Grants for Small businesses - Private

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

This program provides financial assistance to Maryland farmers and watermen for purchasing and installing cold storage equipment to improve product quality and expand their operations.

This funding opportunity supports various mentoring and intervention programs aimed at reducing violence and fostering positive relationships among youth and families in the community.

LIA Foundation Small Business Support Program The LIA Foundation, in partnership with the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce (LIAACC) and Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (LIHCC), is continuing to expand the Small Business Support Program by directly funding 25 businesses in Nassau County and 25 businesses in Suffolk County. These grants aim to provide financial resources to support growth, expansion, and contribute to the revitalization of downtown areas. Program Details: Grant Provider: LIA Foundation Funding Source: Generous grant from Optimum Business Grant Amount: $5,000 per selected business Application Deadline: May 1, 2024 Notification: Selected businesses will be notified in the summer of 2024 after review by a Selection Committee. Eligibility: Small businesses in Nassau County and Suffolk County No consideration of membership status with LIA, LIAACC, LIHCC, or Optimum Business in the evaluation process. Additional Information: Non-members of the Long Island Association will receive a six-month complimentary membership upon application submission. Optimum Business provides world-class Internet, phone, TV, security, and managed services with a commitment to small and mid-sized business success. Application Process: Submit applications by May 1, 2024. The Selection Committee will review applications. Successful applicants will receive notification in the summer of 2024. Note: Membership with LIA, LIAACC, LIHCC, or status as an Optimum Business customer will not influence the evaluation of applications.

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 Creative Economy Fund (fka Creative Industries Incentive Fund) awards project grants to arts, cultural, and creative-based commercial businesses that are located in the City of San José and involved in the production or distribution of the arts, including manufacturers, service providers, presenters, and designers, among others. Donor Name: Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI) State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Funding supports projects and activities aimed at building successful arts, cultural, and creative-based small businesses in San José.  The Creative Economy Fund is an initiative of the City of San José Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs (OEDCA). The Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI), a nonprofit intermediary focused on the economic security of individuals in the arts, is partnering with OEDCA to administer the Creative Economy Fund.  The goals of the Creative Economy Fund are to: Enhance San José’s creative economy. Bolster the growth and financial resilience of small arts, cultural, and creative-based businesses in San José. Provide financial support to artists and creative entrepreneurs (across all disciplines in both the non-commercial and commercial arenas). Funding Information For the 2024 grantmaking round, a total of $40,000 is available. Grants of up to $8,000 will be awarded through a competitive grant application process. Competitive applicants will contribute to the city’s cultural vibrancy, demonstrate readiness for project implementation, grow and achieve greater financial resilience, and demonstrate economic impact (e.g., attracting visitors, generating sales tax, creating jobs) in the City of San José. Competitive applicants will also reflect the City’s diverse cultural communities and creative-based commercial landscape. Period of Support     September 2024 – September 2025. Eligibility Criteria  To be eligible for Creative Economy Fund consideration, businesses must meet the following criteria:  Be a commercial enterprise, including small businesses (defined by the City of San José as businesses with 35 employees or less) and sole proprietorships (Note: businesses do not have to be brick and mortar; they can be online storefronts or nomadic enterprises); Be based in San José; Primarily provides a cultural, creative, or arts-related service or product;  Be in good standing with the City of San José, evidenced through possession of an active San José business tax certificate (aka business license, business permit)* and fulfillment of OEDCA or any other City department’s funding requirements, if applicable; and Cannot have a conflict of interest (family or financial relationships) with the boards, staff, and directors of CCI or OEDCA. The following are ineligible for funding consideration: Nonprofits; Individuals, organizations, or projects that will use a fiscal sponsor to receive grant funds if funding is approved; Businesses that are not arts, cultural, or creative-based;  Projects that are already funded through another Office of Cultural Affairs grant program;  Projects that have already taken place (funding can only be applied to expenses accrued during the grant period); and Incomplete Creative Economy Fund applications. For more information, visit CCI.

The PeopleFund’s BIPOC Small Business Accelerator provides underserved entrepreneurs in Texas with the capital, education, and resources needed to support healthy business growth. Donor Name: PeopleFund State: Texas County: All Counties Type of Grant: Training or Mentorship Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Program participants commit to an orientation, a series of virtual training sessions, and assigned “homework”. Participants also receive access to technology and tools including LivePlan business planning software and an online curriculum for 6 months, expedited loan packaging and application support, and ongoing after-care provided by PeopleFund and the partners. Participants must apply, be admitted to the program, and qualify for a PeopleFund loan product. Funding Information A grant amount between $3,000 and a maximum of $5,000. Eligibility Criteria  To qualify for the BIPOC Small Business Accelerator, applicants must meet the following criteria: Must be located in the state of Texas Participants must demonstrate at least one of the following three criteria: Their business is located in a low to moderate-income area OR That the address of the individual is in a low to moderate-income area OR That the household income of the participant is low to moderate-income Open to start-up and existing businesses Must be able to support a loan payment through available global cash flow Must meet credit and lending qualifications No bankruptcies within the last 5 years U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Not currently in active litigation Not currently past-due on federal obligations or are on a recovery plan Total collections, derogatory marks, and past due items cannot exceed 10% of the total loan amount up to $5,000 Not involved in felony-level criminal activity, crimes of moral turpitude, or financial Not engaged in any of the following industries: adult entertainment, gambling or gaming, real estate investments or housing projects, passive activity (rental), anything federally illegal, multi-level marketing, and nonprofit activities. Program Benefits Participants will have access to: Qualify for a PeopleFund loan product (dependent on approval) Connections to business and professional resources in the community Completion of a business plan, financial statements, and capital portfolio Access to tools and technology including LivePlan business planning software and the Verizon Digital Ready Program Curriculum guide within an online learning platform Ongoing support and aftercare through dedicated business coaching and mentorship Networking opportunities within the cohort. For more information, visit PeopleFund.

