Ohio grants for Small businesses

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.

This funding opportunity supports various mentoring and intervention programs aimed at reducing violence and fostering positive relationships among youth and families in the community.

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.

This grant provides funding for organizations to implement home visits by nurses for new and expectant parents in Ohio, helping them with parenting support, health assessments, and community resource referrals.

The School Safety and Security Grant (SSSG) has been expanded to also help cover the costs of inspections, assessments, maintenance, and improvements to indoor heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems as well as the purchase of other secondary devices to control the spread of airborne contaminants, including viruses, for eligible applicants. This additional funding of $15,000 is available to any qualifying entity under the SSSG program policy and is available specifically for the purchase of HVAC improvements only. An exact list of qualifying expenses can be found here or on page four of the application. This offering is available to employers with no matching amount required. Eligible applicants may apply even if they have exhausted all previously available SSSG funds. Please continue reading below for full eligibility requirements, instructions for completing an application, and steps to receiving grant funds.

The Ohio Meat Processing Grant Program, initially established by House Bill 110 of the 134th Ohio General Assembly and further funded by House Bill 33 of the 135th General Assembly, is designed to support Ohio livestock and poultry producers. This program offers grants up to $500,000 to assist in the improvement and expansion of meat harvesting/processing services. These grants aim to enhance processing efficiency and support the expansion or construction of facilities on existing sites. Administered by the Ohio Department of Development, eligible businesses must be for-profit entities operating a Federal or State registered meat harvesting/processing facility in Ohio as of July 1, 2023. Funding can cover a range of costs associated with plant construction/expansion and the purchase of new/upgraded machinery or technology, excluding personnel costs, land purchases, and non-eligible expenses. A total of $14 million in funds is available for Fiscal Year 2024, with grants covering no more than 65% of project costs, requiring matching funds for the remainder. Grant renewed every year.

This program provides funding for farmers and ranchers in the North Central region to develop and share sustainable agricultural practices through research and educational projects.

This grant provides financial support to local businesses in Lake County, Ohio, for infrastructure improvements, innovative projects, and employee training, fostering economic growth in the community.

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.

This annual microgrant provides $1,000 to women-led small businesses or nonprofits in Marion County, Ohio, to support innovative community initiatives that empower women and enrich the local community.

This program provides funding to support community development projects initiated by local organizations and individuals within a 24-county service area, focusing on enhancing quality of life through various charitable efforts.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local businesses and organizations in Logan County to develop projects that enhance tourism infrastructure and improve the visitor experience.

This program provides financial support to artists and creatives in Summit County, Ohio, for professional development opportunities that enhance their skills and career growth.

This program provides financial assistance to local businesses and nonprofits on Broadway Street in Toledo affected by road construction, helping them cover essential operating expenses.

This program provides financial assistance to Toledo property owners for facade assessments and design services to improve the appearance of commercial and industrial buildings in designated revitalization neighborhoods.

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

This funding opportunity supports schools and child nutrition programs in Ohio to implement farm-to-school initiatives that promote local food procurement and agricultural education for children.

This funding opportunity provides up to $15,000 to local organizations in Delaware County for projects that improve access to healthy food and promote physical activity to reduce chronic diseases.

This funding opportunity supports collaborative arts projects in Stark County, Ohio, aimed at addressing community challenges and enhancing wellbeing through partnerships between nonprofit organizations and other entities.

This funding program provides financial and material support to nonprofit organizations in Columbus and Franklin County for creating community gardens and greenspaces that improve local food access and promote community health and environmental sustainability.