California for Small businesses Grants

This program provides cost-share assistance to private and public landowners with 20 to 5,000 acres of forest land to improve forest resources, including wildlife habitat and soil and water quality, through various forestry management activities.

The CASF Broadband Public Housing Account provides grants and loans to build broadband networks offering free broadband service for residents of low-income communities including, but not limited to, publicly supported housing developments, farmworker housing, and other housing developments or mobile home parks with low-income residents that do not have access to any broadband service provider that offers free broadband service that meets or exceeds state standards for the residents of the low-income community. The allocated funding for the Broadband Public Housing Account is $15 million for fiscal year 2022-2023.  The Broadband Public Housing Account will finance up to 100 percent of the costs to install inside wiring and broadband network equipment.

The California Public Utilities Commission will give preference to programs and projects in communities with demonstrated low broadband access, including low-income communities, senior citizen communities, and communities facing socioeconomic barriers to broadband adoption. Eligible Projects: Digital Literacy Projects- Digital inclusion projects may include digital literacy training programs and public education to communities with limited broadband adoption, including low-income communities, senior citizen communities, and communities facing socioeconomic barriers to broadband adoption. Broadband Access Projects- may include those that provide free broadband access in community training rooms or other public spaces, such as local government centers, senior citizen centers, schools, public libraries, nonprofit organizations, and community-based organizations. It can also include funding community outreach, such as analysis, comparison of Internet plans with the community, and call centers that will increase broadband access and adoption.

This program provides financial assistance and support to new small businesses in Santa Ana, helping them thrive during their first three years of operation.

This solicitation aims to reduce building dependency on grid electricity, increase energy efficiency of HVAC equipment operating on DC power, decrease burdens – and enhance access – to solar and heat pump adoption, and create business and manufacturing opportunities for those who develop DC HVAC nanogrid modules. The potential technology solution could be a modular system that includes an appropriately-sized PV array and energy storage integrated with a DC HVAC system. Such systems could support cost-effective decarbonization, summer electric demand management, and increased market adoption of clean HVAC electrification while avoiding the complexities of interconnection and stand-alone PV and storage installation, particularly for those in under-resourced communities. These systems could provide the benefits of solar and storage to ratepayers who have limited roof space or cannot afford a larger building-level PV/storage system. The installation would ideally be similar to an HVAC replacement, in that it would not require an inverter, onsite electrician, interconnection agreement, conduits, wiring, electric panel upgrades, or other utility-side requirements. Power from the solar PV and energy storage would be used entirely onsite and would not be exported to the grid. Rather, these systems would gain efficiency benefits from direct DC connections among the solar PV, storage, and HVAC equipment. Projects under this initiative could also eliminate or reduce building HVAC load during peak hours in summer months, improving reliability on the grid. The unit would typically be powered by solar PV and energy storage, except when either solar or stored energy is unavailable; at those times, the HVAC would use an AC/DC converter to be powered by the grid. The HVAC could continue operation uninterrupted during a grid outage when there is adequate solar and storage power available to meet the HVAC system’s load. Funded projects must develop and demonstrate the following technologies in existing buildings: ·       DC-powered HVAC equipment that directly uses onsite solar generated electricity; ·       Energy and/or thermal storage integrated into the system to improve cost effectiveness; and ·                A transfer switch incorporated into the module to isolate generation equipment from the grid and simplify installation. Projects must fall within one of the following project groups: ·       Group 1: Residential DC HVAC Nanogrid; and ·       Group 2: Commercial DC HVAC Nanogrid.

