Maine Business and Commerce Grants

This program provides financial support to Maine businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by severe storms to aid in recovery and enhance resilience against future climate events.

This funding opportunity supports local organizations in Kennebec County that provide programs aimed at improving health, education, and financial stability, with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This grant provides funding to Maine-based agricultural producers, processors, and organizations to enhance the capacity and resilience of the food supply chain through the purchase of essential equipment.

The City of Bangor Commission on Cultural Development in Maine is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to individual artists and non-profit arts and cultural organizations, requiring a 1:1 match, to support projects that enhance the city's cultural vitality and directly serve the Bangor community.

This grant provides financial support to Maine municipalities, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations for tourism marketing initiatives aimed at increasing visitor traffic to their destinations.

This grant provides funding to Maine municipalities, tribal governments, and non-profits for tourism-focused marketing projects and events that promote community engagement.

The Libra Foundation is currently seeking applications to improve Maine residents’ quality of life by leveraging its financial assets to spur economic development, further entrepreneurial activity and create jobs in the State of Maine. Donor Name: Libra Foundation State: Maine County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The organization has worked to realize its goals primarily by making grants to organizations that it expects to develop innovative and sustainable Maine-based business initiatives and programs that provide for the welfare and betterment of children. Libra Foundation focuses its support primarily upon efforts that offer potential economic benefits to the State of Maine and its residents, and the support of children, the Foundation also funds organizations and efforts that work to realize social progress.  Areas of giving include Arts, Culture & Humanities, Education, Environment, Health, Human Services, Justice, Public/Society Benefit and Religion. Funding Information Grants will not exceed $25,000.00 Eligibility Criteria  No application will be considered from an organization unless it has been determined to be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and “not a private foundation” under Section 509(a) of the Code. The Foundation will need evidence of this determination for its files at the time of application for a grant. For more information, visit Libra Foundation.

The MTMPP Special Event Marketing Grant is intended to support the marketing of well-established events in Maine that have the potential to attract new audiences, increase overnight visitation, and extend visitors' length of stay, particularly during the state's shoulder season. This grant aims to enhance Maine’s brand nationally and internationally, contributing significantly to the state's economy. Qualifying applicants include Maine non-profits, municipalities, and tribal governments. Two grants are available each fiscal year, with each cycle offering one grant ranging from $30,000 to $60,000. Projects must align with the Office of Tourism Destination Management Plan and Stewardship Principles, focusing on inclusive and accessible tourism promotion. Eligible expenses can include paid advertising, public and media relations, website upgrades, asset development, and fulfillment materials, with a clear emphasis on expanding marketing strategies to draw in new visitors. A 25% cash match is required for the grant, which aims to support sustainable growth within Maine’s tourism economy.

The MTMPP Enterprise Marketing Grant is designed to stimulate Maine's travel and tourism economy by supporting comprehensive marketing initiatives that promise to increase visitation. This grant aligns private sector promotional efforts with those of the Maine Office of Tourism (MOT) and Regional Destination Marketing Organizations (RDMOs), aiming for sustainable growth and advancement of Maine's tourism sector. Eligible entities include Maine non-profits, municipalities, and tribal governments, with grant amounts ranging from $5,000 to $30,000. Projects should align with the MOT Destination Management Plan and Stewardship Principles, focusing on tourism development by attracting visitors from at least fifty miles away. Eligible projects can include paid advertising, public and media relations, website upgrades, asset development, and participation in travel and trade shows. A 50% cash match is required, with detailed documentation of matching funds in the project budget. The application process includes providing a comprehensive marketing plan, budget, timeline, and support letters. Creative and media requirements ensure alignment with MOT branding and promotional strategies. Applications are evaluated based on design, implementation, economic impact, collaboration, and alignment with state marketing efforts.

The Maine Communities Grant Program aims to bolster tourism-oriented community marketing projects and events across the state. For FY 2025 Cycle 1, up to four grants, ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, will be awarded in each of the 8 designated Maine Tourism Regions. Eligible applicants include Maine municipalities, tribal governments, and Maine-based nonprofits. Projects should demonstrate a clear alignment with tourism that is inclusive and accessible. Eligible initiatives may involve paid advertising, public and media relations, website upgrades, asset development such as photography or video, and fulfillment of tourism materials. Ineligible projects include new website hosting, fundraising events, professional development, capital equipment, and promotional products. The program encourages a mix of cash and in-kind contributions for matching funds, with clear documentation required in the application. Creative requirements mandate the prominent use of the word "Maine" and the MOT logo in all grant-funded media, adhering to MOT design guidelines. Additionally, a link to the state’s tourism website should be displayed when appropriate, and events must be posted on visitmaine.com. Grant renewed every year.

