GrantExec

Kentucky grants for Small businesses

Explore 22 grant opportunities

Kentucky Opioid Abatement - Research Innovation
$5,000,000
Kentucky Office of the Attorney General (Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission)
State

Application Deadline

Dec 19, 2025

Date Added

Oct 28, 2025

This funding opportunity supports innovative research and interventions aimed at combating the opioid epidemic in Kentucky, targeting organizations that address opioid use disorder and related mental health issues.

Science and Technology
Nonprofits
The U.S. Bank Foundation Cleantech Award
$30,000
U.S. Bank Foundation and Evergreen Climate Innovations
Private
Rolling

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Jun 10, 2025

This grant provides financial support and mentorship to early-stage cleantech entrepreneurs in the Midwest who are developing innovative solutions to promote economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Energy
Small businesses
21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant
$450,000
Kentucky Department of Education (KDE)
State

Application Deadline

Jan 20, 2026

Date Added

Oct 29, 2025

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various organizations for creating and improving community learning centers that offer academic and enrichment programs for students in high-poverty, low-performing schools.

Education
Nonprofits
Kentucky Opioid Abatement - Treatment Recovery
$1,000,000
Kentucky Office of the Attorney General (Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission)
State

Application Deadline

Dec 19, 2025

Date Added

Oct 28, 2025

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations and local governments in Kentucky to improve access to treatment and recovery services for individuals struggling with Opioid Use Disorder and related issues.

Health
Nonprofits
Storefront/Signage Grant Program
$2,000
Russell County Economic Development and Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB)
Local

Application Deadline

Jan 2, 2026

Date Added

Oct 7, 2025

This program provides financial assistance to Russell County businesses for improving their storefronts and signage, enhancing their visual appeal and promoting local economic activity.

Community Development
For profit organizations other than small businesses
Kentucky Opioid Abatement - Prevention
$1,000,000
Kentucky Office of the Attorney General (Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission)
State

Application Deadline

Dec 19, 2025

Date Added

Oct 28, 2025

This funding opportunity provides financial support for organizations to implement prevention programs aimed at reducing opioid use and its impact, particularly among youth and communities at risk in Kentucky.

Health
Nonprofits
Shaping a Healthy and Inclusive Future Together Grant Program
$50,000
Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky
Private

Application Deadline

May 24, 2024

Date Added

May 9, 2024

The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky's Shaping a Healthy and Inclusive Future Together (SHIFT) Grant Program aims to transform fragmented communities in Kentucky into inclusive environments for individuals engaging in substance use or experiencing chemical dependence. This program directly aligns with the foundation's mission to build a healthy, inclusive, and connected Kentucky by addressing the critical need for harm reduction and racial equity. The foundation seeks to foster a culture of acceptance and support, moving away from punitive approaches and integrating more compassionate, effective strategies into mainstream services. The SHIFT program targets community-based organizations that primarily serve under-resourced communities of color. These organizations must demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through BIPOC leadership within their staff and board. A crucial eligibility criterion is that applicants must not mandate sobriety for individuals to receive services, emphasizing an inclusive approach. The primary impact goal is to shift communities towards greater inclusion and better support for individuals with substance use challenges, particularly those who have experienced systemic oppression due to the War on Drugs. The grant program prioritizes the integration of harm reduction programming into communities. This includes a variety of project examples such as distributing naloxone, safe use kits, syringe exchanges, and testing strips, as well as community organizing and advocacy that empower individuals with lived experiences. Stigma reduction trainings are also a focus, aimed at helping the public understand and articulate the importance of harm reduction models. Other priorities include developing coalitions of local businesses to provide harm reduction supplies, building partnerships with medication-assisted treatment providers, and integrating peer support professionals into staff positions. Expected outcomes of the grant program include the introduction of new harm reduction service modalities into mainstream services and the increased inclusion of people who use substances into these services. The program offers 10-15 grants, ranging from $10,000 for piloting new programming to $50,000 for supporting ongoing harm reduction and racial equity work. This funding structure supports both innovative new initiatives and the sustained growth of existing effective programs, demonstrating the foundation's strategic commitment to long-term impact and systemic change within Kentucky's communities.

Health
Small businesses
Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority Grant Program
$2,000,000
Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority (KNEDA)
State

Application Deadline

Oct 31, 2025

Date Added

Oct 2, 2025

This funding opportunity supports organizations and businesses in Kentucky that are working on innovative nuclear energy projects, with a focus on job creation, workforce training, and community engagement in underserved areas.

