Business and Commerce Grants

The Alexander County Economic Development Corporation is offering grants of $1,000 to $5,000, funded by the Duke Energy Foundation, to businesses in Alexander County, North Carolina, for projects aimed at enhancing physical spaces, e-commerce, service delivery, equipment purchase, ADA accessibility, and public health compliance, with a special focus on fostering entrepreneurship and expanding childcare centers.

This program provides zero-interest loans and grants to nonprofit utility organizations to help finance projects that create jobs and stimulate economic growth in rural communities across the United States.

Feet First Philly's Public Space Enhancement Mini-Grant, ranging from $500 to $2000, supports projects that enhance walkability and safety in public spaces across Philadelphia, with applications open to organizations, businesses, and individuals, provided the enhancements are not used for financial gain.

The Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) offers the Ignite Grant, a program designed to foster the growth and profitability of women-owned small businesses in Connecticut. This initiative directly aligns with the WBDC's mission to support women entrepreneurs by providing crucial financial resources. The grants, ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, are specifically for clearly defined projects that demonstrate a measurable impact on business expansion. The target beneficiaries of the Ignite Grant are women-owned businesses that are at least 51% woman-owned, headquartered in Connecticut, registered in the state, and owned by a Connecticut resident who is at least 18 years old. These businesses must have been operating for at least two years with a record of sales, possess annual sales/revenue between $25,000 and $2,000,000 in the last twelve months, and be in good standing with the CT Department of Revenue Services. They must also have an established business checking account and utilize a formal, digital bookkeeping/financial system. The program explicitly aims to support for-profit businesses. The WBDC prioritizes projects that will have a demonstrable impact on business growth and profitability, encouraging recipients to invest at least $2,500 into their business in the last 12 months, unless located in a distressed municipality. Certain businesses are ineligible, including childcare businesses (though other WBDC programs may apply to them), non-profit organizations, current WBDC vendors, and businesses that have previously received an Ignite, Equity Match, or WBDC Municipal Grant. Additionally, businesses in industries such as medical marijuana, liquor sales, adult entertainment, vape/tobacco, gambling, gun sales, and various financial services or "going-out-of-business" sales are excluded. The expected outcomes of the Ignite Grant are the measurable growth and increased profitability of recipient businesses. By providing capital for specific projects, the WBDC aims to empower women entrepreneurs to expand their operations, create jobs, and contribute to the economic vitality of Connecticut. The program's theory of change posits that by strategically investing in well-defined projects within eligible women-owned businesses, the WBDC can directly facilitate sustainable business development and economic empowerment for women in the state.

The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (RACVB) is offering Restaurant Relief Grants to provide crucial support to restaurants within Rockford and Winnebago County, Illinois. As the official destination marketing and management organization for the region, the RACVB's mission is to promote Rockford as an attractive travel destination and enhance its public image. By providing these grants, the RACVB aligns with its broader mission by ensuring the vitality of local businesses, which are integral to the region's appeal and economic health, directly contributing to a dynamic place to live and work. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are restaurants in Rockford and Winnebago County that experienced increased state unemployment insurance charges due to compliance with indoor dining closure mandates in Q1 of 2021. The impact goal is to mitigate the financial strain on these businesses, helping them to remain operational and recover from the economic challenges presented by the mandates. The grants aim to support the continued existence of these restaurants, which are vital components of the local economy and community fabric. The grant program prioritizes restaurants that can certify their principal place of business is within Winnebago County, Illinois; complied with the indoor dining closure mandates in Q1 2021; laid off staff resulting in increased state unemployment insurance charges; incurred or will incur a higher rate of state unemployment benefit charges in 2022, 2023, and 2024 due to those Q1 2021 charges; and remain operational today. The focus is specifically on businesses that were directly affected by state mandates and are now facing ongoing financial repercussions in the form of higher unemployment benefit charges. Expected outcomes include the sustained operation of a greater number of local restaurants that were impacted by the 2021 dining closures. Measurable results could include the number of restaurants that receive grants, the total amount of funding disbursed, and potentially, the continued employment levels within these businesses over the grant duration. The maximum award a restaurant may receive is $100,000, as set by the State of Illinois, with the total grant size ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. The RACVB's strategic priorities, through this program, likely include economic recovery and resilience for the local hospitality sector, ensuring that Rockford and Winnebago County remain attractive destinations for both residents and visitors. The theory of change suggests that by providing direct financial relief to struggling restaurants, the grants will alleviate a significant financial burden, allowing these businesses to stabilize, retain staff, and contribute to the overall economic well-being and image of the region. This, in turn, supports the RACVB's overarching goal of promoting and enhancing the Rockford region.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, managed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in Illinois, provides funds to assist Illinois communities in their economic and community development efforts, particularly focusing on aiding individuals with low-to-moderate income.

