Grants for Small businesses - Arts

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is offering the Manufacturing Retention Grant Program. This program is designed to help manufacturing companies maintain their operational presence within Illinois. Its core mission is to encourage businesses to invest in their workforce, facilities, equipment, technologies, and infrastructure, thereby securing existing jobs and fostering economic stability in the state. The program is supported through the Enterprise Fund, administered by DCEO, which typically funds a broad range of economic development projects. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are private for-profit business entities that operate a major manufacturing complex in Bushnell, Illinois, specifically within McDonough County. These companies must have less than 1,000 employees and extensive experience in tool manufacturing. A key eligibility criterion is the requirement to have acquired a tool manufacturing firm in McDonough County with a minimum of 100 full-time equivalent employees. The grant's impact goal is to retain these companies' manufacturing campuses at operating production levels that support at least 100 employees at the Bushnell site. The program prioritizes job retention in Illinois through various investments. Eligible expenses encompass employee payroll for existing employees (including backpay incurred from May 14, 2024), invoices for services, training expenses for existing employees, and significant capital improvements. These improvements include refurbishment or replacement of machinery, equipment, and tooling (e.g., forging hammers, Swiss lathes), facility repairs (e.g., roof repair, electrical upgrades), productivity and innovation initiatives (e.g., robotics reprogramming, induction heat furnaces), and the replenishment of inventory to maintain standard stocking levels for daily production. The expected outcome of the Manufacturing Retention Grant Program is the successful retention of manufacturing operations and a minimum employment level of 100 employees at the Bushnell site. Measurable results will be directly tied to the utilization of the $5,000,000 total funding, with a performance period spanning from September 1, 2024, through August 31, 2026. The DCEO's strategic priority, as evidenced by this program, is to safeguard manufacturing jobs and foster a robust economic environment within Illinois, aligning with a theory of change that posits direct investment in established manufacturing entities will lead to sustained employment and economic growth.

This grant provides financial support to organizations in New Mexico that empower socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs, particularly in underserved and rural areas, through capacity-building services and resources.

This funding program provides financial support for innovative arts and cultural projects that engage the Houston community and take place within the city limits.

This grant provides funding to charitable organizations that serve the community in Alleghany County, North Carolina, to address local needs and improve residents' quality of life.

This program provides financial support to established small businesses in Portsmouth to help them grow and expand their operations.

This program provides financial assistance to small business and commercial property owners in Decatur, Georgia, to improve the exteriors of their buildings and enhance the community's aesthetic appeal.

This grant provides funding for projects that promote historic preservation, community development, and the arts in Wheeling, West Virginia, supporting individuals, businesses, and organizations working to enhance the city's cultural and historical identity.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and qualified for-profits partnering with nonprofits to create public arts, culture, history, and heritage programs in Flagler County, Florida, during the summer of 2025.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that host tourism-related events in Woodstock, helping to attract overnight visitors and boost the local economy.

This grant provides financial support to independently owned legacy businesses along the historic Route 66 corridor, focusing on preservation projects that enhance visibility and sustainability, particularly for underrepresented communities.

This grant provides financial support to veteran women entrepreneurs in Texas to help them grow and strengthen their small businesses through innovative projects.

This grant provides funding to culinary professionals and food entrepreneurs in North Texas to support innovative projects that enhance the local food community and promote culinary growth.

This program provides financial support to grassroots, artist-run organizations and projects in Kansas City, helping them sustain and expand their creative initiatives within the local community.

This funding initiative provides financial support to organizations in New Mexico that promote creative entrepreneurship and industry development, particularly benefiting rural and underserved communities.

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses in Middlesex County, Connecticut, to help them sustain and grow their operations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations and groups in Tacoma for public arts projects that promote accessibility and address community needs, particularly for marginalized and underserved populations.

This grant provides financial support to Stark County businesses and organizations for marketing campaigns that promote the area as a travel destination, targeting leisure travelers and event planners.

This grant provides funding to cultural organizations in New York City to create promotional materials and events that attract tourists to local cultural institutions and activities.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and public institutions that offer charitable programs benefiting residents of Plainville, focusing on basic needs, access to opportunities, and vibrant community initiatives.

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.