena.

The City of Kansas City, Missouri, in partnership with the Economic Development Corporation - Loan Corporation (EDCLC), is offering grants to eligible micro-businesses that have been negatively impacted by the pandemic. The grants are available to businesses based in Kansas City, Missouri, with ten or fewer employees. The EDCLC will provide grants of $10,000, $15,000, and $25,000. The funds can be used for various purposes such as overhead costs, renovation costs, technology, professional services, facade and minor roof repairs, inventory costs, equipment costs, and marketing. However, certain businesses are ineligible for the grants, including liquor stores, payday loans, hookah and vape shops, marijuana-related businesses, rental properties, bars with less than 50% food sales, and new businesses operating for less than one year. For more information, contact [email protected] or call 816-691-2120.

The North Killeen Downtown Start-up Program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act through the City of Killeen, Texas, offers support to entrepreneurs looking to establish or grow businesses in the North Killeen and Historic Downtown Area. The program aims to enhance community resilience and increase economic prospects in areas that have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Rescue Plan Act acknowledges the pre-existing economic disparities experienced by certain communities and families that were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds are encouraged to be used to reduce these disparities and create stronger neighborhoods in certain Qualified Census Tracts. North Killeen and the Historic Downtown are located within Qualified Census Tracts.

Name of Funding Organization: Cecil County, Maryland Contact Information: Not provided in the input Grant Program: FY24 Cecil County Route 40 Revitalization Grant Program Intent: The grant aims to assist businesses and organizations located along the Route 40 corridor in Cecil County, Maryland to improve their exterior visual appearance and function. The goal is to enhance the overall visual appearance and increase utilization of these businesses and organizations. Award Details: The maximum award per grant application is $25,000. Grant funds are intended to be used for exterior improvement projects visible from Route 40. Up to 20% of the grant funds may be used for specified interior improvements with prior approval. All funding is contingent upon funding from the State of Maryland and approval of Cecil County Council. Eligibility: Businesses and organizations, both for-profit and non-profit, located within Cecil County along the Route 40 corridor with a Route 40/Pulaski Highway address are eligible to apply. Applicants must be in good standing with the IRS, State of Maryland, and Cecil County. Other Relevant Information: - Applicants must match the funds they are applying for. - Project designs must be approved by Cecil County Government. - Demolition of derelict structures visible from Route 40 will be considered. - Disbursement of grant funding will only be made on a reimbursement basis. - Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis starting January 1, 2024. - Grant funds must be expended by June 30, 2024. Eligible Activities: Signage, Lighting, Roofing, Siding, Painting, Entrance, Porch/Deck, Fencing, Landscaping/Hardscaping, Sidewalks, Driveway, Parking, ADA Ramp, Demolition Ineligible Activities: Improvements to primary residence, Interior renovations, Improvements not visible from Route 40, Trash Removal Project Evaluation: The Grant Review Committee will evaluate applications based on criteria such as completeness, enhanced visual appearance from Route 40, stability of business/organization, positive impact on the business and community, clear explanation of how grant funds will be used, adherence to maximum limit of $25,000, identification of matching funds sources, preference

The City of York is accepting applications for its Education, Empowerment & Enhancement (3E) Grant Program. Donor Name: City of York State: Pennsylvania City: York Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: All Time Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Small business owners may be awarded up to $5,000 through the City of York 3E Grant Program supported by ARPA funds. This grant program is intended to increase the operating capacity of small businesses owned by minorities, women, and people with disabilities through education and job training, empowerment and professional development, and enhancements to business operations – 3E’s. Eligibility Criteria The City’s ARPA grant programs are designed to support residents, organizations, programs, and activities that benefit City of York residents and community. Per the Final Rule, the U.S. Treasury recognizes small businesses located within a Qualified Census Tract (QCT) area as disproportionately impacted and eligible to receive funding for this program. Qualifying expenses must be related to the following: Education (classes, certificates, training), Empowerment (retreats, workshops, coaching), and Enhancement (new software, products, equipment) for business owners and/or their employees to promote business growth and stability. The City of York is required by law to obtain the following information from all grant program applicants. This information is used by the City to determine the eligibility of the applicant under US Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) guidelines. You must meet all eligibility criteria and submit ALL the required documentation to be considered for the grant. The information you provide on this form will be kept confidential. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Additional Requirements Business must be majority owned by a minority, woman, or person with a disability. Earn $500,000 or less in annual gross revenues. Must be registered, licensed, and in good standing on all City taxes and obligations. Business must be physically located within a QCT in the City of York. No owners have been convicted of financial crimes within the past three years. Eligible costs must occur within a year of receiving grant funds. For more information, visit City of York.