This program provides financial assistance to businesses located in the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone to improve their facilities, enhance customer experiences, and support historic preservation efforts.

This program provides funding to certified local tourism and convention bureaus outside Chicago to enhance international marketing efforts and attract global visitors to Illinois.

This grant provides financial support for organizations and individuals to promote tourism-related events in Johnson Creek that encourage overnight stays, through marketing initiatives and advertising efforts.

The Yazoo County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) offers a Tourism Grant program aimed at increasing tourism-related offerings and visitor numbers in Yazoo County. This initiative directly aligns with the CVB's mission to promote tourism, which in turn fosters economic growth for all local businesses. The grant program is designed to support organizations that contribute to these goals, offering both financial reimbursement and expert guidance to ensure the success and growth of events, sites, attractions, or projects that enhance the county's tourism appeal. The CVB's strategic priority is to leverage grant funding to create a measurable increase in visitor traffic and the quality of tourism experiences. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations within Yazoo County that are involved in promoting tourism or preserving tourism-related sites. The impact goals are to significantly boost visitor traffic to Yazoo County and to enrich the quality and diversity of tourism offerings. The CVB offers two main types of grants to achieve these goals: Advertising & Promotion and Historical/Cultural Enhancement. The Advertising & Promotion grant focuses on attracting visitors from outside the immediate area (over a 100-mile radius or out-of-state) through paid advertising and public relations efforts. The Historical/Cultural Enhancement grant is dedicated to the repair and improvement of tourism or tourism-related sites and the placement of historical and/or cultural markers, such as Blues or Freedom Trail markers. The priorities and focuses of the grant program are clearly defined. For Advertising & Promotion, the emphasis is on external marketing, requiring organizations to purchase ads in various media, create brochures, and develop PR kits. Entertainment, labor, and clothing items are explicitly excluded. For Historical/Cultural Enhancement, the focus is on physical improvements to sites and historical preservation through markers, specifically excluding "bricks and mortar projects," salaries, or operating expenses. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate additional funding from other sources, indicating a strategic approach to maximizing the impact of the CVB's contributions and ensuring broader community and financial support. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in visitor numbers and an enhancement of Yazoo County's tourism infrastructure and attractions. Organizations receiving grants are expected to contribute to these outcomes, with requirements such as recognizing the CVB as a sponsor in all advertising and submitting proofs for approval. The program's theory of change posits that by investing in targeted advertising and the improvement of tourism assets, Yazoo County will become a more attractive destination, leading to greater visitor engagement and economic benefits for the entire community. Measurable results are derived from these efforts, with final reports and reimbursement requests required within 60 days of project completion, ensuring accountability and tracking of project success in relation to the CVB's tourism goals.

The Classic Center Cultural Foundation's 2024 Community Grant program aims to support performing, visual, or culinary arts efforts and workforce development initiatives in Athens-Clarke County, specifically those aligning with the hospitality industry. This grant directly supports the Foundation's broader mission to provide resources that entertain and educate the local community and foster economic growth. The Foundation achieves this by supporting diverse arts programs and workforce development initiatives, while also maintaining The Classic Center as a state-of-the-art venue. The target beneficiaries for this grant include organizations and initiatives within Athens-Clarke County that are actively involved in the performing, visual, or culinary arts, or are developing workforce skills relevant to the hospitality sector. The primary impact goal is to enhance the cultural vibrancy and economic prosperity of the local community through arts and hospitality-related development. By investing in these areas, the Foundation seeks to create a more engaged and skilled community. The grant prioritizes projects that demonstrate a clear alignment with both arts and hospitality. This focus includes, but is not limited to, programs that offer educational opportunities, public performances, exhibitions, or culinary training that can lead to employment within the hospitality industry. The Foundation seeks proposals that will contribute to both community enrichment and economic stability. Expected outcomes include an increase in high-quality arts programming and a more skilled workforce in the hospitality sector within Athens-Clarke County. Measurable results could involve the number of participants in workforce development programs, attendance figures for events, or the number of impressions generated by supported projects. Grant funding is available up to $5,000, with proposals needing to clearly outline an itemized project budget and the amount requested, not exceeding this limit. The Classic Center Cultural Foundation's strategic priorities are rooted in a theory of change that posits by investing in arts and workforce development, especially within the hospitality industry, they can contribute to a thriving local economy and an enriched cultural landscape. The Foundation believes that supporting these initiatives directly leads to a more educated, entertained, and economically stable community, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of life in Athens-Clarke County.

The City of Stockton and Stockton Arts Commission are offering a grant of $10,000 to $100,000 for local artists and art organizations to fund projects that promote public engagement and access to various forms of art within the city, with funds being used for artist compensation, production, exhibit costs, marketing, rental cost, and supplies.

The Chautauqua County Tourism Product Development Grant Program, with a deadline of 10/01/2024, offers $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that enhance tourism and recreation opportunities, increase visibility, and promote overnight stays in the county, with a focus on event development, marketing, and attraction enhancement.