The Effectiveness Monitoring Committee (EMC) is seeking project proposals that: (1)   Address one or more of the EMC’s Research Themes and Critical Monitoring Questions and; (2)   Address natural resource protection issues that are important for California forestlands. The critical monitoring questions are organized under 12 Research Themes. Four prioritized critical questions were determined by vote amongst the current EMC members at the beginning of each calendar year:  Are the FPRs and associated regulations effective in...  Question 1h: managing WLPZs to reduce or minimize potential fire behavior and rate of spread? Question 6c:  managing fuel loads, vegetation patterns and fuel breaks for fire hazard reduction? Question 6d: managing forest structure and stocking standards to promote wildfire resilience? Question 12a: improving overall forest wildfire resilience and the ability of forests to respond to climate change (e.g., in response to drought or bark beetle; reducing plant water stress) and variability, and extreme weather events (evaluate ecosystem functional response to fuel reduction and forest health treatments)? I.       FUNDING AVAILABILITY. Funding available for newly proposed projects is anticipated as follows: $973,392 over three FYs beginning in 2024/25, comprising: $173,232 in FY 2024/25; $375,160 in FY 2025/26; and $425,000 in FY 2025/26. II.     AWARD LIMITATIONS. Applicants requesting more than the stated annual amount available for funding will not be considered. In the case that EMC funding for the full three years is awarded to one new project, project solicitation may not occur in the subsequent two FYs. While the EMC may choose to fund projects that span multiple FYs up to the annual funding cap, the EMC generally prefers to fund multiple research projects annually. Proposers should keep this in mind when developing their project and annual budget requests. Longer-term projects (greater than three years) may re-apply for funding for additional years through the competitive grants process advertised in the EMC’s Request for Proposals. Annual allocations are dependent upon demonstrated progress towards project completion pursuant to the project schedule and workplan.  a.      ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES. Eligible projects will test one or more specific FPRs or other rule or regulation under the Board’s jurisdiction and which addresses one or more of the EMC’s Research Themes and Critical Monitoring Questions. Proposed projects must clearly apply to management activities on private timberlands in California. Projects on public land may be eligible for EMC funding provided they clearly apply to the activities and systems that also exist on non-federal timberland. b.      ELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS. Eligible applicants are local, state, and federal agencies including federal land management agencies; institutions of higher education; special purpose districts (e.g., public utilities districts, fire districts, conservation districts, and ports); Native American tribes; private landowners; for-profit entities; and non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations.

The Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program aims to propel small businesses towards success and sustainability. This initiative offers entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to connect with essential support resources and participate in a 12-week series of comprehensive workshops aimed at crafting new business and marketing plans. Upon completion of the program, participants become eligible to apply for $10k grants, empowering them to expand their business capacity and enhance resilience. 25 businesses will be selected to participate in this program and receive grant awards upon completion. 10 additional businesses will be selected to participate in the workshop series only, and may be eligible for grant awards if funds become available. Program selection and awards will be determined by a selection committee based on the following criteria: • Representation of businesses across all parts of the city with priority for businesses located in low-to-moderate income areas • Representation of businesses across multiple sectors • Business readiness and potential impact of program participation This application will close on May 21st at 5pm. No late applications will be accepted. Applicants will be notified of selection decisions in late June. For assistance with this application, please contact BizCare at 562-570-4249 or [email protected].

The Equitable Building Decarbonization (EBD) Direct Install Program aims to distribute funds across Northern, Central, and Southern California to improve energy efficiency in low-income households. This involves installing electric appliances and related upgrades in single-family, multifamily, and manufactured homes within underresourced communities. The program emphasizes collaboration with community-based organizations to ensure culturally appropriate outreach and education. Applicants must exhibit expertise in residential building decarbonization.

