Private Business and Commerce Grants

This program provides mentorship and resources to early-stage entrepreneurs and small businesses developing innovative products from sustainable West Coast groundfish, supporting both market readiness and economic growth in coastal communities.

The 2025 Conservation Wrangler program, hosted by Texan by Nature, seeks to accelerate impactful conservation projects led by Texas-based organizations. The program supports up to six selected projects annually that demonstrate measurable benefits to people, prosperity, and natural resources. Selected projects receive 12–18 months of tailored program management and strategic guidance to enhance their reach and effectiveness. Eligible projects must be science-based, Texas-led, and demonstrate tangible conservation outcomes. They should engage diverse audiences and promote partnerships among community, business, and conservation organizations. Examples of eligible focus areas include wildlife, land, and water conservation across Texas geographies, from urban to rural settings. Selected projects are showcased during the annual Conservation Summit, offering visibility and networking opportunities. Participants in the Conservation Wrangler program are not guaranteed funding but gain strategic support such as program management, marketing assistance, content creation, and technical connections. Applicants must commit to collaborative participation, dedicate staff resources to achieve outlined goals, and present their work at the Conservation Summit. Applications are evaluated on a range of criteria, including impact, innovation, and measurable outcomes. The process requires detailed project descriptions, objectives, funding strategies, and impact metrics. Supporting documents, such as budgets, maps, and reports, are encouraged. Applications must be submitted in Word format by January 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM CST. For guidance, applicants can reach out to the program team for consultations before applying.

Ohio's Premier Manufacturing Pitch Competition, sponsored by MAGNET, is a grant program designed to foster manufacturing innovation and support startups in Ohio. The program aligns with a mission to advance the manufacturing sector by providing crucial resources, including financial awards and expert consulting services, to promising entrepreneurs. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and market-ready products, thereby strengthening Ohio's industrial landscape. The primary beneficiaries of this program are Ohio-based entrepreneurs who possess a physical product, an innovative idea, or a manufacturing innovation. The competition specifically targets startups that are poised for growth and can benefit from strategic support to reach their next milestone. The impact goals include stimulating economic development within Ohio, creating new job opportunities, and enhancing the state's reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing. The program prioritizes a multi-faceted approach to support, focusing on engineering design assistance, operational services, lean operations, and sales and marketing. A notable focus is the Innovation Award, sponsored by Huntington, which provides up to $10,000 specifically for diverse founders, underscoring a commitment to inclusive growth and equitable access to opportunities within the manufacturing sector. Additionally, the competition offers exposure to The Advanced Manufacturing Fund and visibility to a judging panel of local service providers and investors, providing invaluable networking and funding opportunities. Expected outcomes include the successful development and commercialization of new manufacturing innovations, leading to increased revenue for participating startups and a stronger, more diversified manufacturing base in Ohio. Measurable results include the total amount of prizes awarded, which exceeds $75,000, and the provision of MAGNET’s manufacturing consulting services tailored to the specific needs of the companies. The program also aims to foster a collaborative ecosystem where entrepreneurs receive guidance from MAGNET's team of manufacturing experts, contributing to a robust pipeline of talent and innovation.

This competition invites individuals and teams worldwide to develop innovative, leak-resistant packaging solutions for large liquid detergent bottles that meet Amazon's distribution standards, with a focus on usability and manufacturing integration.

This funding opportunity provides $1,000 micro grants to U.S. military veterans who own small businesses with annual revenues under $5 million and between 2 to 100 employees.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that develop innovative resources and services to help adults in the middle or late stages of their careers with reskilling, upskilling, and career navigation, particularly those who are unemployed or underemployed.

The purpose of the John W. and Edna McManus Shepard Fund of The Columbus Foundation is to provide cultural and/or economic programs that benefit the residents of Cambridge and/or Guernsey County.

Gener8tor invites applications for gBETA Milwaukee, a free, seven-week accelerator program designed to support early-stage companies with local roots in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This program runs multiple times annually, selecting up to five companies from a diverse range of verticals. The grant aims to foster entrepreneurial growth and development within the Milwaukee community, aligning with a mission to empower nascent businesses and prepare them for future investment or seed funding rounds. The primary beneficiaries of the gBETA Milwaukee program are early-stage companies based in Milwaukee, ranging from those with initial ideas to those with significant revenue. While most participating companies are post-product and pre-scale, the program is open to any business ready to grow and commit approximately five hours per week to programming, plus additional time for business development. The impact goal is to significantly accelerate the growth and investor readiness of these companies, ultimately contributing to the economic vitality of Milwaukee by nurturing local innovation. The program's priorities and focuses are centered on individualized coaching and mentorship, investor readiness, and access to valuable resources. Participants receive expert guidance from gener8tor on company growth, weekly "Lunch & Learns," "Mentor Swarms," and opportunities for investor and accelerator pitches. A key focus is to equip companies with the skills and connections needed to secure over $1 million in deals and perks from vendors such as IBM Cloud, Rackspace, Amazon, and Microsoft. The expected outcomes include graduates successfully participating in investment accelerators or raising seed rounds. Measurable results are tied to the number of companies selected, the amount of deals and perks received, and the subsequent investment success of the alumni. The foundation's strategic priority is to build a robust ecosystem for early-stage companies, and its theory of change posits that by providing intensive support, mentorship, and connections, these companies will be better positioned for growth, investment, and long-term success, thereby stimulating local economic development.