This program provides free support and funding for U.S.-based startups in the BlueTech sector focused on developing ocean data technologies that promote ocean health and resilience.

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

The Enthuse Foundation awards $2,500 grants to ten female-owned businesses annually. The non-profit supports women entrepreneurs in launching or growing their businesses. Eligible applicants must identify as women or non-binary, run an established business full-time, and demonstrate financial need. Winners for 2024 will be declared in June, with details for the 2025 cycle to be announced.

UpStart Thrift Store will award competitive grants of up to $5,000 to small business owners in Washington County. The UpStart Thrift Store team will work with the Startup Junkie Foundation leadership to select the awardees based on the merits of their application. If your startup or small business could benefit from such a grant, fill out the application at the link below. Please don't apply unless your business is physically located in Washington County, Arkansas. The grant awards starting at $500 are provided by the sales proceeds derived from efforts of an all volunteer non-profit thrift store called Upstart Thrift that is a program of the 501c3, Startup Junkie Foundation. The intent is to provide a hand up to deserving small businesses in Washington County, Arkansas. Applicants will only be eligible for one award per calendar year. Applications will be reviewed quarterly. The top three candidates will be contacted to conduct a brief interview. Candidates who do not receive a grant are still eligible for funds via Kiva NWA and free consulting from Startup Junkie.

Mini-Grants for Community Impact are offered to bolster local initiatives in Choctaw, Lowndes, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Webster, and/or Winston Counties. Donor Name: United Way of the Golden Triangle Region State: Mississippi County: Choctaw County (MS), Lowndes County (MS), Noxubee County (MS), Oktibbeha County (MS), Webster County (MS), Winston County (MS) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This agreement is based on the mutual beliefs of both the United Way of the Golden Triangle Region and the participating organization that: The goal of meeting the human needs of the people of Choctaw, Lowndes, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Webster, and Winston Counties demands the united efforts of all segments of the commuity. Human services planning, community-wide fundraising and the allocation of funds based upon citizens’ review of services are the most effective and efficient means of meeting the human needs of the community. Clear understanding and mutual acceptance of the respective roles of the United Way of the Golden Triangle Region and the participating organization are essential to their joint effort to meet the human needs of the aforementioned counties. Funding Information The awarded amount ranges from $500 to $1,500, with a maximum of $1,500 per entity (non-profit, organization, program, business, or community group). Funds cannot be allocated towards salaries, reimbursements, matching funds, capital campaigns, operational expenses, consulting fees, or lobbying. Instead, they must be directed towards fulfilling a specific community need. Criteria This application welcomes registered 501(c)3 non-profits, organizations, businesses, programs, or community groups committed to advancing Education, Health, Financial Stability, Children/Family, and/or Disaster relief in this region. For more information, visit United Way of the Golden Triangle Region.

In Tier 3, CHEJ's Small Grants Program targets large grassroots organizations with budgets between $250,000 and $1,000,000. Offering grants between $10,000 and $20,000, this tier supports substantial projects that tackle environmental health issues through strategic, impactful actions. Eligible projects are those that enable significant local, state, or regional impact, focusing on building capacity, leadership, and educational outreach within communities affected by environmental toxins. This funding tier is suited for larger organizations that play a pivotal role in their communities and are looking to expand or enhance their ongoing efforts.

This program provides financial support to organizations and event planners to develop and promote multi-day athletic events in Virginia Beach, boosting tourism and the local economy.

The 501vc® Investment Fund is seeking to invest $200,000 to $300,000 in early-stage climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest region, focusing on sectors like advanced materials, renewable energy, and agriculture technologies.

