Local Business and Commerce Grants

The City of Hyattsville's Commercial Façade Improvement Program is a grant initiative designed to enhance the visual appeal, quality, and vitality of the city’s commercial districts. The program aims to facilitate private sector investment in exterior improvements for commercial buildings, aligning with the city's broader mission of supporting local businesses and fostering a vibrant urban environment. It recognizes that individual façade improvements contribute significantly to the overall aesthetic and economic health of the commercial areas. This program targets business or property owners within three specific investment areas: the West Hyattsville Transit District, the Route One/Gateway Arts District, and the Prince George’s Plaza Transit District. The primary impact goals are to remove accessibility barriers, stimulate further investment in commercial properties, and achieve significant visual enhancements in commercial façade appearance. Projects that directly address these goals will receive preferential consideration, ensuring that the grants contribute effectively to the city's development objectives. The program prioritizes well-designed façade improvements that extend the longevity of buildings. Eligible improvements are diverse and include signage, exterior painting, storefront reconstruction, siding, exterior lighting, window and door upgrades, public-facing masonry or cornices, murals, and the removal of unattractive exterior finishes, as well as roof repairs and other approved uses. Eligibility requirements stipulate that structures must be commercially zoned and in use, or planned for commercial use, within Hyattsville. Correction of building code violations must be integrated into the improvement work, and vacant properties must secure a tenant within six months of project completion. The grant operates on a dollar-for-dollar matching basis, providing financial assistance ranging from $5,000 to $35,000. This structure is intended to leverage private investment and maximize the program's reach. The expected outcome is a series of visually improved commercial facades that enhance the city's commercial districts, attract new businesses, and encourage community engagement. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the scope of "significant visual improvements," the program implies that an increase in commercial vitality and accessibility, alongside the tangible improvements listed, will serve as indicators of success. The city's strategic priority is to empower the private sector to make these improvements, underpinned by a theory of change that postulates that financial assistance for façade upgrades will directly lead to a more attractive and economically robust commercial landscape.

The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP), managed jointly by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), aims to bolster cybersecurity across state, local, and territorial governments, including rural areas. This initiative directly aligns with a foundational mission to safeguard critical infrastructure and enhance the resilience of essential services provided by these governmental entities. By making targeted investments in cybersecurity, the program seeks to mitigate cybersecurity risks and combat threats to information systems, thereby protecting public services and data. The primary beneficiaries of the SLCGP are state, local governments, rural areas, and territories. The program's impact goals are centered on improving the security posture of these governmental agencies, ensuring the continuity and integrity of their services. This is achieved through direct financial assistance and the establishment of robust cybersecurity practices. A key priority is the pass-through requirement, mandating that at least 80 percent of federal funds reach local governments, including those in rural areas, to ensure a broad and equitable distribution of resources. The program's focus areas include addressing existing cybersecurity risks and proactively defending against emerging threats to information systems. CISA contributes subject-matter expertise, defining allowable activities that ensure investments are strategic and effective. FEMA oversees eligibility and grant administration, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks. The emphasis on a certified pass-through process underscores a commitment to direct local impact and accountability in fund utilization. Expected outcomes include a significant reduction in successful cyberattacks against state, local, and territorial government systems, leading to improved data security and service reliability. Measurable results will stem from the effective implementation of cybersecurity enhancements and the documented distribution of funds to local entities. The underlying strategic priority is to create a more secure and resilient governmental infrastructure across the nation, operating under a theory of change where targeted federal investment and collaborative management lead to tangible improvements in cybersecurity capabilities at all levels of government, ultimately benefiting the communities they serve.

This grant provides financial support to businesses in Daggett County for projects that promote economic growth, infrastructure improvements, and business expansion within the area.

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

The City of Frederick's Department of Economic Development has launched a new grant opportunity called “ACCESS GRANTED.” This initiative is designed to support small minority and women-owned businesses, both start-up and established, by providing access to capital for specific projects aimed at scaling their operations. The program aligns with the city's mission to foster a supportive and inclusive business environment, enabling entrepreneurs to achieve their full potential. The primary beneficiaries of the "ACCESS GRANTED" program are small minority and women-owned businesses within The City of Frederick limits. The impact goal is to empower these businesses by providing financial assistance that will facilitate their growth and development. This initiative aims to address the challenges these businesses face in accessing capital, thereby contributing to a more equitable and robust local economy. The program prioritizes small minority and/or women-owned businesses that are physically located within The City of Frederick limits. Eligibility criteria include being a registered for-profit business, being in good standing in the state of Maryland, and having no more than 25 full-time equivalent employees. These criteria ensure that the funding reaches businesses that are genuinely in need of support and are poised for growth within the city. The City of Frederick has earmarked $400,000 for this program, with individual grant sizes ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. The expected outcome is a tangible increase in the capacity and scalability of participating businesses, leading to job creation, economic growth, and enhanced community vibrancy. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the financial allocation, the program's success will likely be evaluated by the number of businesses supported, the scale of projects undertaken, and the overall economic impact on the community.

