Utah Business and Commerce Grants

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 program provides financial relief to eligible hotels in Utah that have experienced income losses due to the opening of a nearby convention center.

This program provides matching funds to local businesses, nonprofits, and government entities in Carbon County, Utah, to support economic development projects that improve infrastructure, workforce training, and facilities.

This competition provides college students in Utah with the opportunity to win cash and prizes for developing innovative business ideas, while also offering mentorship and resources to help launch their ventures.

The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity is offering the Rural Communities Opportunity Grant (RCOG) to empower rural communities in Utah to drive their economic development. This grant aligns with the office's mission to foster economic growth and opportunity across the state, particularly in areas identified as rural. The program is designed to enable these communities to take responsibility for economic development planning, project implementation, and managing their unique opportunities, reflecting a strategic priority to build local capacity and self-sufficiency. The primary beneficiaries of the RCOG are various rural entities within Utah, including counties of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth class, cities, towns, and metro townships located within those counties, municipalities with a population of 10,000 or less in counties of the second class, and Associations of Governments. The grant's impact goals are to address critical economic development needs, ultimately leading to improved economic vitality and quality of life in these rural areas. This includes enhancing business environments, strengthening workforces, and upgrading essential infrastructure. The grant prioritizes several key areas to achieve its objectives. These include business recruitment, development, and expansion; workforce training and development; and infrastructure, industrial building development, and capital facilities improvements for business development. These focus areas are designed to create a comprehensive approach to economic development, tackling various facets from job creation to foundational support for businesses, which aligns with a theory of change that posits strategic investment in these areas will lead to sustainable economic growth. Expected outcomes from the RCOG include increased business activity, a more skilled and adaptable workforce, and modern infrastructure capable of supporting economic expansion. While specific measurable results such as the number of new businesses created, jobs retained or added, or the value of infrastructure improvements are not explicitly detailed as quantitative targets, the competitive nature of the funding and the requirement for matching funds suggest an expectation of tangible, high-impact projects that demonstrate effective use of state resources and strong local commitment. The funding structure, with varying limits for different types of entities, also indicates a tailored approach to maximizing impact based on community size and need.

This grant provides financial support to businesses in Daggett County for projects that promote economic growth, infrastructure improvements, and business expansion within the area.

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.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is offering the 2024 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) to advance pollinator conservation. The core mission of this fund is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. This aligns with NFWF’s broader Monarch Butterfly Business Plan, indicating a strategic, long-term commitment to these species. The fund aims to support both technical assistance for private working lands and direct habitat improvement projects. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include monarch butterflies and other at-risk native insect pollinator species, such as the rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Karner blue butterfly, Dakota skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, and Mitchell’s satyr. The program also indirectly benefits private landowners, farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners, especially those in Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories, by providing resources and incentives for conservation practices on their lands. The overall impact goal is to significantly enhance the quality, quantity, and connectivity of pollinator habitat across eligible states. The Pollinator Fund has two main categories of focus. The first is Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands, which prioritizes increasing voluntary engagement of private landowners in conservation practices through staff resources and targeted outreach for Farm Bill programs like CSP and EQIP. The second category, Habitat Improvement, focuses on on-the-ground restoration and enhancement of pollinator habitat, emphasizing regionally appropriate milkweed and diverse native nectar plants, as well as increasing the supply of native seeds and seedlings. These priorities align with NFWF's strategic goal of fostering sustainable ecosystems through direct habitat restoration and incentivizing private land stewardship. Expected outcomes and measurable results are central to this program. All proposals must demonstrate how they will directly and measurably contribute to the Pollinator Fund's goals, specifically by providing the number of acres restored or enhanced. A minimum of 100 acres in California or 500 acres in all other eligible states must be restored or enhanced. Historically, successful projects have averaged 2,120 acres, indicating a substantial scale for expected impact. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial assistance and technical support, and by focusing on key geographical areas and species, NFWF can effectively reverse declines in monarch and other native pollinator populations, thereby contributing to broader ecosystem health and biodiversity. The total funding of up to $5.1 million in 2024, contributed by a diverse group of partners, underscores the collaborative and impactful nature of this strategic initiative.

This program provides funding to various organizations, including telecommunications providers and local governments, to improve broadband access and infrastructure in underserved areas of Utah.

The 24 Squared Grant Program, funded by Square Financial Services and the Community Foundation of Utah, offers grants between $1,000 to $10,000 to Utah-based non-profit organizations engaged in community development activities such as affordable housing, small business development, reentry support, and financial wellness, with special awards for the highest scored organization, those with great potential, and those supporting local small businesses.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is inviting proposals for its ConocoPhillips SPIRIT of Conservation program, which is specifically designed to advance bird species and habitat conservation. This program directly aligns with NFWF's mission to address the alarming loss of 3 billion birds since 1970. The foundation's strategic priority is to support projects that conserve, restore, or enhance critical habitats and to gather essential bird population data, ultimately aiming to reverse population declines. The primary beneficiaries of this program are bird populations, both migratory and non-migratory, particularly those inhabiting grassland, wetland, sage-steppe, and coastal habitats. The program's impact goals include improving habitat quality and quantity, enhancing breeding and wintering grounds, and supporting stopover periods for birds along major migratory routes. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in bird populations, improved habitat conditions, and the collection of vital data to inform future conservation efforts. The program's priorities and focuses are centered on implementing science-driven and strategic conservation. This involves addressing habitat degradation, fragmentation, and loss. Geographic focal areas are critical, spanning major migratory routes from the northern slope of Alaska to the north-south axis of the central United States, including the Gulf Coast regions of Texas and Louisiana. The program emphasizes innovative methods for gathering lacking bird population data and conserving specific habitat types. Grant awards typically range from $100,000 to $275,000, with projects expected to be completed within two years. Eligible applicants include a broad range of non-profit organizations, government agencies (U.S. federal, state, local, municipal, tribal), and educational institutions. This inclusive eligibility criteria reflects NFWF's theory of change, which recognizes that collaborative efforts across various sectors are essential for achieving large-scale, sustainable conservation impacts for bird populations and their habitats.

