Grants for Small businesses - Private

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 received Federal Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) or Federal Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) Phase I or Phase II awards. The program's mission aligns with fostering technological innovation, commercialization, and overall economic development within Alabama by supporting small businesses engaged in research and technology development. This initiative aims to bridge critical funding gaps, encourage the growth of high-quality companies, and create high-wage jobs across the state. The target beneficiaries are Alabama-based for-profit companies that have secured federal SBIR/STTR Phase I or Phase II awards. The primary impact goals include increasing the number and types of federal SBIR/STTR applications from Alabama, helping companies bridge the funding gap between Phase I and Phase II payments, and promoting the establishment and growth of businesses committed to Alabama's economic development, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The program prioritizes several key areas. It focuses on increasing commercial success for Alabama SBIR/STTR projects and establishing high-wage jobs in both moderately and highly skilled occupations. Funding is structured with caps: for Phase I awards, Innovate Alabama may grant up to 50% of the federal award or $100,000, whichever is less. For Phase II awards, the supplemental grant can be up to 50% of the federal award or $250,000, whichever is less. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a higher volume of SBIR/STTR applications from Alabama, a stronger pipeline of innovative companies transitioning from Phase I to Phase II, and a measurable increase in commercialized technologies and job creation within the state. The grant funds can be used for highly skilled new hires, business plan development, product testing, market research, intellectual property protection, and technical work, all contributing to the growth and sustainability of these businesses. Eligibility requirements dictate that applicants must meet all federal SBIR/STTR program requirements at the time of application. Additionally, within 12 months of receiving the grant, the applicant must have its primary place of business in Alabama, the majority of its top executives must reside in Alabama, and at least a majority of its employees must live in Alabama. Participation in the E-Verify program is also mandatory. The program is open to applicants whose federal Phase I or Phase II funding was active on or after July 1, 2023. This framework reflects Innovate Alabama's strategic priority of nurturing a robust innovation ecosystem and supporting a theory of change where targeted supplemental funding accelerates the growth and commercialization potential of promising Alabama-based businesses, leading to broader economic benefits.

The District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) invites applications for funding to support community-based organizations in implementing place-based initiatives. The overarching goal is to improve the well-being and stability of families through community-driven efforts. This aligns with a mission to empower local communities by providing resources and services that directly address their specific needs and strengths, fostering self-sufficiency and improved family outcomes. The grant program aims to establish and support Family Success Centers, which will serve as accessible hubs for neighbors to utilize computers, access various resources and services, and participate in classes and trainings. Each center is designed to be unique, reflecting the specific strengths and goals of its community, ensuring that the support provided is relevant and impactful. This model focuses on localized solutions, recognizing that effective family support is best achieved when tailored to the community it serves. Target beneficiaries for these initiatives are families within the District of Columbia, with a particular focus on those who can benefit from enhanced access to resources and services that improve well-being and stability. The impact goals include fostering stronger, more resilient families and communities by addressing multiple aspects of family life. This approach seeks to create a network of support that is easily accessible and responsive to the evolving needs of residents. The program prioritizes non-profit, community-based organizations that can demonstrate their ability to meet identified needs and commit to implementing program measures over the grant period. Eligible organizations include non-profit, private, public, and faith-based entities. Partnerships between organizations are encouraged to facilitate comprehensive service delivery. Expected outcomes include increased access to vital resources, improved family well-being, enhanced community stability, and the development of sustainable, community-led initiatives. Measurable results will likely include metrics related to service utilization, program participation, and indicators of family and community stability and well-being. Funding information indicates that eligible organizations can receive up to $325,000 in the 12-month base year, with the potential for an additional $325,000 per year for up to four option years, for a maximum grant duration of five years. This sustained funding is intended to support the long-term implementation and impact of these place-based family support initiatives. The strategic priority is to invest in local organizations that are deeply embedded within the communities they serve, thereby leveraging existing community strengths and relationships to achieve lasting positive change.