The City of West Hollywood is pleased to offer the Arts Project Grant to eligible, nonprofit arts organizations for the production, performance or presentation of art projects that take place in the City of West Hollywood and that serve the West Hollywood community. Donor Name: City of West Hollywood State: California County: Los Angeles County (CA) City: West Hollywood Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The City of West Hollywood and Grantees in the Arts Project Grant category can expect to: Engage residents and visitors with the arts; expand arts audiences. Recognize and champion local cultural resources; discover and explore new places for artmaking. Provide a variety of quality arts programming that is financially and geographically accessible for the residents of West Hollywood; increase access to arts experiences. Increase revenues for local businesses; support arts-business partnerships. Funding Information $42,200: Total amount of available funding in this category in 2025 $10,000: Maximum award per organization per calendar year Organizations may apply for two years of grant funding with one application. The organization will be required to apply for two projects, one for each project year (year one: January 1, 2025 –December 31, 2025 and year two: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026). Eligibility Requirements  To be eligible for consideration, organizations must satisfy all the following requirements: The primary mission of the organization must be the production and/or public presentation of one or more disciplines of the arts. Applicants must plan to present for the general public within the City of West Hollywood or immediately adjacent (within 5 blocks of the border of West Hollywood) within the funded calendar year. The proposed project should be 1 (one) presentation per year, as opposed to a series of projects over an extended period. Organizations must be able to demonstrate artistic experience in their field, and an understanding of the unique aspects and cultural diversity of the West Hollywood community. Organizations must provide a CA Data Arts Report for the previous 2 years (2022, 2023). Organizations may not pass through the grant funding. Applicants must be the presenting party. Applicants must be a registered 501 (c)(3) nonprofit based in Los Angeles County. Applicants may only receive funding from one grant category each calendar year. If the applicant is already receiving funding from another City Division or Department, or is cosponsored by a City Council office, they are not eligible for an Arts Grant for that same project or program. City of West Hollywood elected and appointed officials, its employees and their immediate family members are not eligible to apply. Proposed projects may not include fundraisers, capital campaigns, murals, or religious-based programs/events. Organizations with budgets of $1 Million Dollars or more are required to provide a cultural equity statement. Applicants must submit an application online by the deadline. For more information, visit City of West Hollywood.

The Entertainment Business Interruption Fund is here to assist small businesses in the entertainment industry who were impacted by COVID-19 pandemic and the double Hollywood Strikes. Donor Name: LA Small Business Development Center Network State: California County: Los Angeles County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Entertainment Business Interruption Fund (BIF), funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), is designed to support qualified small businesses that serve the Entertainment Industry in Los Angeles County (County). Grant Awards Grant amounts are based on business revenue as shown on the most recently filed federal business tax return. Revenue Size: $1,000,000 – 3,000,000 Eligible Grant Size: $25,000 Revenue Size: equal or less than $999,999 Eligible Grant Size: $10,000. Eligible Uses of Funds The purchase of new certified equipment. Restock of liquidated inventory. Lease, rent, or mortgage payments. Payment of business debt accrued due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 double Hollywood Strikes. Costs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and related health and safety restrictions, or business interruptions or closures incurred because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 double Hollywood Strikes. Employee payroll expenses. Working capital to continue operations. Payment of outstanding business expenses (supplier management, etc.) Grant awards may not be used by awardee for regranting or for any uses or expenses that the awardee has been, or will be, reimbursed for under any federal program. Eligibility Requirements For the purpose of this Program, a “qualified small business” means a business that meets all of the following criteria, as confirmed by the office or fiscal agent through review of revenue declines, other relief funds received, credit history, tax returns, payroll records, and bank account validation: Must be a for-profit business with $3 million or less in annual gross revenue as reflected in Applicant’s most recently filed, federal business tax return. Must have experienced at least a 70% loss of revenue due to the COVID -19 Pandemic from March 1, 2020 to present, as well as the 2023 double Hollywood Strikes between May 1, 2023 – November 30, 2023. At least 70% of revenue must come from the Entertainment Industry sector. Loss must be equal to or greater than grant amount requested. Business must have been registered to do business legally in the state of California and/or any other applicable jurisdiction prior to December 30, 2021, or other similar business filings. Active business currently in operation that is in good standing with all local, state, and federal taxing and licensing authorities. Must have a current physical location within the County of Los Angeles as of May 2023. Negative economic impacts from COVID – 19 Pandemic March 1, 2020 – present, as well as the 2023 double Hollywood Strikes between May 1, 2023 – November 30, 2023. Must not have received a grant funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) from Los Angeles County. Application must be submitted by a majority owner that is at least 18 years of age as of the date of application. For more information, visit LA Small Business Development Center Network.

