Business and Commerce Grants

This funding opportunity provides up to $75,000 to researchers in Delaware to develop innovative ideas into marketable products or services, fostering the growth of new businesses and high-tech jobs in the state.

LIA Foundation Small Business Support Program The LIA Foundation, in partnership with the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce (LIAACC) and Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (LIHCC), is continuing to expand the Small Business Support Program by directly funding 25 businesses in Nassau County and 25 businesses in Suffolk County. These grants aim to provide financial resources to support growth, expansion, and contribute to the revitalization of downtown areas. Program Details: Grant Provider: LIA Foundation Funding Source: Generous grant from Optimum Business Grant Amount: $5,000 per selected business Application Deadline: May 1, 2024 Notification: Selected businesses will be notified in the summer of 2024 after review by a Selection Committee. Eligibility: Small businesses in Nassau County and Suffolk County No consideration of membership status with LIA, LIAACC, LIHCC, or Optimum Business in the evaluation process. Additional Information: Non-members of the Long Island Association will receive a six-month complimentary membership upon application submission. Optimum Business provides world-class Internet, phone, TV, security, and managed services with a commitment to small and mid-sized business success. Application Process: Submit applications by May 1, 2024. The Selection Committee will review applications. Successful applicants will receive notification in the summer of 2024. Note: Membership with LIA, LIAACC, LIHCC, or status as an Optimum Business customer will not influence the evaluation of applications.

TAP provides Delaware bioscience businesses access to high-end research technologies at reduced rates. Eligible facilities include Bioimaging, DNA Sequencing & Genotyping, Bioinformatics, NMR, and Mass Spectrometry. This program supports the technological advancement of Delaware's bioscience sector by making cutting-edge resources more accessible, with funding up to $5,000 per year per core facility.

The Women’s Fund of Central New York, an affiliate fund of the Central New York Community Foundation, supports and empowers women and girls in Central New York through an endowment fund, grants, and initiatives. Founded in 1998 and led by volunteers, its primary focus is to address key issues affecting this demographic. The fund's mission aligns with the broader Central New York Community Foundation's goal to foster community well-being by specifically targeting the advancement and full participation of women and girls. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are women and girls residing in Cayuga, Onondaga, Madison, or Oswego counties. The program aims to achieve significant impact by seeking innovative programs that address problems or seize opportunities for the benefit of these individuals. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the expectation is for proposals to demonstrate practical approaches to community problems and strengthen agency effectiveness, implying outcomes such as improved community conditions and enhanced organizational capacity. The Leadership Council prioritizes capacity-building activities and new projects within organizations over ongoing projects. They look for proposals that suggest practical approaches to community problems, promote cooperation among agencies without duplicating services, generate community support (professional and volunteer), strengthen an agency’s effectiveness or stability, and address both prevention and remediation. This strategic focus indicates a preference for impactful, sustainable, and collaborative initiatives. Grant requests should not exceed $5,000, and eligibility is extended to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, publicly supported organizations (like schools and municipalities), and organizations using a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. Preference is given to organizations with annual operating budgets of $5 million or less, indicating a strategic priority to support smaller, community-focused entities. The foundation explicitly does not fund recurring grants to previously supported programs, annual operating budgets (unless "seed" or "bridge" funding), endowments, religious purposes, loans to individuals, medical or academic research (unless donor-requested), or activities predating the Women's Fund's decision date, thereby defining its theory of change as one that fosters new, impactful, and strategically aligned initiatives.

Description: The Illinois Grocery Initiative aims to establish new grocery stores in food deserts to increase access to fresh food in underserved areas. This grant, under the funding opportunity number FY24-2 and CSFA number 420-35-3295, anticipates awarding 8 grants with a total program funding of $14,000,000. Eligible projects must involve capital expenditures, as operational costs are not covered. Grants will range from $160,000 to $2,400,000, and applicants are required to meet cost-sharing requirements. The application window opens on 04/09/2024 and closes on 05/24/2024. Indirect costs are allowed but restricted to capital-only expenditures. There are mandatory and optional technical assistance sessions provided to assist applicants, with registration required through provided links.

Funding available through this RFA supports the ongoing research and development of diagnostic tests and devices to treat, detect, diagnose, monitor, and assist in the treatment of cancer. Relevant areas include: Devices and assays for cancer detection, diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring, treatment and prediction of response or resistance to treatment Markers for cancer prevention and control, companion diagnostic to a therapy Development of diagnostic tests to distinguish high-risk early lesions Generally, at the time that an applicant applies to CPRIT pursuant to this RFA, the company has developed a commercial prototype of the device or a pictorial representation of the functional components/elements of the device. With respect to diagnostics, the company has developed assays that work on human samples and whose importance is well justified for development into clinical assays. The applicant should be working toward submitting an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) or a 510(k) or Premarketing Approval (PMA) and is typically within one year from filing an IDE (or later stage work.) Potential applicants that are not at or near this stage of product development should consider applying for a Texas Seed Company Award. With appropriate justification, companies may use CPRIT funds to support studies that establish preclinical proof of concept, product validation, design, production, manufacturing and development, and clinical studies demonstrating safety and efficacy.