To help marine businesses recover from the devastating impacts of January 2024’s coastal storms, Island Institute is expanding our Business Resilience Grant program. Grant awards of up to $5,000 are available for working waterfront businesses that directly support fishing and aquaculture on islands, and in fishing-dependent communities that were impacted by the storms on January 10 and 13, 2024. Maine’s fishing industry accounts for nearly $1 billion in annual revenue and it is under a multitude of pressures. Taking up a mere 20 miles of the more than 5,000 miles of Maine’s coastline, the working waterfront infrastructure along our shorelines is in grave danger of being lost forever. The more rural the community, the more reliant communities are on the marine economy. Without safe and reliable wharves, docks, and access ramps, Maine’s fishing communities grind to a halt. This infrastructure is the backbone of the coastal economy and importantly supports the families and communities that rely upon what they catch or grow. It is for this reason we are choosing to urgently support the resilient rebuilding of our working waterfront infrastructure. We will review grant applications weekly and have streamlined our application process to ensure these limited funds will quickly arrive in communities. Eligible applicants are for-profit businesses with shoreside infrastructure that supports multiple individuals or that plays a critical role in communities with demonstrable impact from these storms. Due to limited available funds, priority is given to businesses that support many independent harvesters. For more information please contact Jeff Frank at [email protected] Examples of acceptable uses of funds include: • Wharf infrastructure repair • Equipment repair and replacement • Other: contact us if you're unsure. Before you get started, here is a bit more about the application and process: Individuals and affiliated companies are eligible for one Island Institute grant per fiscal year (this does not include scholarships). Awards from previous fiscal years will not disqualify applications. There is a limited amount of funds available for the Business Resilience Storm Recovery Grants. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through June 10, 2024 (as long as funds are available), and reviewed weekly to ensure these funds will quickly arrive in communities.

Applications are now being accepted for the Child Care Infrastructure Grant Program – Facility Acquisitions. Donor Name: Coastal Enterprises Inc. (CEI) State: Maine County: Aroostook County (ME), Franklin County (ME), Penobscot County (ME), Piscataquis County (ME), Somerset County (ME), Washington County (ME) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: If you are buying the furniture and fixtures plus the enrollment of an existing child care business and you can demonstrate at least a 25% increase in enrollment within four months of the transaction, you may be eligible for a Child Care Infrastructure Grant for up to 50% of your costs, for a total award of up to $25,000. Priority Areas Priority will be given to applications from Aroostook, Franklin, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset and Washington Counties. In addition, applicants committing to the following will receive bonus points: Providing care for infants Providing care for toddlers Providing care for families income-eligible for subsidy Participating in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program. Uses of funds  Grant awards received may be used for the following purposes: Purchasing furniture, fixtures, educational materials and other assets from an existing child care provider. Selected examples include books, musical instruments, developmentally appropriate toys, tables & chairs, cribs, sleeping mats and more Fees to use existing business practices, policies and menus Inheriting current enrollment and expanding enrollment by 25% within 4 months Light renovations to the space to enhance the quality or to increase capacity. Buying additional indoor activities or enhancing the outdoor space to accept more children. Procuring health and safety supplies and other materials required to increase your enrollment. Having sufficient working capital on hand for the first month. Selected examples include money to cover a week of pre-opening payroll and a month of children’s food while you adjust to new subsidy and USDA food program levels. For more information, visit CEI.

The Facility Start-Up/New License Grant will provide entrepreneurs interested in starting a new child care facility or opening a new, additional child care facility with funding to start a new business. Donor Name: Coastal Enterprises Inc. (CEI) State: Maine County: Aroostook County (ME), Franklin County (ME), Penobscot County (ME), Piscataquis County (ME), Somerset County (ME), Washington County (ME) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Anyone interested in starting a child care facility (a child care business outside a home environment) is eligible to apply for a grant covering up to 50% of their start-up costs for a total award up to $80,000. The Facility Start-Up application is also for existing child care license holders adding an additional location. Priority Areas Priority will be given to applications from Aroostook, Franklin, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset and Washington Counties. In addition, applicants committing to the following will receive bonus points: Providing care for infants Providing care for toddlers Providing care for families income-eligible for subsidy Participating in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program. Uses of Funds Grant awards received may be used for the following purposes: Purchasing or renting a building and renovating it to deliver high quality child care. Selected examples include adding a window to allow for egress and to add natural light, removing a wall to increase the size of a room, adding an accessible ground-floor bathroom and installing a fire alarm system. Constructing a new building that is designed to enhance a child’s development. Buying educational materials. Selected examples include books, musical instruments, developmentally appropriate toys and consumable supplies, such as paper, paint and chalk. Acquiring indoor furniture and fixtures. Selected examples include tables, chairs, cribs and sleeping mats. Creating an outdoor learning environment. Selected examples include building pathways, gardens or activity centers, such as a mud kitchen. Buying playground equipment. Selected examples include swings, sandboxes, shade areas, playsets and energy-absorbing material. Procuring health and safety supplies and other materials required to be licensed. Selected examples include first aid kits, electrical outlet covers and gates. Having sufficient working capital on hand for the first month. Selected examples include money to cover a week of pre-opening payroll and a month of children’s food while you register and onboard with the subsidy and USDA food programs. Eligibility Criteria Sole proprietors, partnerships, cooperatives, nonprofit organizations, and employers are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit CEI.