Grant Opportunity: Equity Leads for California Statewide System of Support Purpose: Collaborate with the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE), the department, and other lead agencies within the system of support to advance the objectives outlined in subdivision (b) of Section 52059.5. Description: Established in 2023 under Senate Bill 114, Section 79 (Chapter 48 of the Statutes of 2023), the Equity Leads initiative forms an integral part of the California Statewide System of Support. With an annual investment of $2 million, Equity Leads will work closely with local educational agencies (LEAs) to identify barriers to opportunities and implement services aimed at meeting the diverse needs of all pupils. This includes addressing disparities in opportunities and academic outcomes. Moreover, Equity Leads will assess existing resources, including support for educator preparation, recruitment, retention, and professional development, while also monitoring the impact of local control and accountability plan goals implementation. Priority support will be given to schools receiving Equity Multiplier Funding. Eligibility Requirements: Eligible Applicants: Business Individuals, Nonprofits, Other Legal Entities, Public Agencies, Tribal Governments Eligible Geographies: California State Matching Funding Requirement: Variable based on grant formula Important Dates: Application Deadline: June 5, 2024, 00:00 Expected Award Announcement: July 1, 2024 Period of Performance: 2023-2028 Funding Details: Total Estimated Available Funding: $2,000,000 Expected Number of Awards: Dependent Estimated Amount Per Award: Dependent Letter of Intent Required? No Requires Matched Funding? No Funding Source: State Funding Method: Other (Variable based on grant formula) How to Apply: State agencies/departments are advised to thoroughly review the full grant guidelines before applying. Further details can be found on the grantor's site. Grant Guidelines: [Link to Grant Guidelines] Grantor's Site: [Link to Grantor's Site] Resources: For inquiries regarding this grant opportunity, please contact: Felicia Novoa Phone: 1-916-319-0302 Email: [email protected]

South Lake Tahoe Cannabis Community Benefit Grant Program - Summary Grant Program Open! The City of South Lake Tahoe is offering grants funded by Cannabis Community Benefit Fees. These grants aim to mitigate potential impacts of the cannabis industry while also supporting the city's strategic priorities. Who can apply? Non-profit organizations or public agencies located in or serving South Lake Tahoe Must have a current City business license (free for non-profits) One application per organization Past recipients must be in good standing with previous grant reporting What can the grant be used for? Projects that address the City's strategic priorities (Built Environment, Recreation, Community, Economic Development, Government Services) Mitigating potential impacts of the cannabis industry Grant Details: Amounts: $1,000 - $50,000 Funds must be used within one year Up-front disbursement of 90%, remaining 10% upon successful completion Allowable indirect cost rate: 10% (unless a separate rate is approved) Important Dates: Application window: Open Now (as of April 15) until May 15, 2024 (11:59 pm) Awards announced: June 2024 Grant renewed every year.

This program provides financial support and resources to small businesses in low-to-moderate income areas of Southern California, helping them grow and create jobs in their communities.