Funding available through this RFA supports company formation, as well as early research and development of novel oncology therapeutics, devices, treatment-oriented information technology products, diagnostics, or tools. The objective of the SEED Award program is to start with an interesting technology and to progress it toward a commercially viable business opportunity, i.e., make it more attractive to private funding agents. Typically, applicants have completed the following activities: Identified a novel therapeutic, diagnostic technology, or clinical tool and shown a biological effect Conducted preliminary safety and toxicology testing (in the case of therapeutic agents) Shown the product can be manufactured at small scale or as a prototype Assessed the business opportunity and organized a business plan that begins to address key issues (clinical utility, target market, financial plan, IP strategy, technical challenges, etc.) and lays out a preliminary development plan (formulation, toxicology, scale up, IND-enabling studies, phase 1 clinical trials, regulatory pathway, etc.). Established a company

Funding available through this RFA supports the ongoing research and development of innovative products, services, and infrastructure with significant potential impact on patient care. Generally, at this stage, the company has identified and characterized a lead compound; demonstrated efficacy in multiple translationally relevant animal models; completed pilot/dose ranging toxicology studies; determined the feasibility of a scalable, GMP compliant manufacturing process, including release assays; and identified a prototype formulation suitable for further development. The applicant is typically within one year from filing an IND/IDE or already in Phase 1. With appropriate justification, companies may use CPRIT funds to support the following: Studies that establish preclinical proof of concept (safety and efficacy) CMC/manufacturing development GLP safety studies to support INDs Phase 1 in humans to establish safety and a recommended dose for phase 2 Phase 2 studies to determine safety and efficacy in initial targeted patient population

The City of Somerville’s New Small Business Vitality Grant is designed to provide crucial rental support for physical storefronts, offering up to 12 months of assistance ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with a maximum of $50,000 in direct rental support covering both past and future rent expenses. This grant program, with a deadline of May 15, 2024, aims to bolster the economic stability and growth of small businesses within Somerville, Massachusetts. The overall mission alignment of this grant is to foster a vibrant local economy, support business longevity, and promote equitable development within the city. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are small, physical storefront businesses located in Somerville, Massachusetts, that have opened a new storefront on or after January 2023, or are intending to open in 2024. The program specifically targets businesses with fewer than 20 full-time employees and those operating in 5 or fewer locations, excluding franchises. The impact goals are to prevent business displacement, encourage new business growth, and support diverse ownership groups, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and inclusive local economy. During the review process, priority points are given to businesses that have not previously received City or State funding, those displaced due to "act of God" events or extreme rental increases since April 2020, and businesses that are immigrant-owned, women-owned, BIPOC-owned, veteran-owned, LGBTQIA-owned, or disability-owned. Additional priority is given to businesses within a Qualified Census Tract, those with fewer than 5 full-time employees, and Somerville resident-owned businesses. These priorities reflect a strategic focus on equity, supporting underserved communities, and addressing the challenges faced by truly small, local enterprises. Expected outcomes include a reduction in storefront vacancies, increased stability for new and vulnerable small businesses, and a more diverse landscape of business ownership in Somerville. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of businesses receiving support, their retention rates, and the demographic data of successful applicants. The City of Somerville's strategic priorities, as reflected in this grant, include fostering local economic development, promoting social equity, and building community resilience. The underlying theory of change is that by providing targeted rental assistance and prioritizing specific business types, the city can create a supportive environment where small businesses can thrive, generating local jobs and services, and contributing to the overall well-being of Somerville residents. Furthermore, the grant emphasizes local hiring, with awarded businesses agreeing to prioritize Somerville residents, especially low to moderate-income individuals, when suitable, reinforcing the community-centric approach.

Funding available through this RFA supports the ongoing research and development of new and emerging technologies for the detection, diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring, or treatment of cancer. CPRIT created this RFA to fund new and emerging technology projects that do not easily fit into any of the three other CPRIT Product Development Research RFAs. Proposals may include, but are not limited to, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, production of radionuclides or their precursors, manufacture of cell-based therapies, processes to improve the quality of the samples used for cancer research or clinical care, and biomanufacturing of therapeutics. With appropriate justification, companies may use CPRIT funds to support studies that establish preclinical proof of concept, product validation, design, production, manufacturing and development, and clinical studies demonstrating safety and efficacy.

