Private Business and Commerce Grants

This grant provides funding to governmental entities and nonprofit organizations in North Carolina for projects that promote economic development, job creation, and workforce training, particularly in rural and tobacco-dependent communities.

The Washington State Department of Commerce's Blended Capital Enhancement Grants are part of the Community Reinvestment Project (CRP), a new initiative aimed at reducing wealth disparities within Black, Latine, and tribal communities through asset building. The program seeks to support by-and-for lending agencies, businesses, and organizations that serve these specific communities. The overarching mission is to make it easier for these communities to access financial support from local organizations and businesses, fostering economic empowerment and equity. The grant program targets Black, Latine, and tribal communities across Washington state, as well as the lending agencies, businesses, and organizations that are either led by and for these communities, or are partnered with such entities. The impact goals are centered on facilitating homeownership, supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, providing money management and business training, assisting with the acquisition of commercial property and business assets, and helping individuals reduce debt and increase savings through matching funds. These goals directly address key areas of wealth accumulation and financial stability. The program prioritizes funding for a variety of initiatives including new construction loans ($5 million), home expansion loans (including Accessory Dwelling Units or ADUs) ($6 million), business startups and expansions ($5 million), and consumer loans (such as credit consolidation, car refinancing, or emergency expenses) ($1 million). The total funding available is $42 million. The focus is on creating accessible financial pathways and resources that have historically been less available to the targeted communities. Expected outcomes include an increase in homeownership rates within Black, Latine, and tribal communities, the growth and sustainability of small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures, improved financial literacy and money management skills among individuals, and a reduction in personal debt coupled with increased savings. These measurable results align with the broader strategic priorities of the Washington State Department of Commerce to foster economic development and reduce disparities. The theory of change suggests that by empowering local, by-and-for organizations with capital, they can more effectively deliver essential financial services and support, thereby directly addressing systemic inequalities and building lasting wealth within these communities.

Rising Restaurateur: A Community Grant Program is an innovative microgrant program that offers $200,000 in microgrants to New York City Latino, Black, Indigenous, Asian American and/or Pacific Islander restaurateurs. From brick-and-mortar establishments to food trucks and carts, BIPOC/AAPI+ entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry can apply for microgrants of up to $10,000 to uplift their businesses. Selected participants will also have access to additional business development opportunities through Oyate Group. Rising Restaurateur is a partnership between Oyate Group, Grubhub and the New York State Latino Restaurant Bar & Lounge Association. To participate, restaurateurs must be Latino, Black, Indigenous, Asian American and/or Pacific Islander, based in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Westchester County (Mt. Vernon and Yonkers), operating as a single business with 30 or fewer employees and a revenue of $2 million or less. Members of the New York State Latino Restaurant Bar & Lounge Association are encouraged to apply. Grant funding is made possible by Grubhub and Oyate Group.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to dairy farmers in the Northeast to improve their milk storage and handling systems, enhancing efficiency and food safety.

This grant provides $4,250 to support U.S.-based women and minority entrepreneurs in growing their businesses through funding, resources, and mentorship.