The City of West Hollywood is pleased to offer the Transgender, Gender Diverse, Intersex (TGI+) Arts Grant, a category initiated by the City Council in 2013 intended to support and enhance the presentation of artworks in West Hollywood by artists, artist collectives or groups, and non-profit organizations that have demonstrated a significant commitment to and involvement with the transgender, non-binary, intersex, and gender non-conforming community. Donor Name: City of West Hollywood State: California County: Los Angeles County (CA) City: West Hollywood Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Individual artists, artist collectives or groups, and non-profit organizations with a history of supporting transgender, gender diverse, and/or intersex artists are all welcome to apply. Proposed projects may take place in June but will not be included as part of the WeHo Pride Festival and should be considered as separate from both the WeHo Pride Weekend as well as the WeHo Pride Arts Festival. The City of West Hollywood and Grantees in the Arts Project Grant category can expect to: Engage residents and visitors with the arts; expand arts audiences. Recognize and champion local cultural resources; discover and explore new places for artmaking. Provide a variety of quality arts programming that is financially and geographically accessible for the residents of West Hollywood; increase access to arts experiences. Increase revenues for local businesses; support arts-business partnerships. Encourage transgender artists and organizations to create innovative programming and artwork. Support transgender artists with specific professional and business development activities that will aid in building capacity and maintaining sustainability. Amplify transgender voices, express trans and gender non-conforming experiences, and explore identity and culture through the artistic process. Funding Information $30,000: Total amount of available funding in this category. $6,500: Maximum award per artist/organization. Eligibility Requirements  To be eligible for consideration, organizations must satisfy all the following requirements: Applicants must plan to hold an art exhibit, performance or screening somewhere within the City of West Hollywood or immediately adjacent (within 5 blocks of the border of West Hollywood) within the calendar year 2025 and demonstrate marketing and outreach strategies targeting West Hollywood residents and constituents. The proposed project should be 1 (one) presentation, as opposed to a series of projects over an extended period. Applicants must be able to demonstrate significant commitment to and involvement with the transgender, non-binary, intersex, and gender non-conforming community. Applicants must be based in LA County and must submit an on-line application by the application deadline. Applicants who are organizations must be a registered 501 (c)(3) nonprofit and active nonprofit or provide evidence that they are under a fiscal sponsorship agreement with another nonprofit organization. Applicants may only receive funding from one grant category each calendar year. If the applicant is already receiving funding from another City Division or Department, or is cosponsored by a City Council office, they are not eligible for an Arts Grant for that same project or program. City of West Hollywood elected and appointed officials, its employees and their immediate family members are not eligible to apply. For more information, visit City of West Hollywood.

The City of West Hollywood is pleased to offer the WeHo Community Arts Grant intended to support nonprofit arts organizations, individual artists, or artist collectives, with a history of supporting LGBQ, BIPOC and/or female artists and audiences. Donor Name: City of West Hollywood State: California County: Los Angeles County (CA) City: West Hollywood Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Proposed programs can include art centered presentations or participatory programs (workshops) which enhance the community. The purpose for the grant is to fund art presentations that support community goals through cultural equity. This category supports art centered presentations and/or workshops that provide access and education to specific communities. The City of West Hollywood and Grantees in the Community Arts Grant category can expect to: Engage residents and visitors with the arts; expand arts audiences. Recognize and champion local cultural resources; discover and explore new places for artmaking. Provide a variety of quality arts programming that is financially and geographically accessible for the residents of West Hollywood; increase access to arts experiences. Increase revenues for local businesses, and support arts-business partnerships. Increase access to and/or participation in the arts through education. Amplify, express, explore, address, and celebrate identity, experience, and culture. Funding Information $30,000: Total amount of available funding in this category. $6,000: Maximum award per organization. Eligibility Requirements  To be eligible for consideration, organizations must satisfy the following requirements: Eligible organizations are LA County-based artists, collectives, or non-profit arts organizations with a history of supporting LGBQ, BIPOC and/or female artists and audiences. Applicants must have at least 1 year of art presentation history and be able to provide 2 work samples. Proposed projects must take place in West Hollywood or the immediate West Hollywood immediately adjacent (within 5 blocks of the border of West Hollywood). Applicants must demonstrate a marketing and outreach strategy targeting West Hollywood residents and constituents. Applicants may only receive funding from one grant category each calendar year. If the applicant is already receiving funding from another City Division or Department, or is cosponsored by a City Council office, they are not eligible for an Arts Grant for that same project or program. City of West Hollywood elected and appointed officials, its employees and their immediate family members are not eligible to apply. Proposed projects may not include fundraisers, capital campaigns, murals, or religious-based programs/events. Applicants must submit an application online by the deadline. For more information, visit City of West Hollywood.

The Effectiveness Monitoring Committee (EMC), serving as an advisory body to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, aims to fund scientific research that tests the effectiveness of the California Forest Practice Rules and associated regulations. This includes addressing natural resource issues such as watershed science, wildlife concerns, and wildfire hazard. Proposals are sought that focus on one or more of EMC's Research Themes and Critical Monitoring Questions, particularly those that contribute to understanding and enhancing wildfire resilience and response to climate change across California's forestlands. Projects must directly relate to management activities on private timberlands in the state, although those on public lands may qualify if they demonstrate relevance to non-federal timberland activities.