The Crime Prevention Foundation aims to increase public awareness and provide financial assistance to crime prevention programs within Brown County, Wisconsin. Their mission is directly aligned with reducing crime by addressing its fundamental elements: desire, ability, and opportunity. This grant program specifically provides financial support to both existing crime prevention initiatives and the implementation of new programs, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to a safer community. The target beneficiaries of this grant are the residents of Brown County, as the programs funded are designed to improve public safety and prevent crime in the area. The impact goals are centered on fostering a community where the desire, ability, and opportunity for crime are significantly diminished. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond "typically up to $3,000" in funding information, the overall expected outcome is a reduction in criminal activity and an enhanced sense of security for Brown County citizens. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly outlined by the "Priorities" section, which identifies the three necessary elements for a crime to occur: desire, ability, and opportunity. This indicates a theory of change that by targeting and mitigating these three factors, crime can be effectively prevented. The funding information, typically up to $3,000, suggests a focus on supporting a broader range of smaller-scale, impactful programs rather than a few large initiatives. Eligibility criteria further define the foundation's strategic approach. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation or governmental bodies operating in Brown County, and they must conduct business without discrimination. The foundation explicitly states what it does not fund, such as capital campaigns, religious activities, individuals, endowments, and lobbying, ensuring that resources are directed towards direct crime prevention efforts and not diverted to other causes. These exclusions highlight a focused strategy on tangible, community-based crime prevention programs rather than general fundraising or advocacy.

This grant provides $1 million to a qualified nonprofit or educational institution in California to develop a project aimed at improving health outcomes and reducing disparities for low-income and marginalized communities in San Diego and Imperial Counties.

This program provides funding to local food businesses in Nevada to strengthen the food supply chain and support projects that enhance processing, distribution, and infrastructure in distressed communities.

This grant provides funding for individuals and organizations in Washington, DC, to create projects that celebrate and preserve the culture and heritage of local communities, culminating in a public event to showcase their work.

This grant provides funding and resources to early-stage ag-tech businesses in Kentucky to develop and market innovative solutions that enhance the agricultural industry.

This funding opportunity supports qualified educational organizations in Idaho by providing financial assistance for environmental education, classroom resources, and necessary repairs to ensure safe learning environments.

Farm Credit East recognizes the significance of farmers’ markets for both producers and consumers. In support of this vital marketing channel, we are offering Farmers' Market Grants of up to $500 to eligible applicants. These grants can be utilized to support participating farmers, enhance markets, improve marketing efforts, and implement programs aimed at aiding disadvantaged communities or enhancing access to fresh, local food. Please note that these grants are intended for public markets where multiple farms sell products, not for individual farm markets. Eligibility: Farmers' markets must be located within Farm Credit East’s eight-state territory: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Preference will be given to first-time applicants and markets serving underserved communities with limited access to fresh, local food. Awards will be granted at the sole discretion of Farm Credit East. How to Apply/Application Requirements: The 2024 application cycle is currently open. Please submit the Farmers' Market Grant Application by 4:00 PM on May 31. Recipients will be notified by late June.

The Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District (ORSWMD) is offering approximately $150,000.00 in grant funds, pending official MDNR award, for solid waste projects across its seven-county service area in Missouri. This grant program aligns with ORSWMD's mission to promote waste reduction and recycling. The funding is available to citizens, businesses, and organizations within Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski, and Washington counties. The primary goal of this grant program is to enhance solid waste management activities, increase awareness, and boost participation in waste reduction and recycling initiatives. Key beneficiaries include local communities, schools, businesses, and cities and counties within the district, all working towards improved environmental outcomes. The expected impact is a more sustainable approach to waste, reducing landfill reliance, and fostering a circular economy for materials. The program focuses on several key priorities: Education, End-Market Development, Waste Reduction and Reuse, Hard-To-Recycle Items, Organics Management, Construction and Demolition Waste, and Special Events/Business/Multi-Family Dwelling Recycling. These areas address various aspects of solid waste management, from increasing public knowledge to developing infrastructure for hard-to-recycle materials and organics. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in waste reduction and recycling rates, the establishment of new markets for recycled materials, and the successful implementation of innovative waste management projects. For example, educational programs aim to raise awareness and participation, while projects focused on hard-to-recycle items seek to improve collection, processing, and end markets for these materials. The ORSWMD's strategic priority is to implement comprehensive solid waste management plans within its district. This grant program directly supports that strategy by providing financial resources to achieve specific waste reduction and recycling goals. The theory of change is that by funding targeted projects and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the district can effectively reduce waste, conserve resources, and protect the environment for current and future generations.