This program provides matching grants to Illinois-based organizations, including local governments, nonprofits, and businesses, to enhance their competitiveness for federal funding in projects that support economic development and clean energy initiatives.

The Montgomery County FY 2024 Place-Based Management Grants Program, offered by the Community Engagement Cluster and the Office of Grants Management, seeks to foster economic growth and revitalization in the County's commercial corridors. This program is aligned with the broader mission of supporting local economies through "bottom-up" economic development, emphasizing community-driven strategies. The focus on Place-Based Management, particularly through the Main Street Approach, underscores a commitment to holistic and integrated community development that leverages existing assets and local engagement. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are businesses and residents within identified commercial corridors. The program aims to achieve several impact goals, including retaining, expanding, and attracting neighborhood-serving retail and small businesses, as well as unifying and strengthening commercial corridors through events, promotion, marketing, maintenance, and diverse stakeholder engagements. All funded activities are required to actively involve residents, businesses, and the Montgomery County Government, ensuring a collaborative and community-centric approach to revitalization. Funding priorities are given to projects that address at least three of the four points of the Main Street Approach: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization. Economic Vitality focuses on financial tools, property development, and supporting entrepreneurs. Design enhances the physical and visual appeal of commercial districts. Promotion positions the district as a community and economic hub, creating a positive image. Organization builds a strong foundation through partnerships, community involvement, and resource cultivation. These priorities reflect the County's strategic emphasis on comprehensive revitalization, moving beyond simple economic aid to encompass broader community and aesthetic improvements. Montgomery County Government anticipates awarding $400,000 through approximately two to five awards, with each grant ranging from $25,000 to $200,000. The grant duration is 12 months, with the possibility of renewal for up to three total years based on satisfactory performance and fund availability. Expected outcomes include enhanced economic activity, improved commercial corridor vitality, and increased stakeholder engagement, contributing to a more vibrant and sustainable local economy. Eligible expenses primarily cover operating costs such as administrative expenses, community outreach, implementation of economic development activities, and neighborhood placemaking and management, all geared towards supporting the ongoing efforts of the projects.

This program, initiated by the Commerce And Economic Opportunity department of Illinois, aims to accelerate the adoption and implementation of clean energy solutions by engaging prime contractors. The program anticipates awarding 3 grants totaling $9,000,000, with individual grants ranging from $1,000,000 to $3,000,000. Eligible projects should align with the state's goals to enhance clean energy infrastructure and capabilities. A technical assistance session is offered on 04/10/2024 at 3:00 PM. Registration is required via the provided link.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations and public agencies in developing and sustaining small, community-focused agricultural projects, such as farmer's markets and urban gardens.

This initiative provides funding opportunities for private sector entities in Jordan to collaborate with USAID in addressing key development challenges, focusing on economic growth, water security, governance, education, and the empowerment of women and youth.

The Women's Foundation of Genesee Valley (WFGV) is offering an Immersive Grant Writing Program designed to empower women of color in the fundraising sector. This initiative directly aligns with the foundation's mission to support and enhance the talents of women of color, recognizing a historical disparity where organizations led by people of color are often underfunded and mistrusted with grant funds. By building capacity in grant writing, WFGV aims to address systemic inequities and foster greater financial stability for these organizations. The target beneficiaries for this program are non-profit leaders of color (women) within Monroe County, NY. While not exclusively for Executive Directors, participants' career paths should be focused on fundraising, and each organization is permitted to bring one additional person to the program. The impact goals are to strengthen the fundraising capabilities of these organizations, thereby increasing their access to critical funding and enabling them to expand their reach and effectiveness within the community. The program's primary focus is on capacity building in grant writing, providing the necessary tools and knowledge for women of color to excel in this area. This emphasis reflects WFGV's strategic priority to invest in leadership development and provide practical skills that lead to tangible improvements for non-profit organizations. The underlying theory of change posits that by equipping women of color with advanced grant writing skills, WFGV can directly contribute to greater equity in philanthropic funding and empower these leaders to make a more significant difference in their communities. Expected outcomes include each participating organization being awarded $1,000 towards their first grant-finding activity upon completion of the program. The program itself spans six months and includes ten sessions, offered both in-person and online, indicating a commitment to flexible and accessible learning. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of grant applications submitted, the success rate of these applications, and the overall increase in funding secured by participant organizations following the program. This structured approach ensures that the program's effectiveness can be monitored and evaluated against its stated goals.