This grant opportunity is called the Child Care Infrastructure Grant Program Facility Start-Up. It is open to anyone interested in starting a child care facility or existing child care license holders adding an additional location. The grant covers up to 50% of start-up costs, with a maximum award of $80,000. Eligible applicants include sole proprietors, partnerships, cooperatives, nonprofit organizations, and employers. The grant can be used for various purposes, such as purchasing or renting a building, renovating the facility, constructing a new building, buying educational materials and furniture, creating an outdoor learning environment, acquiring playground equipment, and procuring health and safety supplies. Priority will be given to applications from specific counties and those committing to providing care for infants, toddlers, income-eligible families, and participating in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program. The application process consists of two steps, with the first application accepted on a rolling basis until June 30, 2024, and the second application being invitation-only. The processing time for applications is expected to be up to five weeks. For more information and to access the application, visit the following link: [https://www.cognitoforms.com/CEIMaine/ChildCareInfrastructureGrantProgramFacilityStartUpApplication1](https://www.cognitoforms.com/CEIMaine/ChildCareInfrastructureGrantProgramFacilityStartUpApplication1)

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.

Grant Opportunity: Family Child Care Growth Grant Funding Organization: Not specified Contact Information: Not specified Grant Details: - Existing family child care providers interested in expanding their licensed capacity are eligible to apply for up to 50% of their expansion costs, up to $4,000. - Grant awards can be used for various purposes, including renovating a home, purchasing educational materials, acquiring indoor furniture and fixtures, expanding outdoor learning environments, buying playground equipment, and procuring health and safety supplies. - Additional funding of up to $25,000 is available for those adding a room exclusively for their child care business. - Priority will be given to applications from Aroostook, Franklin, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, and Washington Counties. - Bonus points will be awarded to applicants increasing their licensed capacity by 6 or more children, providing care for infants and toddlers, providing care for income-eligible families, and participating in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program. Application Process: - There are two steps to the application process. - FCC Growth Application 1: Submit the required licensing documentation to expand your family child care. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through June 30, 2024, or until all funds are awarded. - FCC Growth Application 2: Invitation-only based on eligibility determined from Application 1. Include a description of your project plans and a list of your expansion expenses. Applications 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. Eligibility: - Existing family child care providers interested in expanding their licensed capacity are eligible to apply. - Special licensing and fire marshal requirements apply if expanding to a Facility license. Grant Application Link: [https://www.cognitoforms.com/CEIMaine/ChildCareInfrastructureGrantProgramGrowthApplication1]

The Child Care Infrastructure Grant Program is offering grants to existing child care facilities in Aroostook, Franklin, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, and Washington Counties in Maine. The grants are intended to support facilities in increasing their licensed capacity by providing funding for up to 50% of their expansion costs, with a maximum award of $30,000. The funds can be used for various purposes, including purchasing or renting a building and renovating it, constructing a new building, buying educational materials, acquiring indoor furniture and fixtures, creating an outdoor learning environment, buying playground equipment, procuring health and safety supplies, and having sufficient working capital. Priority will be given to applications that provide care for infants and toddlers, care for families income-eligible for subsidy, and participate in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program. The application process consists of two steps, with the first step being the Facility Expansion Application 1, which can be accessed through the provided link. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until June 30, 2024, or until all funds are awarded. If eligible, applicants will be invited to complete Facility Expansion Application 2, which includes a business and project plan and an expense estimate. The deadline for Application 2 is August 30, 2024, or until all funds are awarded. The processing time for applications is expected to be up to five weeks.

The Child Care Infrastructure Grant program is offered by an organization called CEI Maine. The grant provides funding for organizations that are purchasing furniture, fixtures, and enrolling in an existing child care business, with the requirement of demonstrating at least a 25% increase in enrollment within four months. The grant award can cover up to 50% of the costs, with a maximum award of $25,000. The funds can be used for various purposes, including purchasing educational materials, fees for using existing business practices, renovations, buying additional indoor activities, and procuring health and safety supplies. Priority will be given to applications from specific counties in Maine, and bonus points will be awarded to applicants providing care for infants, toddlers, income-eligible families, and participating in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program. The application process consists of two steps, with the first step being the Facility Acquisition Application 1, which includes basic requirements for licensing, and the second step being the Facility Acquisition Application 2, which requires a description of transition and growth plans. The application deadline for both steps is either June 30, 2024, or until all funds are awarded. The application processing time is expected to take up to five weeks.

This program provides financial support to small businesses in Saco, Maine, for various non-operational expenses to promote economic development and community revitalization.

This program provides matching funds to small businesses in Saco, Maine, with 50 or fewer employees to help cover non-operational expenses.