The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau has launched the Beautification Grant Program to support and enhance the quality of life in communities throughout the Pocono Mountains. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to bolster the region's appeal for both residents and visitors by investing in local infrastructure and aesthetics. The grant, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 with a cap request of $20,000, aims to foster community pride and economic vitality by improving public and hospitality areas. The primary beneficiaries of this program are local governments, including cities, boroughs, and townships, as well as municipal and redevelopment authorities and agencies within Carbon, Monroe, Pike, and Wayne Counties in Pennsylvania. The impact goals are centered on creating more attractive and welcoming environments, which in turn supports local hospitality and tourism businesses. By beautifying public spaces, the program seeks to enhance the overall experience for those living in and visiting the Pocono Mountains. The program prioritizes projects that beautify outdoor areas surrounding local hospitality and tourism businesses, improve existing gateways and signage, and enhance overall beautification and facades throughout the participating communities. Eligible projects are diverse and include landscaping, outdoor seating, planters, trash cans, benches, recycling programs, trash removal, removal of overgrown weeds/brush/trees, and upgrades to signage and facades. This focus ensures a comprehensive approach to community improvement. The expected outcomes include a noticeable improvement in the aesthetic quality of public spaces and business fronts, leading to increased community satisfaction and potentially greater tourism revenue. Measurable results could include the number of projects completed, the visible impact of these projects on community appearance, and feedback from local residents and businesses regarding the improved environment. This program reflects a strategic priority to leverage beautification as a tool for sustainable community development and economic growth within the Pocono Mountains region.

The Boston Creator Incubator + Accelerator, a joint initiative by Boston XChange and Jrue and Lauren Holiday’s JLH Social Impact Fund, is designed to empower visionary creators from underinvested communities. This program aligns with the foundation's mission by actively working to bridge funding gaps and invest in the success of these creators, thereby fostering innovation and stimulating the local economy. A key component of its strategic priorities is to address the significant $5 billion racial wealth gap in Massachusetts by supporting businesses that have a positive impact on underinvested communities. The program's target beneficiaries are passionate entrepreneurs leading for-profit companies within the Greater Boston area. Eligibility criteria specify that founders must be 18 years or older and hold a majority stake (51%) in their company. The overarching impact goal is to turn creative ideas into reality by providing essential business resources and support, ultimately contributing to economic equity and growth in previously underserved areas. The primary focus of the Boston Creator Program is to equip these creators with the resources they need to thrive. This includes offering grants of up to $100,000, with the JLH Social Impact Fund contributing up to $35,000 per year over a three-year period, based on the achievement of specific milestones. This structured funding mechanism is a core part of the foundation's theory of change, which posits that sustained financial and developmental support will propel businesses forward and create lasting positive change. Expected outcomes include the successful launch and growth of businesses led by entrepreneurs from underinvested communities, leading to increased economic activity and job creation within Greater Boston. Measurable results will likely be tracked through the achievement of milestones by grant recipients and the overall impact these businesses have on closing the racial wealth gap in Massachusetts. By investing directly in these creators, the program aims to generate both individual success stories and broader community-wide benefits, embodying the foundation's commitment to social and economic justice.

This initiative provides $10,000 grants to over 100 LGBTQ small businesses in the U.S. that are owned by and serve LGBTQ people of color, women, and the transgender community, particularly those facing financial challenges due to COVID-19.

The Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana (ARTSWIN) recognizes individuals, groups, businesses, projects, and institutions that have made significant contributions to the arts in Southwestern Indiana. This grant program, specifically focused on various awards, aligns with ARTSWIN's mission to support and promote the arts within the community. The awards aim to celebrate artistic excellence, long-standing commitment to the arts, and the positive impact of arts activities on the City of Evansville and Vanderburgh County. The target beneficiaries for these awards include individual artists (visual, performing, film, literary), young artists (rising high school juniors or seniors), arts educators, and community projects that utilize the arts for advancement. The impact goals are to acknowledge and encourage artistic talent, foster community engagement through the arts, and recognize the vital role the arts play in community, economic development, and quality of life. The program prioritizes and focuses on several categories: the Mayor’s Art Award for exceptional, long-standing impact; Visual Arts Award for outstanding visual artists; Performing Arts Award for exceptional performing artists; Young Artist Award for promising high school students; Arts Educator Award for influential educators; and the Arts Project Award for projects advancing community goals. A key focus is on current residents of Vanderburgh County for the Mayor's Art Award, and generally on those whose arts activities have had a significant impact on the City of Evansville or Southwestern Indiana. The expected outcomes and measurable results include the public recognition of significant contributions to the arts, the encouragement of emerging talent, and the celebration of arts-led community development initiatives. While specific quantitative measures are not detailed, the prestige of the awards and the public recognition serve as a form of measurable impact, elevating the profile of the arts and inspiring further artistic endeavors within the region. The repeated emphasis on impact within the community underscores ARTSWIN's strategic priority to integrate the arts as a core component of regional identity and development.