Energy
Nonprofits
Main Street Ventures Leap Funding Program
$30,000
Main Street Ventures
Private

Application Deadline

Aug 30, 2024

Date Added

Aug 8, 2024

Leap Funding, provided by Main Street Ventures, offers equity-free funding ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 to promising, revenue-generating businesses. The primary goal of this program is to help these businesses scale their community impact and enhance their long-term survival prospects. Main Street Ventures' mission, as evidenced by this grant, is to foster economic growth and community development by supporting local enterprises, particularly within the Greater Cincinnati region. This aligns with a strategic priority to strengthen local economies through direct investment in businesses that demonstrate strong potential and customer demand. The target beneficiaries of Leap Funding are established business entities, specifically C-Corps, S-Corps, or LLCs, that possess a Federal Tax ID (EIN). The program focuses on businesses within key industry areas, including retail storefronts (restaurants, coffee shops, retail shops), manufactured goods (consumer packaged goods, clothing, sporting goods), and technology companies (hardware, software). A critical geographical focus is the Greater Cincinnati region, encompassing specific counties in Ohio (Hamilton, Butler, Clermont, Warren), Kentucky (Boone, Campbell), and Indiana (Dearborn). Grant requests from outside this region are explicitly not considered. The program prioritizes funding for specific growth projects rather than general operating expenses. Main Street Ventures defines a growth project as a step that will accelerate business expansion. Suitable direct expenses include key equipment, packaging support, and technology product development. Conversely, general operating expenses such as existing payroll, rent, insurance, marketing, and legal fees are not eligible for grant funds. Businesses are also required to demonstrate customer demand and consistent progression since their founding, ensuring that the funding supports businesses with a proven track record and clear growth trajectory. Expected outcomes include accelerated business growth, increased community impact, and improved long-term survival rates for the funded enterprises. Measurable results would likely include job creation, increased revenue for the businesses, expansion into new markets, or enhanced product development. Special consideration is given to women and minority-owned businesses, as well as those that can secure matching funds from other sources, reflecting a strategic priority to promote diversity and leverage additional investment. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by providing targeted, equity-free capital for specific growth initiatives, they can empower local businesses to expand, thereby creating a ripple effect of economic benefit and community resilience within the Greater Cincinnati area.

Business and Commerce
For profit organizations other than small businesses
Kentucky Easement Programs Restoration
$4,000,000
U.S.DA-NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service)
Federal

Application Deadline

Jun 24, 2024

Date Added

Jun 25, 2024

Federal Awarding Agency Name: U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)Notice of Funding Opportunity Title: Kentucky NRCS Easement Restoration and Management AssistanceNotice of Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NRCS-KY-EASE-24NOFO0001320Assistance Listing: This program is listed in the Assistance Listings (previously referred to as the Catalog of Federal Financial Assistance) on Sam.gov under 10.072 Wetlands ReserveProgram and 10.931 Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, which can be found at: https://sam.gov/content/home.SAM is a web-based, government-wide application that collects, validates, stores, and disseminates business information about the federal government's trading partners in support of the contract awards, grants, and electronic payment processes.Notice of Funding Opportunity SummaryThe Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is seeking support from natural resource conservation partners to work together to help enhance conservation delivery in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The overall intent of this announcement is to solicit partnerships to help enhance the implementation of key conservation objectives and priorities outlined further in this document.Proposals will be accepted from eligible entities as identified in Section C.1. of this announcement for competitive consideration of awards for projects between one (1) and (5) years in duration to deliver conservation programs and services in Kentucky. NRCS anticipates the amount of funding available for this announcement will be approximately $2,000,000 annually over a five year period (up to $10,000,000), which will be awarded to multiple recipients. All applicants must be capable of providing support throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Entities may use this opportunity to request additional funding for existing Kentucky cooperative agreements.This notice identifies the objectives, eligibility criteria, and application instructions for projects. Proposals will be screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this notice. Incomplete and/or noncompliant applications may be eliminated from competition and notification of elimination will be sent to the applicant. The Kentucky State Conservationist reserves the right not to fund any or all applications. NRCS will accept applications under this notice for single or multiyear applications submitted by eligible entities.2For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov.Key DatesApplicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on June 30, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or [email protected]. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts.For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed.The agency anticipates making selections by August 1, 2024 and expects to execute awards by September 30,2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change

Agriculture
State governments
Revitalization, Opportunity, and Workspace Improvement in Kentucky
$20,000
City of Fort Thomas
Local

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Oct 25, 2024

This program provides funding to small businesses and commercial property owners in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, for improving their storefronts and interiors to boost economic growth and community revitalization.