This program provides $5,000 grants to small businesses and non-profits in Norco, California, that have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This initiative provides financial assistance to small businesses in San Francisco that have experienced vandalism, helping them cover repair costs and maintain their storefronts.

This program provides financial and technical assistance to property and business owners in Downtown Orangeburg for improving the exteriors of their buildings, including signage and historic details.

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses in San Mateo County that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, helping them cover operating expenses and recover from revenue losses.

The Schuyler County Fund at the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes provides a vehicle for individuals, families, and businesses to invest in the residents of Schuyler County and to protect the physical environment of the region. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes State: New York County: Schuyler County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/05/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Community Foundation is a public charity that encourages funding requests from non-profit tax-exempt programs. Guiding Principals for Grantmaking The Community Foundation builds community and inspires philanthropy. They support creative, effective and innovative programs in the areas of human services, arts and culture, education and youth, health, the environment and civic affairs. Successful projects will address community needs while demonstrating sustainable impact and measurable outcomes. It strives to create healthier conditions for people in our community by collectively improving and/or developing them together. Funded programs will provide clearly stated goals for the incorporation of diverse cultures, philosophies and experiences. Diversity is present not only in program delivery but also in the mission, boards, and operations of the organization The voices of the underserved and economically diverse are important, and programs designed to foster access for community connections are preferred. Eligibility Criteria The Schuyler County Fund supports a wide variety of projects but does restrict itself to organizations: Classified as a nonprofit charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code; or publicly supported organizations such as school districts and municipalities Who have submitted a grant evaluation for any completed program previously funded by the Community Foundation Projects that address pressing issues and benefit from strong community partnerships Proposals from faith-based organizations will only be considered if: (1) service benefits all, regardless of religion; (2) service provided is not religious in nature; and (3) there is no proselytizing associated with the service. The Schuyler County Fund does not make grants for the following activities: Annual campaigns, special event fundraisers or sponsorships Religious purposes Political or partisan purposes Activities taking place before grant decisions are made Deficit funding or debt retirement Individuals For more information, visit  Schuyler County Fund.

This program provides financial support to small businesses and nonprofits in Snohomish to help them recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Grant Name: DRI Main Street Facade Improvement Program Location: City of Syracuse, New York Grant Size: $100,000 to $500,000 Duration: Not specified Details: The City of Syracuse Department of Neighborhood and Business Development is offering grants to support the redevelopment and improvement of commercial, mixed-use, and/or historic properties within the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) area. Funding is available for for-profit entities seeking to make building facade improvements. A total of $1.8 million has been allocated for this program, with a maximum award of up to $250,000 per project. Eligible applicants include property owners or those under contract to purchase property in the DRI area. Both for-profit and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply. For more information, visit NBD website.

Grant Name: Technology Industry Grant Donor: City of Peoria, Illinois Type: Grant Deadline: Ongoing Grant Size: $10,000 - $25,000 Description: The Technology Industry Grant offers funding to technology-related businesses looking to establish or expand within the city of Peoria. Eligible industries include Agricultural Technology (AgTech), Biological Medical Technology (BioTech), Medical Technology (MedTech), and other technological advancements. Applicants should demonstrate established seed funding, a proof of function prototype, and a plan for further product development. The program aims to attract technology businesses, stimulate public and private investment, introduce new technology to the area, and support commercial space activity in business districts. Priority locations for funding include the Medical District, Central Business District, and West Main Street within the city boundaries. Eligible uses of the grant include lease or mortgage assistance, operational expense support, and other business costs related to the newly opened location. Small businesses with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees are eligible to apply if they meet all criteria outlined by the City of Peoria. For more information and application details, visit City of Peoria website.