The City of Riverside Small & Micro Business Grant Program is designed to foster local small business resiliency by offering consultation services to identify areas for improvement and develop tailored strategies. The program aims to enhance financial stability, promote long-term sustainability, and build capacity for success among local businesses. This initiative addresses ongoing pandemic recovery needs and aligns with the Department of Treasury State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) to support long-term growth and reduce barriers for small businesses in disadvantaged communities. The target beneficiaries of this program are privately-owned, for-profit businesses that were in operation prior to March 13, 2020. This includes self-employed individuals, entrepreneurs, sole proprietors, 1099 independent contractors, home-based operations, LLCs, and C-Corporations. Individuals who started a business due to COVID-19 employment challenges before January 1, 2023, are also eligible. All applicants must be located within the City Limits of Riverside and possess a physical or residential business address. The program prioritizes businesses that are either categorically eligible (presumed impacted by ARPA) or can demonstrate a financial impact from COVID-19. This includes businesses experiencing decreased revenue, increased costs, challenges covering operating expenses like payroll and rent, or a lower capacity to withstand financial hardship due to depleted savings or lack of working capital. Annual gross revenue must be between $10,000 and $2.5 million, and businesses must have fewer than 50 employees, including owners. Maintaining active and good standing with all City, County, State, and Federal entities is also a key eligibility criterion. The expected outcomes and measurable results include increased financial stability and long-term sustainability for participating businesses, as well as enhanced capacity for success. The program seeks to reduce barriers to success for small businesses, particularly in disadvantaged communities, and promote access to valuable partner resources. In addition to direct financial support, with grant awards up to $25,000, all applicants receive a free one-on-one Strategic Planning Consultation. This consultation is a key component for identifying opportunities for improvement and building customized strategies, directly contributing to the program's goals of fostering resiliency and growth within the local small business ecosystem.

The City of York's Education, Empowerment & Enhancement (3E) Grant Program is supported by ARPA funds and aims to increase the operating capacity of small businesses. This program is rooted in the city's broader ARPA grant initiatives, which are designed to benefit City of York residents and the community. The alignment with the city's mission is evident in its focus on supporting local businesses, particularly those in Qualified Census Tract (QCT) areas, which the U.S. Treasury recognizes as disproportionately impacted. This strategic focus ensures that grant funds are directed towards areas and populations most in need, contributing to the overall economic resilience and social well-being of the city. The primary target beneficiaries of the 3E Grant Program are small business owners in the City of York who are minorities, women, or people with disabilities. To be eligible, businesses must also earn $500,000 or less in annual gross revenues, be registered, licensed, and in good standing on all City taxes and obligations, and be physically located within a QCT in the City of York. Additionally, no owners should have been convicted of financial crimes within the past three years. The program's impact goals are centered on fostering business growth and stability within these underserved communities by providing resources for education, professional development, and operational enhancements. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined by the "3E's": Education, Empowerment, and Enhancement. Education encompasses classes, certificates, and training for business owners and/or their employees. Empowerment focuses on retreats, workshops, and coaching to build professional development. Enhancement involves improvements to business operations through new software, products, or equipment. These areas represent the core strategies through which the grant intends to address the operational capacity and growth challenges faced by eligible small businesses. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the operating capacity of participating small businesses. This can manifest as improved skills through education, enhanced leadership and strategic thinking through empowerment, and increased efficiency or service offerings through operational enhancements. Eligible costs must occur within a year of receiving grant funds, providing a clear timeframe for impact. The program's theory of change posits that by investing in these key areas, the City of York can create a more equitable and robust local economy, particularly for businesses in historically disadvantaged areas, leading to sustained growth and community benefit.

This program provides financial support to social equity-licensed cannabis businesses in Cook County to help cover startup and operational costs, prioritizing those in historically marginalized communities.