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 offers grants to businesses owned by federally recognized Indian tribes or their enrolled members. The program aims to provide critical technical services and equipment to these businesses, supporting economic diversification and growth within Northern New Mexico. The fund aligns with the broader mission of sustaining and assisting developing businesses, thereby creating jobs and diversifying the region's economy. The target beneficiaries are business enterprises owned by federally recognized Indian tribes, or at least 51% owned by enrolled members of specific Pueblos (Cochiti, Jemez, Nambe, Ohkay, Picuris, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, Santa Clara, Taos, or Tesuque). These businesses must be headquartered in Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Northern Sandoval, Santa Fe, or Taos County, have a business-only bank account, and have been in operation for at least six months. The impact goals include diversifying revenue, leveraging other investments, creating new jobs, and implementing systems that lead to business growth. The grant prioritizes competitive awards for services that achieve these diversification and growth objectives. Funds can be used for procuring business equipment and tools, advertising and marketing costs, consulting services, and specialized software. Preference is given to first-time applicants and those previously unawarded, indicating a focus on broadening access and supporting new and developing tribal businesses. Expected outcomes include the establishment of new jobs, increased revenue streams for tribal businesses, and the implementation of strategic systems that contribute to long-term economic stability and expansion. Measurable results would likely be tracked through job creation figures, revenue diversification indicators, and the successful acquisition and utilization of funded equipment or services. The program's strategic priority is to strengthen the economic landscape of Northern New Mexico by empowering tribal businesses. The foundation's theory of change posits that by providing targeted financial support for essential services and equipment, tribal businesses will be better equipped to diversify their revenue, expand their operations, and ultimately contribute to job creation and economic resilience in the region. This investment in tribal enterprises is seen as a key driver for sustainable economic development and a more diverse regional economy. The funding ceiling is up to $8,000, with grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

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.

The Mini-Grants for Community Impact, offered by the United Way of the Golden Triangle Region, aim to strengthen local initiatives within Choctaw, Lowndes, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Webster, and Winston Counties in Mississippi. This grant program aligns with the United Way's mission to address human needs through united community efforts, including human services planning, community-wide fundraising, and citizen-reviewed fund allocation. The grants are designed to foster a clear understanding and mutual acceptance of roles between the United Way and participating organizations, ensuring a collaborative approach to meeting the human needs of the specified counties. The target beneficiaries for these grants are registered 501(c)3 non-profits, organizations, businesses, programs, or community groups actively working in the designated regions. The overarching impact goal is to advance key areas such as Education, Health, Financial Stability, Children/Family well-being, and Disaster relief. By supporting these entities, the program seeks to improve the quality of life for residents across these six Mississippi counties. The program prioritizes initiatives that directly fulfill a specific community need within the identified impact areas. While the grant size is stated as $1,000 to $10,000 in one section, the funding information later specifies an awarded amount ranging from $500 to $1,500, with a maximum of $1,500 per entity. This suggests a focus on smaller, targeted interventions. Crucially, funds cannot be allocated towards salaries, reimbursements, matching funds, capital campaigns, operational expenses, consulting fees, or lobbying, ensuring that resources are directed exclusively to direct program implementation and community benefit. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in education, health, financial stability, family support, and disaster preparedness or recovery within the target counties. While specific measurable results are not detailed, the emphasis on fulfilling "a specific community need" implies that successful applicants will demonstrate how their projects contribute to these broader goals. The United Way of the Golden Triangle Region's strategic priority is to address human needs effectively and efficiently, and their theory of change relies on the collective efforts of various community segments to achieve lasting positive change.

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) is offering the New Dairy Processor Start-up Grant program to support new dairy processing projects across the Northeast. The core mission of this program is to foster competitive dairy processing businesses with long-term viability. This aligns with a broader strategic objective of strengthening the regional dairy industry by enabling operations of all sizes to successfully launch and sustain their products in the marketplace. By focusing on start-up operations and tangible implementation, the NE-DBIC aims to facilitate direct economic impact and product innovation within the dairy sector. The program targets several key beneficiaries, including dairy farmers ready to begin processing, value-added entrepreneurs with proven experience in dairy processing or business startups, and dairy processors established after January 1, 2023, who are in their start-up phase. The impact goals are centered on developing these businesses, supporting their entry into the market, and ultimately contributing to the economic vitality of the Northeast dairy industry. By providing financial assistance for start-up operations, the program seeks to create new opportunities for dairy-related businesses and products. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly on tangible implementation rather than earlier stages like research and development, concept development, or initial planning. This indicates a strategic emphasis on getting products to market and establishing sustainable business models. Eligibility criteria further refine this focus, requiring applicants to be headquartered or based in the Northeast, demonstrate proof of concept, have a robust business plan, obtain necessary licenses, and show commitment from buyers or distributors by the end of the grant period. Expected outcomes include the successful launch of new value-added dairy products, the establishment of competitive and viable dairy processing businesses, and increased market access for Northeast dairy products. Measurable results would likely include the number of new businesses launched, the volume of new products brought to market, and the economic growth generated within the participating dairy sectors. The NE-DBIC's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this grant, involve direct investment in the operational start-up phase, aiming for a theory of change where targeted financial support leads to the successful commercialization and long-term sustainability of dairy processing ventures in the region.

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.