This program provides funding to small and mid-sized food businesses in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah to help them expand their market access and improve their operations.

This program provides funding and support for community-driven projects that improve and beautify specific neighborhoods in Salt Lake City, encouraging local pride and volunteer participation.

This program provides matching funds to Utah-based organizations for out-of-state marketing initiatives that promote tourism and enhance the state's brand.

The Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program (CEAP) is a collaborative initiative between Erie Arts and Culture and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. This program aims to support creative entrepreneurs by providing access to existing small business consulting services and financial resources. It targets individuals who are aspiring to start a for-profit business or who currently operate an existing for-profit micro business within the creative industry sectors. The program aligns with the foundational mission of recognizing creative entrepreneurs as invaluable assets to communities, driving innovation, delivering creative products and services, generating economic opportunity, and building community identity. A primary goal of the CEAP is to assist creative entrepreneurs as a pathway to economic recovery and increased opportunity within a rapidly changing economic environment. The program specifically prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a focus on investing in creative entrepreneurs who identify as Black, Indigenous, or persons of color (BIPOC) or those located in and whose work benefits low-income communities. Low-income communities are defined as those where the poverty rate is 20% or greater, or the median family income is 80% or less of the area median income. The program's focus areas encompass various creative industry categories, including Marketing, Architecture, Visual Arts & Crafts, Design, Film & Media, Digital Games, Music & Entertainment, and Publishing. Eligible uses of funds, ranging from $500 to $2,000, must support business formation or development. These uses include professional fees for workshops, consultants, and coaching; participation in events for audience access and revenue; business development courses; research and development; marketing and promotion; technology development/upgrades; studio/rehearsal/retail space rent; reasonable fees for supporting/collaborating artists; and the purchase of supplies and equipment. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful formation and development of creative businesses, increased economic opportunity for creative entrepreneurs, and a reduction in disparities by supporting BIPOC and low-income community-based entrepreneurs. The program aims to foster innovation and strengthen community identity through the growth of creative ventures across Pennsylvania. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, a Pennsylvania resident for at least twelve months, and operate or intend to form an eligible creative business. They can apply once every three years, and non-profit organizations are not eligible.

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

The Economic Assistance Grant Program, managed by the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, aims to bolster Utah's economy by supporting businesses that promote and sustain economic growth. This program aligns with the state's mission to foster a robust economic environment by providing essential services related to industry, education, community development, and infrastructure. It serves as a vital tool in driving statewide prosperity, with a focus on creating opportunities and enhancing the overall economic landscape of Utah. The grant program targets for-profit and nonprofit entities with their principal place of business in Utah, provided they are registered and in good standing with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code. Government entities are explicitly excluded from eligibility. The primary impact goal is to develop and strengthen Utah's key economic sectors, ultimately leading to increased economic activity, job creation, and improved community resources across all counties in the state. Grant prioritization is centered on projects that contribute to Utah’s five targeted industries: Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace & Defense, Financial Services, Life Sciences & Healthcare, and Software & IT. This strategic focus ensures that funding is directed towards sectors with high growth potential and significant economic impact. The program's theory of change posits that by investing in these specific industries and supporting eligible businesses, Utah can accelerate its economic development and maintain a competitive edge. The program offers tiered funding to accommodate businesses of varying sizes, with grant requests ranging from up to $50,000 for Tier 1, up to $100,000 for Tier 2, and up to a maximum of $200,000 for Tier 3. The overall grant size for the program is between $100,000 and $500,000, with a duration of 2 years, though individual projects are expected to be completed within 18 months from the award date. Expected outcomes include the successful completion of projects that significantly contribute to the targeted industries, measurable improvements in economic indicators within the state, and the sustained growth of businesses receiving the grants.

Summit County is currently accepting applications from non-profit and governmental entities for its fiscal year 2025 grant funding. These annual grants are funded by revenue generated from specific sales tax initiatives within the county. The primary objective of this grant program is to support various projects that aim to enhance the quality of life for Summit County residents and to further expand tourist interest and investment in the region. The grant program targets local non-profit and governmental entities within Summit County, Utah. The ultimate beneficiaries of these grants are the residents of Summit County, who will experience an improved quality of life, and the local economy, which will benefit from increased tourist interest and investment. The impact goals are centered around community well-being and economic development. The program prioritizes projects that align with improving the quality of life for residents and expanding tourist engagement and investment. While specific strategic priorities or a formal theory of change are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the underlying principle appears to be leveraging sales tax revenue to foster local growth and community enrichment. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in residents' quality of life, which could encompass a wide range of initiatives from public services to cultural programs. Measurable results would likely be tied to the specific projects funded, such as increased participation in community events, improved access to resources, or growth in tourism-related metrics.

This program provides financial support to businesses and nonprofit organizations in San Juan County, Utah, to promote economic development through expansion, workforce training, and infrastructure improvements.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to rural counties, small municipalities, and regional associations in Utah to boost local economic development through initiatives like business growth, workforce training, and infrastructure improvements.