The "Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program," launched by the City of Long Beach, is an initiative designed to enhance the success and sustainability of small businesses. While the description doesn't explicitly detail a "foundation mission alignment," the program itself aligns with the broader civic mission of economic development and community prosperity. By empowering local entrepreneurs, the City of Long Beach aims to strengthen its local economy and foster a vibrant business environment, thereby contributing to the overall well-being of its residents and community. The program targets small businesses located and operating within Long Beach, California, with a storefront accessible to the public. Eligible businesses must have been in operation for a minimum of three years as of April 23, 2024, be independently-owned for-profit entities (including sole proprietorships, LLCs, or Corporations that are not publicly traded), or 501(c)3 nonprofits. They must hold an active or delinquent City of Long Beach business license, be currently open and active, and earn no more than $5 million in annual gross revenue. Corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships must have an "ACTIVE" status with the California Secretary of State. The program excludes businesses without a physical location, permanently closed businesses, government entities, political/lobbying activities, passive businesses, religious organizations, financial lending businesses, landlords/property managers (unless repairing on behalf of a small business), illegal activities, socially undesirable activities (e.g., check cashing), businesses with active code enforcement/COVID-19 Health Order violations, and cannabis-related businesses. The program's priorities and focuses include igniting growth and fostering excellence among Long Beach's small businesses. Through no-cost training sessions, participants will receive comprehensive support in strategic business planning, marketing, branding, social media optimization, access to capital, government procurement, permitting/licensing, merchandising, networking, biz-to-biz mentorship, talent recruitment, and personalized business counseling. A selection committee will determine program participants and grant awards based on representation across all parts of the city (with priority for low-to-moderate income areas), representation across multiple sectors, and business readiness and potential impact of program participation. Expected outcomes and measurable results include participants becoming eligible to apply for $10,000 grants upon completion of the program, which are intended to empower them to expand their business capacity and enhance resilience. The City’s Economic Development Department will select a group of 25 small businesses for this exclusive opportunity. The focus on comprehensive workshops and subsequent grant eligibility directly aims to translate the acquired knowledge and resources into tangible business expansion and increased sustainability. While specific quantitative metrics for growth and resilience are not detailed, the program's structure implies that the successful utilization of the grants and learned strategies will be key indicators of impact.

Grant Opportunity: Wisconsin Community Development Block Grant – Coronavirus (CDBG – CV) is available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Community Development Block Grant program. Eligible applicants must meet the Low-to-Moderate-Income requirement. Please note that businesses located in the City of Racine are not eligible for this grant as the City has received its own allocation directly from HUD.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local businesses and non-profits for community-focused projects that promote public engagement, enhance public spaces, and foster economic growth in Hyattsville.

This funding opportunity provides up to $40,000 for community groups and local agencies in the Oklahoma City Metro area to enhance public spaces through projects like tree planting and landscaping that promote public engagement and accessibility.

City of Beaverton is offering Open Format Grants for 2023-2024, with a grant size ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. The grant aims to support individuals or organizations with needs not met by traditional funding programs, including studio, office, or venue rental; staff support; discreet projects; and strategic planning efforts. The program's goals align with Beaverton's Community Vision and prioritize cultural diversity, social equity, community collaboration, economic vitality, creativity and innovation, community identity and heritage preservation, and public space promotion. Funding requests may be up to $2,500 per applicant. Eligible applicants include individual artists, artist collectives, curators or arts administrators; non-profit organizations offering arts and culture programming; school groups within the city of Beaverton; and individual students. For more information, visit City of Beaverton website.

The Community Development Corporation Grant Program, offered by the City of Akron, Ohio, is designed to partner with Community Development Corporations (CDCs) to invest in projects that foster population and tax revenue growth. This is achieved through the revitalization and repurposing of vacant, underutilized, blighted, or historic buildings, increased investment in place-based infrastructure, housing rehabilitation, and public services. The program's core mission aligns with promoting urban renewal and economic development within Akron's neighborhoods. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are Community Development Corporations (501(c)(3) nonprofits located within Akron, Ohio city limits) and, by extension, the residents and neighborhoods of Akron. The impact goals include creating new housing options, enabling business creation and attraction, and providing essential resources for Akron residents. The program prioritizes projects that utilize federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds to support investments, aiming to foster an environment conducive to sustainable growth and community well-being. The program focuses on several key areas. These include revitalizing and repurposing distressed properties, investing in infrastructure, improving housing, and delivering public services. Eligible organizations must demonstrate an appropriate use of funding in accordance with the CDBG purpose, hold a certificate of good standing with the State of Ohio, and be registered on SAM.gov with an active Unique Entity Identification Number. A crucial requirement is also the ability to provide documentation of at least three previous projects undertaken by the CDC within its footprint area, ensuring a track record of effective community development. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased population and tax revenue growth, a reduction in vacant or blighted properties, an increase in new housing options, and the creation and attraction of businesses. While a specific "theory of change" or "foundation's strategic priorities" is not explicitly detailed as a separate entity, the City of Akron's strategic priority is clearly to utilize CDBG funds to stimulate local investment, enhance community infrastructure, and improve the quality of life for its residents. The overall goal is to foster an environment that attracts development and provides resources, thereby strengthening Akron's neighborhoods. The City of Akron has allocated a total of $500,000 for this grant program, with individual awards available up to $125,000 per applicant. The grant duration is one year, indicating a focus on projects with a relatively swift implementation and impact. This funding structure and duration suggest a strategy aimed at initiating and supporting tangible, short-to-medium-term development projects that contribute to the broader, long-term revitalization goals of the city.