The Small Business and Not-For-Profit Support Grant Program, initiated by the City of Chicago and funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, aims to provide financial assistance to small businesses and nonprofits. This program is designed to help these entities recover from economic losses sustained due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The City of Chicago, through its Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), is seeking a qualified organization to administer this $21.5 million grant program. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are eligible small businesses and nonprofits located within Chicago. The impact goals are centered around stabilizing their operations, supporting their workforce, and mitigating the long-term economic effects of the pandemic. By providing these funds, the program intends to foster economic resilience within the local business and nonprofit ecosystem. The program's priorities and focus are clearly on economic recovery and stability for the most vulnerable sectors affected by the pandemic. The selection of an administering organization will be based on their understanding of the city contractor's needs, the local small business and nonprofit landscape, and the City of Chicago's processes, ensuring efficient and effective distribution of funds. Expected outcomes include a stabilized small business sector and a stronger nonprofit presence in Chicago, both equipped to navigate future economic challenges. Measurable results would likely involve tracking the number of businesses and nonprofits served, jobs retained or created, and the overall economic recovery indicators within the city. While the specific foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are not explicitly detailed here, the underlying theory is that direct financial support to these entities will lead to broader economic stability and community well-being.

The 2024 Beautification Awards, offered by the City of Livermore, aim to enhance and increase the aesthetic attraction of Livermore. This program is designed to recognize community members' efforts in promoting creativity, community pride, and economic vitality through improvements to their properties. The awards align with the city's broader mission of fostering a visually appealing and vibrant community. The target beneficiaries of this program are property owners within the corporate limits of the City of Livermore who undertake projects to improve their outdoor spaces. The impact goals include beautifying the city, encouraging community engagement in local aesthetics, and boosting local economic vitality through enhanced visual appeal. The program implicitly promotes a theory of change where local beautification efforts directly lead to increased community pride and economic benefits. The program prioritizes various types of projects, including residential site improvements, retail or commercial upgrades, water-wise or native plant landscapes, historical renovations, and other structural renovations, restorations, and new builds with noteworthy landscape design. Projects must be visible from a public street or trail, have the consent of the owner, and not have won in the previous five years. Self-nominations are encouraged. Award selection criteria focus on how a project visually enhances the property, how the home or business incorporates design, maintenance, color, organization, and creativity to complement and enrich the visual appeal of the existing community, and how the structure, architectural design, and landscaping are combined for maximum visual effect. The expected outcomes are a more aesthetically pleasing Livermore and increased community pride, with measurable results being the number and quality of beautification projects undertaken and recognized.

This grant provides funding for research and projects that develop climate change predictions and analyses to help industries adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate-related challenges through 2050.

This grant provides funding for research and initiatives that address the impacts of drought and climate change, aiming to enhance resilience and inform decision-making for communities and ecosystems across the United States.

The Huron County Community Foundation (HCCF) is currently accepting applications for its fall grant cycle, inviting projects that aim to make a positive impact on Huron County, Michigan. As a nonprofit community corporation, HCCF's mission is deeply rooted in supporting the people of Huron County by fostering prosperity. This is achieved through a focus on Community & Economic Growth, aligning the grant program directly with the foundation's core purpose of enhancing the well-being and development of the region. HCCF's strategic priorities are designed to cultivate a thriving environment within Huron County. These include retaining and attracting a talented, trained workforce, creating vibrant and dynamic communities, and cultivating an environment conducive to business development. Projects addressing these areas are given preference for unrestricted grantmaking dollars. This focus reflects the foundation's theory of change, which posits that by investing in these key areas, they can catalyze broader community and economic growth, leading to a more prosperous future for all residents. Beyond the strategic priorities, the HCCF also encourages applications for projects that address numerous other interest areas, indicating a broad scope for potential beneficiaries. These areas include Arts and Culture, Education, Health & Medicine, Basic Needs Services, Beautification of Huron County, Natural Areas Preservation, Disadvantaged Youth, Recreation, and Women in STEM. This diverse range of focus areas ensures that a wide array of community needs and interests can be supported, reflecting a comprehensive approach to community development and impact. Applicants are required to submit a detailed project narrative, outlining the project's description and purpose, including its location and the number of people it will serve. This narrative should also address the project's long-term impact and measurable results, demonstrating how the grant from HCCF would be recognized. Furthermore, applicants must describe their evaluation methods to determine if their purpose was accomplished, and provide a budget with estimated income and expenses. These guidelines are designed to ensure accountability and to help the HCCF assess the potential effectiveness and sustainability of each proposed project, ultimately aiming for impactful and measurable outcomes that align with the foundation's mission.

This grant provides funding to early-career researchers focused on developing and applying Earth system models to address urgent climate challenges and promote diversity and inclusion in climate science.