This program provides funding and resources to small business owners to help them improve their operations and compete in the digital marketplace.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is seeking a technical consultant and project manager for its On-Street Charging Program. This program, funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds provided by the Healey-Driscoll administration in January 2024, aims to improve access to affordable electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure for residents in multi-unit dwellings. The core mission of the program aligns with increasing the supply of overnight curbside parking, with a strong emphasis on generating positive impacts for Low Income Disadvantaged Communities (LIDAC) within Massachusetts. MassCEC's overarching mission to promote wide-scale adoption of innovative On-Street Charging options across the Commonwealth is evident through this initiative. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are residents in multi-unit dwellings, particularly those residing in LIDACs, who currently face barriers to EV adoption due to limited charging infrastructure. The program is designed to address these inequalities by increasing access to on-street charging options. MassCEC also encourages the involvement of small and diverse MA-based businesses, including Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (Minority, Women, Veteran, LGBTQ, Portuguese, and/or Disability-Owned Business Enterprises), thereby fostering Massachusetts workforce development and ensuring meaningful compensation for these entities. The program's priorities and focuses include piloting innovative On-Street Charging technologies, models, and ownership structures in close collaboration with the MA Department of Energy Resources (DOER). A significant focus is on demonstrating successful deployments of these innovative solutions to encourage replication and scalability across Massachusetts. Additionally, the program prioritizes the development of resources for municipalities, empowering them to independently implement On-Street Charging solutions. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a demonstrable increase in access to On-Street Charging options, leading to a reduction in barriers to EV adoption for LIDACs. The program also aims to successfully pilot innovative On-Street Charging models that can be effectively replicated and scaled throughout the Commonwealth. Success will also be measured by the development of comprehensive resources for municipalities and the meaningful inclusion and compensation of small and diverse MA-based businesses, contributing to local workforce development. With a total funding of $11,250,000 available, MassCEC's strategic approach involves not only expanding EV infrastructure but also fostering economic growth and equitable access to clean energy solutions. The program's theory of change posits that by investing in accessible and innovative on-street charging, particularly in underserved communities, and by supporting local diverse businesses, Massachusetts can accelerate EV adoption, reduce carbon emissions, and build a more inclusive clean energy economy.

This program provides financial support to women entrepreneurs who own small food and beverage businesses in the U.S., helping them address their funding needs and participate in a virtual business development program.

This grant provides $500 to U.S.-based women of color who are breast cancer patients or survivors, helping them address their unique needs and challenges in accessing care.

Name of Funding Organization: State Child Care Infrastructure Grant Program Contact Information: No contact information provided in the input. Award Details: Maine residents interested in starting a home-based or family child care business can apply for up to 75% of their start-up costs, with a maximum award of $8,500. Those adding a room exclusively for their child care business can receive up to $25,000. Eligibility: Maine residents interested in starting a home-based or family child care business are eligible to apply. Priority will be given to applications from Aroostook, Franklin, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, and Washington Counties. Bonus points will be awarded to applicants providing care for infants, toddlers, families income-eligible for subsidy, and participating in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program. Application Process: The application process consists of two steps. Step 1 requires completing the requirements to earn a family child care license. Applications for Step 1 are accepted on a rolling basis through June 30, 2024, or until all funds are awarded. Step 2 is an invitation-only application based on eligibility determined from Step 1. It includes a description of project plans and a list of start-up expenses. Applications for Step 2 will be accepted through August 30, 2024, or until all funds are awarded. Application processing time is expected to take up to five weeks from the time of submission. Other Relevant Information: The grant awards can be used for various purposes, including renovating a home, purchasing educational materials, acquiring indoor furniture and fixtures, creating an outdoor learning environment, buying playground equipment, procuring health and safety supplies, and having working capital for the first month. The grant program does not cover adding a room to an existing home-based child care space, as it is considered a renovation. Family Child Care providers interested in expanding their licensed capacity in a new location with a Facility license can apply for the Child Care Facility Expansion Grants, but there are special licensing and fire marshal requirements to consider.

This program provides funding to public entities in Pennsylvania for the development and improvement of public fishing and boating access facilities.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations in Washington, DC, to create innovative public humanities projects, such as festivals, exhibitions, and performances, that engage and educate the community.

The Placer County Air Pollution Control District's Clean Air Grant (CAG) Program is designed to provide monetary grants to private companies and public agencies. The core mission of this program aligns with the broader goal of improving air quality by incentivizing actions that reduce emissions from heavy-duty engines. This goes beyond existing legal or regulatory requirements, encouraging a proactive approach to environmental stewardship. The program's strategic priority is to accelerate California's transition towards zero and near-zero emission technologies, addressing both local air quality and broader climate change concerns. The target beneficiaries of the CAG Program are diverse and include private companies, public agencies, and specific segments within these, such as small fleets for off-road funding, and entities operating school buses. A significant portion of the funds is reserved for projects located within or directly benefitting low-income communities, indicating a strong focus on environmental justice and equitable distribution of environmental benefits. The impact goals are centered on achieving surplus emission reductions, particularly from heavy-duty on-road and off-road equipment, and supporting infrastructure for cleaner technologies. The program prioritizes several key areas. These include agricultural portable and stationary engine repower and infrastructure, alternative fuel infrastructure (such as battery charging, natural gas, and hydrogen fueling stations), heavy-duty on- and off-road equipment replacement, repower, and retrofit, and school bus replacement. There is a clear emphasis on zero-emission technology and infrastructure, which is a guiding principle for the program. The District also considers special projects for sensitive receptors, further demonstrating a commitment to protecting vulnerable populations from air pollution. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in air toxics, criteria air pollutants, and greenhouse gas emissions. The program aims to achieve these reductions through investments that directly benefit impacted communities. While specific measurable results are not detailed in terms of quantifiable targets (e.g., "reduce NOx by X tons"), the guiding principles suggest a commitment to considering cost-effectiveness and exposure reduction in funding decisions, implying a data-driven approach to evaluating impact. Transparency in project selections and reporting is also a stated guiding principle, which will contribute to the accountability and effectiveness of the program.