The Restaurants Care Resilience Fund, a program of the nonprofit California Restaurant Foundation, aims to support independent restaurants in California. This initiative is a clear alignment with the foundation's mission to strengthen the restaurant community by providing crucial financial aid. The fund, powered by generous gifts from PG&E, SoCalGas, and SDG&E, is set to award 278 independent restaurants with grants of $5,000 in 2024. The primary beneficiaries of this program are independently owned, for-profit restaurants or commercial caterers in California. Specifically, eligible entities must be owned by a CA resident, operate 1-5 units, earn no more than $3 million in annual gross revenue (combined for all units), and be a commercial customer of either PG&E, SoCalGas, or SDG&E, while currently being open and active for business. Franchises, home businesses, food trucks, and meal prep companies are not eligible, ensuring the grants directly support small, independent operators. The impact goal is to bolster the resilience and sustainability of these businesses, particularly in areas of operational improvement, employee welfare, and recovery from unforeseen hardships. The fund prioritizes several key areas for grant utilization. These include investments in energy-efficient kitchen equipment, which also qualify for rebates, thereby maximizing the grant's value. Technology upgrades are another focus, supporting the adoption of essential systems like POS, website, accounting, HR, inventory management, and loyalty programs. Employee training, covering areas like program design, ServSafe certifications, and participation in industry training councils, is also a priority, recognizing the importance of a skilled workforce. Additionally, the grants can be used for retention bonuses to reward employees and for addressing unforeseen hardships such as robbery, vandalism, fire, flood, or natural disasters experienced within the last 12 months. The expected outcomes are a more resilient and modern independent restaurant sector in California. Measurable results will include the number of restaurants receiving grants, the types of investments made (e.g., number of energy-efficient equipment purchases, technology upgrades implemented, employees trained, or retention bonuses distributed), and the number of businesses recovering from hardships. While not explicitly detailed as a strategic priority or theory of change within the provided text, the foundation's approach appears to be a direct intervention model, providing financial resources to address immediate needs and foster long-term stability and growth for small businesses within the restaurant industry. This strategy directly contributes to economic stability and community welfare by supporting a vital sector.

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) is the largest business plan competition in the country, designed to advance innovation and technology commercialization opportunities in Arizona. Its mission aligns with supporting early-stage ventures in scaling their operations. The program is specifically structured to identify and nurture promising startups, providing them with the resources and guidance necessary to grow and succeed within the state's innovation ecosystem. The primary goal is to foster a vibrant technology and entrepreneurial landscape in Arizona, contributing to economic development and job creation. The target beneficiaries of the AIC are early-stage technology companies and startups based in Arizona. The program aims to support ventures that demonstrate potential for innovation and commercialization, helping them overcome common challenges associated with early-stage development, such as securing funding and gaining market traction. The impact goals include increasing the number of successful technology companies in Arizona, enhancing the state's reputation as a hub for innovation, and ultimately generating significant economic value through new businesses and advanced technologies. The AIC prioritizes ventures that are innovative and have a clear path to commercialization, focusing on sectors that can drive economic growth and technological advancement in Arizona. The program offers a two-tiered support system: semifinalists gain access to Venture Raise, a twelve-week hybrid accelerator designed to prepare startups for funding. This initial phase focuses on refining business models, pitch development, and investor readiness. Following Venture Raise, ten finalists are awarded $100,000 and enter Venture Scale, a six-month accelerator. This advanced phase provides customized support and one-on-one matching with ACA Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, focusing on strategic growth, market penetration, and long-term sustainability. The expected outcomes include a higher success rate for participating startups, increased investment in Arizona's technology sector, and the creation of high-quality jobs. Measurable results are tied to the number of companies funded, the amount of follow-on investment secured by participants, and the sustained growth of businesses emerging from the program. The Arizona Commerce Authority's strategic priority through the AIC is to build a robust and competitive innovation economy. Their theory of change posits that by providing targeted financial awards, comprehensive accelerator programs, and expert mentorship, early-stage ventures can significantly de-risk their growth trajectory and achieve commercial success. This, in turn, creates a virtuous cycle of innovation, attracting further talent and investment to the state and solidifying Arizona's position as a leader in technology and entrepreneurship.

This grant provides $5,000 to U.S.-based entrepreneurs and small business owners who submit a structured business plan to support their growth and development.

This funding opportunity provides financial support and promotional exposure to women entrepreneurs who own small businesses in the U.S., helping them grow and connect with their communities.

The Home for Dreams Initiative is a mentorship and grant program specifically designed to support Black-owned businesses. If your business is selected, you will receive a $25,000 grant, one-on-one meetings with Ariel Kaye – Parachute Founder, access to mentorship from other Parachute team members, and brand amplification through Parachute’s email and social channels. The application process requires filling out the provided information. Please note that all non-public business and financial information provided will be kept confidential. The Sponsor reserves the right to cancel or modify the Initiative at any time without notice. By participating in the Initiative, you agree to be bound by the Terms and Conditions outlined by the Sponsor. To apply for the Home for Dreams Initiative, please visit this link: [Application Link](https://www.parachutehome.com/mentorship-apply?gh_jid=6958311002)