Business and Commerce Grants

This program provides financial assistance to private landowners and organizations for planting new forests on non-forested lands of five acres or more in New York, helping to combat climate change and support local economies.

This program provides funding for community-driven projects that improve the Schenk-Atwood-Starkweather-Yahara neighborhood in Madison, Wisconsin, with a focus on diversity, inclusivity, and positive social impact.

This funding opportunity supports educational institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations in Hawaiʻi to implement projects that enhance community well-being through sustainable and measurable impacts.

This program provides funding to various organizations to support projects that enhance Ukraine's democratic institutions, economic independence, and societal resilience in alignment with its European integration goals.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for teams of alumni from U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to develop innovative projects that address global challenges and strengthen ties between the U.S. and Mauritius or Seychelles.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for research projects that improve understanding of climate variability in the Tropical Pacific, targeting institutions, non-profits, and governments involved in climate science and modeling.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for research projects that enhance understanding of climate variability in the eastern equatorial Pacific, targeting institutions, non-profits, and governments involved in climate science and modeling.

This grant provides funding to organizations that support women entrepreneurs in Cameroon, helping them improve their businesses and access U.S. export markets through training and resources.

This grant provides funding for innovative projects that enhance the quality of life, tourism, and economic vitality in Baytown, targeting nonprofits, businesses, and entrepreneurs looking to make a significant community impact.

This grant provides funding to local governments, tribes, and nonprofits in Oregon to improve tourism infrastructure and promote inclusivity for underserved communities, boosting the state's visitor industry and local economies.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and partnerships operating farms or ranches in Kauai, aimed at expanding agricultural production and enhancing sustainability within the local food system.

The Economic Opportunity Holiday Grant is a financial aid initiative aimed at supporting small businesses, microentrepreneurs, food industry enterprises, and nonprofits in Los Angeles County that have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants of $3,000 or $5,000 are available for eligible entities. Applicants must sign a pledge to support local businesses on shoplocal.la before applying. Applications will be accepted from November 30, 2024, at 9 a.m. to December 31, 2024, at 5 p.m. Completed applications can be submitted via email to EOHG@pacela.org or dropped off at the program's office in Los Angeles. Eligible applicants include businesses in good standing with local, state, and federal taxes, and nonprofits providing housing, food, transportation, or other community services. Businesses must demonstrate financial losses due to the pandemic, such as revenue declines, supply chain disruptions, or increased costs for public health compliance. Nonprofits and for-profit entities must meet specific revenue thresholds and operational requirements. Certain entities, such as publicly traded companies, lobbying firms, and businesses violating state or federal laws, are ineligible. Grant funds can be used for various purposes, including purchasing certified equipment or technology, paying employee payroll, renewing local permits, covering business debts incurred due to COVID-19, and managing outstanding expenses like rent. Funds may also address costs resulting from health and safety adaptations or interruptions caused by the pandemic. The application requires detailed information about the business, including ownership, type, revenue, location, and impact of COVID-19. Applicants must certify that their submissions are accurate and that their business was affected by the pandemic. Incomplete or falsified applications may result in disqualification. Entities meeting eligibility criteria will be contacted to submit supporting documentation for verification. The program explicitly prohibits funds from being used by businesses involved in gambling, adult entertainment, or activities contravening state or federal regulations. Applicants are encouraged to review the full guidelines available on the grant's website for additional details.

The 2025 Conservation Wrangler program, hosted by Texan by Nature, seeks to accelerate impactful conservation projects led by Texas-based organizations. The program supports up to six selected projects annually that demonstrate measurable benefits to people, prosperity, and natural resources. Selected projects receive 12–18 months of tailored program management and strategic guidance to enhance their reach and effectiveness. Eligible projects must be science-based, Texas-led, and demonstrate tangible conservation outcomes. They should engage diverse audiences and promote partnerships among community, business, and conservation organizations. Examples of eligible focus areas include wildlife, land, and water conservation across Texas geographies, from urban to rural settings. Selected projects are showcased during the annual Conservation Summit, offering visibility and networking opportunities. Participants in the Conservation Wrangler program are not guaranteed funding but gain strategic support such as program management, marketing assistance, content creation, and technical connections. Applicants must commit to collaborative participation, dedicate staff resources to achieve outlined goals, and present their work at the Conservation Summit. Applications are evaluated on a range of criteria, including impact, innovation, and measurable outcomes. The process requires detailed project descriptions, objectives, funding strategies, and impact metrics. Supporting documents, such as budgets, maps, and reports, are encouraged. Applications must be submitted in Word format by January 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM CST. For guidance, applicants can reach out to the program team for consultations before applying.

The Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture (GJCAC) has announced the timeline and guidelines for its 2025 grant cycle. This funding opportunity supports arts and culture projects that align with the Commission's goals and provide meaningful community impact. Applications are open from December 9, 2024, and must be submitted by January 31, 2025, at 5:00 PM. After submission, organizations may receive follow-up questions, with responses due by February 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Presentations will occur on February 24 or 25, 2025, with grant decisions finalized by February 26, 2025. Notifications will be sent during the week of March 3, 2025, and funding will be distributed throughout March, contingent on completed paperwork. Applicants must communicate effectively with the GJCAC Liaison via email and ensure accurate and frequently monitored contact information. Submissions should be clear, concise, and free from spelling or grammatical errors. Applications should address each question fully while aligning the proposed project with GJCAC’s criteria and goals. Financial details must be precise, including an explanation of any deficits or profits. Multiple funding sources are encouraged, though GJCAC does not fund scholarships or provide rewards as honorariums. Presentations play a critical role in the application process. Applicants are expected to deliver a compelling 3-minute presentation covering five key points: a meaningful anecdote about the organization, unique aspects of the project, specific uses for grant funds, the project’s community impact, and the potential effects of not receiving GJCAC funding. Applicants should engage the audience and avoid reading directly from their application, while also being prepared for a brief Q&A session. Grantees are required to use the GJCAC logo on all promotional materials and register with the City’s Artist and Arts Business Registry if not already listed. Additionally, a GJCAC member will adopt each funded project to assist with promotion and evaluation. For ticketed events, grantees must provide at least two complimentary tickets for the adopter to attend and provide feedback. Post-event responsibilities include submitting a final report within 60 days of project completion. Failure to comply will result in disqualification from applying for GJCAC grants for two years. For assistance, applicants can contact Haley Van Camp at haley.vancamp@gjcity.org or 970-254-3876. More details, including the required final report form, can be found on the Commission’s website.

This grant provides financial assistance to Vermont-based agricultural, food, and forestry businesses to help them participate in out-of-state trade shows and expand their market reach.

The Farm Transition Grant (FTG) is a competitive matching grant program designed to support Connecticut farmers and agricultural cooperatives in advancing their operations. Administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, the program funds projects aimed at diversification, transitioning to value-added production, and market development for locally grown products. The grant requires measurable outcomes that demonstrate significant progress beyond the applicant’s current status. For the 2025 grant cycle, applications are open from November 1, 2024, to January 10, 2025, at 4:00 PM, with awards announced by February 21, 2025. Projects are expected to begin in March or April 2025, depending on the size of the award. The FTG offers four funding categories tailored to meet different agricultural needs. The New Farmer Micro Grant provides up to $5,000 for individuals with 1–3 years of production history, requiring a 25% cash match. The Infrastructure Investment Grant allocates up to $25,000 for farmers with at least three years of production history to expand or diversify operations, with a 50% match required. The Research and Development Grant funds up to $25,000 for exploring new products, services, or markets, requiring a 40% match. Finally, the Innovation and Diversification Grant offers up to $49,999 for implementing new products or services that expand business operations, with a 25% match requirement. Each applicant may submit only one project per grant cycle. Eligible applicants must be for-profit farm businesses in Connecticut. Nonprofit organizations are excluded but may apply to other programs offered by the Department of Agriculture. Applications must include a comprehensive description of the project, demonstrate alignment with grant goals, and comply with the specified match requirements. Certain costs, such as land acquisition, routine business expenses, and previously incurred expenses, are ineligible for funding or as matches. To assist applicants, the Department of Agriculture will host a Farm Transition Grant Overview Webinar and virtual office hours on December 12, 2024, and January 6, 2025, providing opportunities for applicants to ask questions and refine their submissions. Completed applications must be submitted electronically through the grant’s online platform, accompanied by required documentation, such as budget details, quotes, and landlord consent forms if the project is on leased land. The Farm Transition Grant prioritizes projects that promote sustainability, innovation, and market expansion, with a special focus on supporting historically underserved farmers and veterans. For additional information, applicants can contact Alison Grabarz at Alison.Grabarz@ct.gov or visit the program’s website. This grant provides a valuable opportunity for Connecticut farmers to advance their operations and contribute to the state’s agricultural growth.

The 2025 Rec for All Programming Grant, administered by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), seeks to support community-based organizations in delivering inclusive and accessible recreational opportunities for youth in the District of Columbia. This initiative aligns with Mayor Bowser's goals of fostering physical, social, and emotional wellness while promoting skill development and community engagement. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Grants Management System by January 8, 2025, at 4:00 PM EST, and late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted. The program provides funding of up to $100,000 per award to support the launch or expansion of structured recreational programs. Eligible categories include Cultural Arts (e.g., mural development, theater, and drama therapy), Youth Development (e.g., leadership development and STEM/STEAM education), Environmental Initiatives (e.g., gardening and nutrition), Sports/Athletics (e.g., fitness and e-sports), and Therapeutic Recreation. Programs must deliver at least 120 hours of structured services over a minimum of six weeks to youth aged 6–18. Applicants must demonstrate their capacity to provide high-quality programming and align their proposals with DPR’s core values of equity, inclusion, empowerment, community, sustainability, and innovation. Proposals must include a detailed program narrative, participant recruitment strategies, an itemized budget, and proof of the program’s location and accessibility. Grantees are required to comply with reporting, monitoring, and branding requirements set by DPR, including regular updates and data collection. Applications will be evaluated by a review panel based on scoring criteria, including organizational and participant profiles, program description, and budget justification. The total funding pool for FY25 is $2 million, with multiple awards anticipated. Notifications of award decisions will be issued after a thorough review process, and grantees must meet compliance requirements, including background checks and site inspections, before program launch. Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to attend the pre-application meeting on December 17, 2024, at 11:00 AM at DPR Headquarters. For additional information or assistance, contact LaShaun N. Basil at Lashaun.basil@dc.gov. Detailed requirements and application materials are available on the DPR Grants webpage.