The City of San Diego's Economic Development Department is offering a grant of $10,000 to $100,000 to nonprofit organizations that can assist small businesses in under-resourced communities, with funds to be used for capacity building expenses such as technical assistance, website creation, and event programming, with priority given to organizations with modest budgets and proposals aligning with the Economic Development Strategy.

This initiative provides financial support and mentorship to minority-owned small businesses in specific West Side neighborhoods of Chicago, helping them grow and contribute to their communities.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is currently seeking proposals for its Rocky Mountain Rangelands Program. This initiative aims to conserve, restore, and improve habitat in the Intermountain West, specifically focusing on wildlife species associated with sagebrush, irrigated meadows, and aquatic systems, while also preserving large mammal migration. NFWF's mission to sustain, restore, and enhance the nation's fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats aligns directly with the program's objectives. The target beneficiaries of this grant include ranchers, community-led organizations, and landowners in Idaho and Utah, as well as the diverse wildlife species inhabiting these rangelands, such as sagebrush sparrow, sage thrasher, mule deer, pronghorn, and Greater and/or Gunnison sage-grouse. The program's impact goals are centered on accelerating and implementing voluntary conservation practices to achieve sustainable livestock production, enhanced wildlife habitat, improved ecosystem services (including carbon sequestration), and increased landscape permeability for wildlife. Priority will be given to projects that promote innovations in grazing management, strategic management of annual invasive grasses, habitat enhancement (through mesic area/wet meadow, sagebrush restoration, and conifer removal), fence removal or modification, and the provision of technical assistance to landowners. In Idaho, there's a dedicated focus on supporting positions to integrate Farm Bill programs with the Big Game Migration Initiative. In Utah, funding is available to facilitate conservation practices on working lands and to support positions that increase the pace and scale of voluntary perpetual conservation easements through ACEP-ALE delivery and RCPP technical assistance. Expected outcomes include the adoption of cost-effective and sustainable conservation approaches, direct benefits to priority wildlife species, and increased landowner enrollment in Farm Bill programs. The program anticipates awarding between 10-20 grants, with a suggested minimum of $100,000, and projects may span one to three years. Measurable results will likely involve tracking acres restored, number of fences modified, and improvements in wildlife populations. This program exemplifies NFWF's strategic priority of fostering collaborative, science-based conservation efforts and their theory of change, which posits that strategic investment in voluntary, on-the-ground conservation with strong partnerships leads to tangible and lasting benefits for both wildlife and working lands. The program is supported by major private funding from Cargill, Taco Bell, Nestlé, Capri Holding Ltd., and federal funding from the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Natural Resources Conservation Service.

This program provides matching grants to local businesses in Libertyville to support growth and sustainability through various improvements, excluding general operational costs.

This grant provides financial support to small or all-volunteer organizations in Connecticut focused on projects or operational needs that promote equity and dismantle structural racism in Greater Hartford's Black and Latinx communities.

This funding opportunity supports community-driven projects that improve water quality and promote environmental stewardship in the Twin Cities area, targeting eligible non-profits, schools, and local organizations.

This program provides financial support to small businesses in Tazewell and Buchanan Counties, Virginia, to enhance their digital capabilities and online presence.