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces the availability of funds through the New Dairy Processor Start-up Grant program to support new dairy processing projects throughout the Northeast. Donor Name: Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/05/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The goal of this program is to help develop competitive dairy processing businesses with long-term viability, supporting operations of all sizes in successfully launching and sustaining their products in the marketplace.  This program is for:  Dairy farmers ready to begin processing,  Value-added entrepreneurs with proven experience in dairy processing and/or value-added business startups, including any relevant work experience, business ventures, products developed, and products brought to market, or  Dairy processors established after January 1, 2023, who are in the start-up phase of business development. Funds are intended to support start-up operations, focusing on tangible implementation rather than research and development, concept development, or initial planning. Funding Information Total available funds: $500,000 Minimum: $15,000  Maximum: $75,000 Project Period Grant periods will range from 12 – 18 months, depending on the project.  Eligibility Criteria This grant is open to applicants from all Northeast states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Applicants must fall into one of the following categories:  Dairy farmer that:  Produces milk within the Northeast  Is a licensed dairy operation in compliance with all required state and federal standards  Value-added business entrepreneur that meets the following requirements:  Sources milk or dairy components from within the Northeast and has evidence of a committed partnership with a farm or processor for sourcing these components  Has a business entity prior to applying  Can demonstrate experience in dairy processing and/or related value-added business startup, including any relevant work experience, business ventures, products developed, and products brought to market  Dairy processor established after January 1, 2023 that:  Has a business entity and milk processing license prior to applying  Sources milk or dairy components from within the Northeast and has evidence of a committed partnership with a farm or processor for sourcing these components.  Is in the start-up phase of business operations All applicants must also:  Be headquartered or based in the Northeast  Provide Proof of Concept demonstrating the viability of the business idea and product  Have a plan for new value-added dairy processing that includes market research, financial projections, a branding and marketing strategy, and a facility location  Obtain licenses to sell dairy products across state lines by the end of the grant period Launch their products in the marketplace or have a Letter of Commitment from a buyer, distributor, or retailer indicating plans to sell the product by the end of the grant period For more information, visit NE-DBIC.

This program provides financial assistance to startups and small businesses in Northwest Michigan for purchasing essential assets that will help them grow and improve their operations.

Applicants are invited to apply for the Resilience Fund. Donor Name: Restaurants Care State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Restaurants Care Resilience Fund is a program of the nonprofit California Restaurant Foundation. In 2024, they will be awarding grants of $5,000 to 278 independent restaurants. This fund is powered by generous gifts from PG&E, SoCalGas, and SDG&E.  Funding Information It anticipates awarding $5,000 grants to 278 small businesses Uses for Grant (select one category): Kitchen equipment: Eligible equipment must be energy efficient and qualify for rebates (Hey! That’s extra money to help pay for your equipment!). Items include steamer, rack oven, conveyor broiler, combination oven, conveyor oven, fryer, underfired broiler, convection oven, griddle, and dishwasher. You can use your $5,000 check to purchase from whichever vendor you would like. To learn more about rebates available. Technology upgrades: tell us how you’ll put this grant to work! Eligible uses include POS system, website, accounting software, HR software, inventory management, and loyalty programs.  Employee training: Been meaning to elevate your employee training and systems? Use this grant to design a training program/handbook, purchase ServSafe trainings, or join the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers. Retention bonuses: Reward your best and brightest employees. You will need to state how many employees will receive grants and which positions they have (front of house, back of house, managers). The number of employees and positions do NOT impact your likelihood of getting a grant, we simply want to know how the funds will be used.  Unforeseen hardship: Within the last 12 months, has your restaurant experienced robbery/theft, vandalism, fire/flood, or natural disaster? This grant can help. Eligibility Requirements Must be an independently owned, for-profit restaurant or commercial caterer (franchises, home businesses, food trucks, and meal prep companies are not eligible) Owned by a CA resident 1-5 units Must earn no more than $3 million in annual gross revenue (combined for all units) Commercial customer of either PG&E, SoCalGas, or SDG&E Must be currently open and active for business. For more information, visit Restaurants Care.

The UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award is currently accepting nominations for its 2024 round. The award recognizes individuals and institutions that have made outstanding contributions to urban development, including improving the quality of urban life and providing adequate, affordable, and accessible housing. Nominations must come from third parties before the deadline of May 17, 2024. The winners, selected by the Executive Director of UN-Habitat following recommendations by a panel of experts, will receive the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award at the global celebration of World Habitat Day in Querétaro City, Mexico, on October 7, 2024. The award considers best practices and initiatives aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 11 on sustainable cities and communities. Special attention will be given to initiatives related to the theme of World Habitat Day 2024: "Engaging youth to create a better urban future." For more information on eligible nominees and how to nominate, visit the provided link or register your nomination online. Nominees will be notified about the outcome from July 15, 2024 onwards. Contact UN-Habitat at [email protected] for any questions.

The Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC), the largest business plan competition in the country designed to advance innovation and technology commercialization opportunities in Arizona by assisting early-stage ventures to scale. Donor Name: Arizona Commerce Authority State: Arizona County: All Counties Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Semifinalists gain access to Venture Raise, a twelve-week hybrid accelerator that will prepare startups for funding. Ten Finalists will be awarded $100,000 and begin Venture Scale, a six-month accelerator of customized support and one-on-one matching with ACA Entrepreneurs-in-Residence. Eligibility Criteria Companies must meet certain criteria to participate in the Arizona Innovation Challenge. Judges will screen each application to ensure all qualifications are met and all materials submitted through the proper format. If not met, applications will be removed from the competition, and notifications will not be made until the end of the first round. For more information, visit Arizona Commerce Authority.