The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau has launched the Beautification Grant Program to support and enhance the quality of life in communities throughout the Pocono Mountains. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to bolster the region's appeal for both residents and visitors by investing in local infrastructure and aesthetics. The grant, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 with a cap request of $20,000, aims to foster community pride and economic vitality by improving public and hospitality areas. The primary beneficiaries of this program are local governments, including cities, boroughs, and townships, as well as municipal and redevelopment authorities and agencies within Carbon, Monroe, Pike, and Wayne Counties in Pennsylvania. The impact goals are centered on creating more attractive and welcoming environments, which in turn supports local hospitality and tourism businesses. By beautifying public spaces, the program seeks to enhance the overall experience for those living in and visiting the Pocono Mountains. The program prioritizes projects that beautify outdoor areas surrounding local hospitality and tourism businesses, improve existing gateways and signage, and enhance overall beautification and facades throughout the participating communities. Eligible projects are diverse and include landscaping, outdoor seating, planters, trash cans, benches, recycling programs, trash removal, removal of overgrown weeds/brush/trees, and upgrades to signage and facades. This focus ensures a comprehensive approach to community improvement. The expected outcomes include a noticeable improvement in the aesthetic quality of public spaces and business fronts, leading to increased community satisfaction and potentially greater tourism revenue. Measurable results could include the number of projects completed, the visible impact of these projects on community appearance, and feedback from local residents and businesses regarding the improved environment. This program reflects a strategic priority to leverage beautification as a tool for sustainable community development and economic growth within the Pocono Mountains region.

The Cultural STAR Capital Project program offers grants to acquire or upgrade physical assets like buildings and equipment. These activities must demonstrate the potential for significant or long-term impact, and the expenditures must be depreciable. The program's core mission aligns with promoting cultural vitality and economic growth, particularly within Saint Paul's downtown Cultural District, by strengthening its arts and culture community. The target beneficiaries of the Cultural STAR fund are primarily nonprofit arts and cultural organizations located within the City of Saint Paul. For-profit businesses located in the Cultural District are also eligible for projects that enhance visitor enjoyment. The program aims to build and diversify audiences, promote a broad range of cultural offerings, produce a long-term impact, and leverage additional financial support. The expected outcomes include attracting audiences, developing and improving cultural facilities, and building the capacity of artists and cultural organizations. The program's geographic focus prioritizes the Cultural District, with at least 80% of funds allocated to nonprofit organizations within this area. The remaining 20% can go to for-profit businesses in the Cultural District for visitor enhancement projects or nonprofit organizations in Saint Paul but outside the Cultural District. The Cultural District is specifically defined by Interstate 94 to the north, the Lafayette Bridge to the east, Harriet and Raspberry Islands to the south, and Chestnut Road to the west. The Cultural STAR program offers various funding types: Special Projects Grant, Organizational Development Grant, or Capital Project Grant. Applicants can apply for only one type per funding round, and grants can generally be received once per calendar year. However, Saint Paul-based nonprofit arts and cultural organizations outside the Cultural District may apply twice per round and receive funding up to two times per calendar year. The minimum grant request is $5,000, with estimated available funding in 2024 being $796,366 for the Cultural District and $199,091 for outside the Cultural District and for-profit businesses. The project period for successful applications is from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2026.

The Wichita County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Western Kansas Community Foundation, is a local grantmaker dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Wichita County, Kansas. Its mission is to strengthen community well being by supporting charitable activities carried out by eligible organizations that serve residents of Wichita County. The program seeks proposals that address community issues, stimulate participation, leverage other support, and demonstrate broad impact, innovation, responsiveness to emerging needs, collaboration, and long term sustainability. Grants are intended to improve quality of life across the service area through new initiatives or enhancements to existing programs. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) public charities or other tax exempt entities and government equivalents such as public schools and city, county, or state entities, including churches for non religious activities, that serve Wichita County, Kansas. The board will not consider requests from individuals or for operating or maintenance expenses including salaries, medical or scholarly research, membership fees, banquets, ticket purchases, religious purposes, travel for groups, capital debt reduction, political lobbying or legislative activity, fiscal agent services, endowments, umbrella funding, marketing tchotchkes, or giveaway prizes or incentives. Applications are submitted through the foundation’s stated process by the deadline of May 1, 2024. Grant size and duration are not stated. Additional information and official details are available from the Wichita County Community Foundation.

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture invites applications for the Underserved Farmers Mini Grant, funded through the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. The program enhances the competitiveness of specialty crops in New Jersey by supporting projects led by underserved farmers, including socially disadvantaged, beginning, and military veteran farmers. Grants of up to 5,000 dollars may support activities such as researching new cultivars, outreach to youth and communities on specialty crops, targeted marketing, personnel, purchase of special purpose equipment, educational workshops, planting specialty crops, and distribution of promotional materials. Projects must conform to USDA AMS guidelines and general terms and conditions. Eligible applicants include qualified businesses and producers, as well as nonprofit and community based organizations developing projects that increase the production, marketing, and research of specialty crops in New Jersey. The grant period runs from June 1, 2024 through September 29, 2025. Applications are due May 3, 2024. Additional information is available from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.