The VISION Arts 6 Grant Program, administered by the City of Tulsa in partnership with the Tulsa Arts Commission, offers funding to local 501(c)(3) organizations and those with 501(c)(3) sponsorship to support artist-led activities that drive economic growth and enhance Tulsa’s arts ecosystem. Applications for the 2024–2025 cycle open on October 1, 2024, at 8:00 AM CDT, and close on December 22, 2024, at 11:59 PM CDT. Successful applicants will have from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, to use the funding. The program is part of the Vision Tulsa initiative, a voter-approved effort to promote economic development and improve quality of life through the arts. Since its inception, nearly $1 million has been granted to Tulsa arts organizations, with 2024 seeing over half of submissions from first-time applicants. For this cycle, organizations may request up to $50,000 with no private match requirement. Applications are reviewed by an independent panel of arts professionals and community leaders who evaluate proposals based on their alignment with program goals and priorities. VISION Arts 6 focuses on promoting Tulsa’s arts and cultural identity, increasing tourism, enhancing local engagement, and using the arts to address civic challenges. Priority is given to projects that attract diverse audiences, boost access to cultural events, and create unique “sense of place” experiences. Other priorities include initiatives that enhance tourism, broaden arts audiences through research and marketing, and create multimedia content that tells Tulsa’s story. Applicants must attend one of four mandatory virtual informational sessions to be eligible for funding. Sessions will be held on October 15, October 28, November 15, and December 14, 2024, each covering the same content. Additionally, several non-mandatory sessions are available to provide technical assistance on topics like grant writing, marketing, and budgeting. While these are not required, participation must be noted in the application. Grantees are required to complete an End-of-Cycle Report within 30 days of the funding period’s end on July 1, 2026, and submit a final invoice and itemization of costs by July 31, 2026. For additional information or assistance, organizations can contact the City Design Studio at studio@cityoftulsa.org or reach out to VisionArts@cityoftulsa.org for questions about the mandatory sessions. This grant program represents a significant opportunity for Tulsa’s arts organizations to secure funding for impactful projects that enhance the city’s cultural and economic landscape. Interested organizations are encouraged to prepare early and attend the required workshops to maximize their chances of success.

InnovateMass is a grant initiative administered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) that seeks to bridge the funding gap known as the “commercialization valley of death”—the critical stage between early angel investment and later-stage venture capital. The program is designed to accelerate the commercialization of clean energy technologies by supporting projects with strong potential for market deployment and climate impact. It offers both financial support and technical assistance to climatetech startups operating within Massachusetts. The program awards up to $350,000 per project to applicant teams that include a Lead Applicant and one or more Demonstration Project Partners. The focus is on technologies or combinations of technologies that address key energy challenges in the state while advancing Massachusetts' clean energy leadership. Applicants must propose solutions that align with one of four core focus areas defined in the full Request for Proposals (RFP). An optional "Gridtech Spotlight" opportunity is available for projects that partner with a Massachusetts electric utility for grid technology demonstrations. This specific track has additional requirements, including submission of a concept paper. InnovateMass is structured around a trimester-based application schedule. For the current cycle, the final application deadline is March 9, 2026. However, applicants pursuing the Gridtech Spotlight opportunity must submit their concept papers to utility project partners by January 12, 2026. Notifications for finalists will occur in mid-April 2026, followed by pitch coaching through late May. Final pitches are expected during the week of May 25, 2026, with awards announced in early July. Funded projects are scheduled to begin by September 2026. Eligible applicants include climatetech startup companies that form Applicant Teams with relevant project partners. Applicants may submit up to two different projects per cycle, and prior awardees may reapply with distinctly new technologies. A Public Benefit Site designation—applying to public facilities, affordable housing, or underserved geographic areas—may reduce the required cost share to 25%. Projects must be located in Massachusetts, and companies must meet a combination of operational presence requirements to qualify as Massachusetts-based. The two-part application process involves submitting a written application followed by an invitation-only pitch presentation to a panel of judges. Gridtech Spotlight participants follow a three-step process, beginning with a concept paper. All full applications must be submitted via a new application portal launching in January 2026. A sample application is provided in the RFP for reference but should not be submitted. Visual elements are permitted within application materials, and evaluation criteria include climate impact potential, project feasibility, and commercialization readiness. For questions, applicants may contact MassCEC at innovate@masscec.com or consult the Business Front Door resource for guidance on additional state support services. Full details, including technical assistance roles, project partner requirements, and Total Addressable Carbon analysis expectations, are available in the InnovateMass RFP.

This program provides mentorship and resources to young entrepreneurs in the U.S. at various stages of their business journey, from idea development to growth, without taking equity in their ventures.