The purpose of this solicitation is to award grants to fund projects focused on geothermal energy and lithium recovery from geothermal brine that support local jurisdictions and private entities to advance the geothermal sector and related activities per Public Resource Code (PRC) Sections 3800-3827 and California Code of Regulations (CCR) Sections 1660-1665. ; This solicitation aims to support the goals of Senate Bill 100 (SB 100, De Leon, Chapter 312, Statures of 2018), Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32, Nunez, Chapter 488, Statutes of 2006), and SB 32 (Pavley, Chapter 249, Statutes of 2016) to meet the eligible renewable energy, zero-carbon energy, and greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. The proposed projects must not exceed thirty-six (36) months in length – the project term must be in alignment with the proposed project scope and budget, and it is encouraged to explain that alignment in the Project Narrative (Attachment 3). The proposed projects are limited to addressing one of the eligible purposes allowed by the Geothermal Grant and Loan Program, as presented in Section I.C., Project Focus, per PRC Section 3823. This solicitation will be conducted as a two-phase process. Phase one is for local jurisdictions that want to compete for technical assistance funds to develop and prepare the full proposal for this solicitation. Phase one applicants need to complete a 1) Technical Assistance Application Form, 2) Technical Assistance Project Summary, and 3) Technical Assistance Scope of Work. Phase two is for local jurisdictions and private entities to submit the full proposal, as indicated in Section I E. (Key Activities Schedule) of this solicitation. See Part II of this solicitation for applicant and project eligibility requirements. Phase one and Phase two applications will be evaluated as follows: (1) proposal screening and (2) proposal scoring, as fully described in Section IV. Applicants may submit multiple applications, though each application must address only one of the eligible purposes identified in Section 1 C. (Project Focus) of this solicitation. If an applicant submits multiple applications, each application must be for a distinct project (i.e., no overlap with respect to the tasks described in the Scope of Work).

The purpose of this solicitation is to fund applied research to increase California’s hydropower generation through precipitation enhancement (cloud seeding). Research funded by this solicitation will foster cost-effective, robust approaches to manage anticipated needs for zero-carbon, fast-ramping resources in the context of a rapidly evolving energy system and climate change.; The proposed research contributes to implementation of the Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) 2021-2025 Investment Plan and responds to the strategic objective: “Inform California's Transition to an Equitable, Zero-Carbon Energy System that is Climate-Resilient and Meets Environmental Goals” (Chapter 7). Specifically, this solicitation supports the topic 44 within the Climate Resilience Initiative: “Integrating Climate Resilience in Electricity System Planning.” Hydroelectric power is an important source of zero-carbon, dispatchable power in California. It is a critical element of the state’s electricity system and in-state generation, providing peaking reserve, spinning reserve, and load following capacity, as well as transmission line support (Somani, et al., 2021). The percentage of the state’s electricity supplied by hydropower varies, as hydropower resources are strongly dependent on magnitude and timing of snowmelt runoff and rainfall. Between 2012 and 2021, hydropower (including in-state generation and imports) provided an average of 9 percent of California’s total energy mix (California Energy Commission 2022). As the state continues to contend with drought and other climate-driven impacts on water and hydropower resource availability, as well as develop more sustainable water management practices (California Water Action Plan, 2014), the proposed research will support opportunities for increasing and sustaining hydropower generation. Specifically, the research will contribute to more effective precipitation enhancement (cloud seeding) strategies.

City of Tehachapi Small Business Sign Grant Program (California) is offering grants ranging from $500 to $3,000 to assist small businesses in the City with installing or improving their signs. The program aims to eliminate blight, encourage economic development, and enhance properties within the City’s commercial districts. Priority funding will be given to projects that align with the City Design Guidelines. The grant includes reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible sign costs, with a minimum of $500 and a maximum of $3,000. Recipients are required to maintain the building sign for a three-year term. Eligible applicants include owners and tenants of small businesses or commercial properties within the City of Tehachapi.

This program provides up to $5,000 to small, independently owned businesses in Arcadia, California, to help cover costs associated with permits for opening, expanding, or improving their commercial spaces.