Business and Commerce Grants

SMAC Quick Support for Organizations in Minnesota provides grants of up to $2,500 for planning and small projects. The grant is available to nonprofit organizations within the eighteen counties of the SW MN Arts Council service region or on tribal lands within their service area. Applicants may choose from five project types including Art Legacy Project planning, Small arts project, Small equipment purchase, Arts organization development, and Arts organization start-up. For more information, visit Southwest Minnesota Arts Council.

Aitkin County has been awarded a grant from the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The Aitkin County Board of Commissioners, have approved this grant funding to be used to directly impact the Community of Aitkin County by establishing the Aitkin County Childcare Acceleration Grant Program. The purpose of this grant fund is to help support community members who aspire start their career in childcare and become childcare providers in Aitkin County in an effort to drive economic growth.  The funding will help support fees associated with new licensing and training needed to open a childcare center or at home facility, general remodeling costs to meet licensing standards and/or funding support to add additional employees to new and existing childcare businesses.

This funding opportunity provides up to $10,000 to schools, businesses, and nonprofits in Ramsey and Washington counties, Minnesota, to enhance recycling and organic waste collection efforts over an 18-month period.

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 funding opportunity provides financial support to small and medium-sized Colorado businesses in advanced industries to help them expand into international markets through reimbursement of eligible export-related expenses.

This program provides financial incentives to businesses expanding or establishing operations in Toledo, Ohio, by rewarding them for creating new, high-paying jobs that contribute to the city's economic growth.

The City of La Verne's Business Assistance Grant Program in California provides eligible businesses with one-time $2,500 grants to support their re-opening, job creation and retention, and provision of quality services to La Verne residents. Recipients can use the grant funds for various purposes, including overhead expenses, rent, utilities, business services like web development to enhance capacity, and essential equipment for ongoing operations.

Grant Opportunity: California: Nevada County Microbusiness Grants Program (Round 2) The Nevada County Microbusiness Grants Program aims to provide relief to microbusinesses and entrepreneurs severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated shutdowns. A total of $107,500 in relief funds will be distributed by Nevada County, with administration and technical assistance provided by Sierra Business Council. Eligible uses of funds include purchasing certified equipment, investing in working capital, obtaining or renewing local permits, paying business debt accrued due to the pandemic, and covering costs resulting from pandemic-related health and safety restrictions or business interruptions. To qualify as a "qualified microbusiness," entities must meet specific criteria related to their physical address within Nevada County, commencement of operations before December 31, 2019, significant impact from the pandemic evidenced by revenue reduction or attestation, annual revenues below $50,000 in 2019, and primary income source for the owner in 2019. For more details and application information, visit the Microbusiness Grants website.

Grant Opportunity: Wisconsin Community Development Block Grant – Coronavirus (CDBG – CV) is available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Community Development Block Grant program. Eligible applicants must meet the Low-to-Moderate-Income requirement. Please note that businesses located in the City of Racine are not eligible for this grant as the City has received its own allocation directly from HUD.

The City of Alhambra in California is offering a Small Business Assistance Grant Program to support local small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible businesses must either serve a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defined low- and moderate-income area within Alhambra or be owned by low- and moderate-income individuals.Groups of neighbors must find a host organization to sponsor the project and act as the project fiduciary. Applications are accepted year-round until funds are exhausted.

This program provides financial support to commercial property owners in McCordsville for improving the appearance and functionality of their buildings, fostering a vibrant business environment.

Grant opportunity: Job Creation and Business Incentive Program in California offers forgivable loans to prospective and existing business owners for job creation. Eligible businesses include new ventures or existing ones looking to expand their floor area by 50% or more. The grants can be used for interior/exterior improvements, purchase of business equipment, furniture, fixtures, and working capital.

The Town of Walworth, having received funding through the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) of 2021, has an interest in supporting small businesses and non-profit organizations who have been impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. As the town is supportive of making investments that back long-term growth and opportunity, $100,000 has been allocated to this project, and this application has been made available as a tool for the purpose of assisting COVID-19 impacted small-businesses/ non-profit organizations in their recovery efforts.

Grant Opportunity: Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program (Illinois) The Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program in Illinois supports elementary schools, community centers, and public libraries in engaging teaching artists for short-term residencies. The program prioritizes advancing equity and access in the arts, particularly for underserved audiences such as BIPOC communities, individuals with disabilities, older adults, and those with limited access to the arts. Eligible applicants can request a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $4,500 to cover 75% of residency costs. Additional percentages can be added under specific conditions. Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or units of government in Illinois, while the selected artists must be based in Illinois. The application deadline is at least eight weeks before the project start date. For more information, visit Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program.

The Rockland Small Businesses Rescue Grant Program in New York offers funding to small businesses and micro-enterprises in Rockland County that have experienced revenue declines or unexpected operating cost deficits due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible businesses include indoor arts, entertainment, and recreation; pet grooming, boarding, and walking; restaurants, eateries, food stands and trucks, bars, bakeries, cafes, breweries/wineries catering, delis; bookstores/stationary; housekeeping; fitness centers; florists; general retail; salons/spas; bicycle shops; and other consumer service firms. The grant covers expenses such as commercial or retail rent reimbursement (up to 3 months with no arrears), safety investments (PPE, cleaning supplies, UV disinfection equipment or services), hardware and software fees, credit card processing fees (difference of % increase), carriage fees, marketing fees (advertising and promotion), business enterprise certification fees, and operational supplies.

This program provides financial support to small businesses in Taunton with fewer than 10 employees, helping them improve their digital capabilities and customer engagement through upgraded technology and enhanced online presence.

This program provides $5,000 grants to small businesses and non-profits in Oyster Bay with up to 50 employees and annual revenues between $35,000 and $5 million to help them recover from pandemic-related losses.

This program provides financial assistance to commercial property owners and tenants in Carson for exterior upgrades that enhance the visual appeal and economic vitality of key business areas.

This program provides financial assistance to local businesses in Leavenworth for upgrading fire safety systems and improving accessibility in their buildings.

This funding opportunity supports local organizations in enhancing digital literacy and broadband access to drive economic growth and improve community quality of life.