The United Way Grant Program, spearheaded by the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Counties, aims to improve the quality of life for residents in Lackawanna, Wayne, and surrounding communities. The program is deeply aligned with the foundation's broader mission to serve as a catalyst for community problem-solving and to conduct efficient fundraising efforts to address compelling social problems. Specifically, it focuses on promoting quality education leading to graduation, stable employment, and sufficient income, while also advocating for good physical and mental health and a strong safety net during crises. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are non-profit, 501(c)(3) health and human service organizations that provide in-person, direct services within Wayne County. These organizations, in turn, serve the residents of Wayne and Pike Counties by supporting services specifically designed for them. The overarching impact goals are centered on achieving financial stability for families, ensuring access to quality education, fostering overall well-being, and building community resilience. The program's priorities and focus areas are broad, encompassing existing programs, new initiatives, program expansion, and even capital items, as long as they align with the United Way's mission. The emphasis is on addressing critical social challenges and improving outcomes in areas such as education, income stability, and health. The funds are a direct result of campaigns supported by individuals, businesses, and foundations dedicated to aiding Wayne and/or Pike County residents. Expected outcomes include an improvement in educational attainment, increased rates of stable employment and sufficient income for families, enhanced physical and mental health outcomes, and the establishment of robust safety nets for communities in times of crisis. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the general improvements in quality of life, the program's structure implies that the success will be evaluated through the direct services provided by the funded organizations and their impact on the target populations. The strategic priorities revolve around community problem-solving and effective resource allocation, operating under a theory of change that posits that by investing in key areas like education, health, and financial stability, the overall well-being and resilience of the community will be significantly improved. The grant sizes, ranging from $500 to $4,000 for individual grants to organizations, reflect a commitment to supporting a variety of initiatives that contribute to these comprehensive goals.

This funding provides rental assistance to nonprofit organizations and public agencies in Vancouver to help low-income households afford housing costs while promoting self-sufficiency.

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses in Raleigh for improving the exteriors of their commercial buildings, enhancing the visual appeal of the community.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in California for projects that assist very low to moderate-income residents of Palm Desert, including seniors, the disabled, domestic violence victims, and the homeless.

The City of Alhambra in California is offering a Small Business Assistance Grant Program to support local small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible businesses must either serve a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defined low- and moderate-income area within Alhambra or be owned by low- and moderate-income individuals.Groups of neighbors must find a host organization to sponsor the project and act as the project fiduciary. Applications are accepted year-round until funds are exhausted.

The County of Maui's Green Grants program, managed by the Department of Environmental Management’s Environmental Protection & Sustainability Division (EP&S), is a significant initiative providing approximately $1.7 million in funding to support projects that promote sustainability. This program aligns with the county's mission to enhance environmental protection and sustainability within Maui. The grants aim to foster a greener future for the region by supporting a diverse range of environmental projects. The program targets a broad spectrum of beneficiaries, including individuals, non-profit organizations, and for-profit businesses. A particular emphasis is placed on projects led by, or with a focus on, women, youth, and traditional native Hawaiian practices and approaches. The impact goals are centered around environmental restoration, conservation, and sustainability. This includes initiatives in areas such as invasive species management and broader environmental protection efforts, contributing to the overall ecological well-being of Maui County. Key priorities for the Green Grants include supporting initiatives that address environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices. The program has a specific allocation for an Environmental Protection Grant, totaling $490,000 for FY25, which will fund initiatives in invasive species management, environmental restoration, conservation, and sustainability. Additionally, up to $10,000 is specifically allocated for Waikapū community beautification projects, highlighting a focus on local community engagement and improvement. The expected outcomes and measurable results include tangible environmental improvements across Maui County, such as reduced invasive species, restored natural habitats, and enhanced conservation efforts. The program anticipates projects that will contribute to a more sustainable environment, with a particular emphasis on community-led initiatives and the integration of traditional ecological knowledge. Projects are expected to run for a full year, with options for alignment to either Fiscal Year (July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025) or Calendar Year (January 1, 2025–December 31, 2025) 2025, allowing for flexible project planning and execution to maximize impact.