Business and Commerce
Small businesses
Kentucky NRCS Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Reserve Easement (ACEP WRE) Acquisition Services Agreement
$5,000,000
U.S.DA-NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service)
Federal

Application Deadline

Jun 28, 2024

Date Added

May 29, 2024

SUMMARY INFORMATION Federal Awarding Agency Name: U.S. Department of Agriculture NRCS Notice of Funding Opportunity Title: Kentucky NRCS Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Wetland Reserve Easement (ACEP WRE) Acquisition Services Agreement Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NRCS-KY-ACEP- 24-NOFO0001367 Assistance Listing: This program is listed in the Assistance Listings (previously referred to as the Catalog of Federal Financial Assistance) on Sam.gov under 10.931 Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, which can be found at: https://sam.gove/content/home. SAM is a web-based, government-wide application that collects, validates, stores, and disseminates business information about the federal government's trading partners in support of the contract awards, grants, and electronic payment processes. Notice of Funding Opportunity Summary The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking proposals to assist with due diligence for acquiring Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE), including contracting for title exams, updates, and closing services; boundary surveys; appraisals and cultural resource investigations. ACEP WRE provides funding for the purchase of conservation easements held by NRCS, and to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands on eligible land. Proposals are requested for consideration of cooperative agreements with a period of performance not to exceed five years. For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov. Key Dates Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on TBD. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or [email protected]. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts. For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed.

Agriculture
State governments
Main Street Ventures Launch Funding Program
$10,000
Main Street Ventures
Private

Application Deadline

Aug 30, 2024

Date Added

Aug 8, 2024

Main Street Ventures offers Launch Funding to emerging, pre-revenue businesses that have a prototype or product. This grant program aims to support the growth and scaling of businesses within the Greater Cincinnati region, aligning with the foundation's mission to foster economic development and innovation in the area. The funding is specifically designed to cover key direct costs associated with growth projects, rather than general operating expenses, reflecting a strategic priority to provide tangible support for business acceleration. The primary target beneficiaries are business entities (C-Corp, S-Corp, or LLC) with a Federal Tax ID (EIN) located in the Greater Cincinnati region, which includes specific counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Businesses must demonstrate customer demand and strong progression since their founding. The program focuses on specific growth projects that will accelerate business growth, with examples of suitable direct expenses including key equipment, packaging support, and technology product development. This targeted approach ensures that the grant funds directly contribute to measurable business expansion. Special consideration is given to women and minority-owned businesses, as well as businesses that can show matching funds from other sources. This reflects the foundation's strategic priorities to promote inclusivity and leverage additional investment, thereby maximizing the overall impact on the regional economy. The expected outcomes include the scaling of businesses, job creation, and increased economic vitality within the Greater Cincinnati region, with successful applicants demonstrating a clear impact of the grant funds on their business or the region. The Main Street Ventures' theory of change is rooted in providing early-stage, direct financial assistance to promising businesses to help them overcome critical growth hurdles. By focusing on direct costs and specific growth projects, the program aims to create a ripple effect, enabling these businesses to achieve significant milestones that would otherwise be out of reach. The emphasis on local businesses and underrepresented founders further amplifies the foundation's commitment to building a robust and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Greater Cincinnati area. The grant duration of three years allows for sustained support and monitoring of the businesses' progress.

Business and Commerce
For profit organizations other than small businesses
Minority, Women and Veteran Owned Businesses in Kentucky
$10,000
Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce (NKY Chamber)
Private

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Sep 25, 2024

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

Diversity Equity and Inclusion
Small businesses
501vc® Investment Fund for Early-stage Climate Tech Startups
$300,000
Evergreen Climate Innovations
Private
Rolling

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Dec 7, 2023

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.

Environment
Small businesses
BBB Integrity Foundation’s Torch Awards
Contact for amount
BBB Integrity Foundation
Private

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Jan 30, 2025

This grant recognizes and honors businesses and nonprofit organizations in Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky that demonstrate outstanding ethical practices and integrity in their operations and customer relationships.

Business and Commerce
For profit organizations other than small businesses
Black History Makers Business Grant Program
$5,000
Citi Trends
Private

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Feb 11, 2025

This grant provides financial support to Black entrepreneurs who are positively impacting their communities, helping them grow and sustain their businesses.

Business and Commerce
County governments
Challenge Grant Program
$100,000
Bluegrass AgTech Development Corp
Private

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Feb 14, 2025

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.

Agriculture
For profit organizations other than small businesses
BBB Spark Awards
Contact for amount
BBB Integrity Foundation
Private

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Jan 30, 2025

This grant recognizes and supports young entrepreneurs and new business owners who demonstrate trustworthiness and positively impact their communities through ethical business practices.

Business and Commerce
Small businesses
2024 NGLCC Community Impact Grant Program - Central Region
$25,000
National LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Private

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

May 27, 2024

This program provides financial support to LGBTQ+-owned and allied restaurants, cafes, and bars to help them thrive and recover from challenges.

Community Development
Nonprofits