Grants for Small businesses - Diversity Equity and Inclusion

East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant Program As part of her Juneteenth announcement, and in response to the May 14, 2022 racially motivated mass murder of 10 persons at Tops Friendly Markets in the Jefferson Avenue Business District in East Buffalo, Governor Hochul committed to making $50 million in community investments in housing, business, and other types of relief available. The East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant Program is part of this investment. The $3 million program will provide grants of $5,000 to $50,000 to eligible small businesses in a designated area of East Buffalo to help largely minority-owned establishments rebound from the social and economic impacts of the mass shooting at Tops Friendly Market on Jefferson Avenue earlier this year. We thank Governor Hochul for the East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant Program - another step in the State’s long-term commitment to the East Buffalo community. East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant Program As part of her Juneteenth announcement, and in response to the May 14, 2022 racially motivated mass murder of 10 persons at Tops Friendly Markets in the Jefferson Avenue Business District in East Buffalo, Governor Hochul committed to making $50 million in community investments in housing, business, and other types of relief available. The East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant Program is part of this investment. The $3 million program will provide grants of $5,000 to $50,000 to eligible small businesses in a designated area of East Buffalo to help largely minority-owned establishments rebound from the social and economic impacts of the mass shooting at Tops Friendly Market on Jefferson Avenue earlier this year. We thank Governor Hochul for the East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant Program - another step in the State’s long-term commitment to the East Buffalo community. None Apply for the East Buffalo Grants Qualifying small businesses must be located in East Buffalo within the target area delineated on the map below. We will begin accepting applications on March 15, 2024, on a first come first served basis. APPLY NOW None East Buffalo Grants FAQ Eligibility, requirements, andapplication process questions can be found here. LEARN MORE About the Grants Grants will be calculated based upon the business’s gross receipts: Annual gross receipts: $5,000 -$49,999: Award is $5,000 / business Annual gross receipts: $50,000 -$99,999: Award is $10,000 / business Annual gross receipts: $100,000 -$1,000,000: Award is 10% of gross receipts (maximum grant is $50,000) Qualifying businesses must be located in the area designated below. Area bounded by: Main Street (properties fronting on both sides) south to North Street; North Street (properties fronting on south side) east to Michigan Avenue; Michigan Ave (properties fronting on east side) south to I-190; I-190 east to the Norfolk-Southern RR overpass and the Buffalo River; Buffalo River east to the City of Buffalo border; and City of Buffalo border north to Main Street, (excluding the University at Buffalo South campus). Ineligible businesses, specified by ESD include the following: Home-based businesses which are primarily oriented to serve customers and clients outside of the region. Examples: retail shops and online marketplaces that sell to a statewide or national customer base are not eligible Business that received funding through ESD’s $800M Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program are not eligible. Applicants must attest that they have not received funding from this program. Business that received funding through ESD’s $200M flexible grant program for early-stage businesses are not eligible. Applicants must attest that they have not received funding from this program and do not intend to apply for funding through this program Religious organizations, lobbying organizations, and elected officials who are the owner of a small business are ineligible to receive grants under this program.

The Food Safety Education Fund grants program, administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD), is designed to enhance food safety throughout Michigan. Funded by assessments on licensed food establishments, the program aligns with a mission to protect public health by providing critical food safety training and education. This initiative directly supports the broader goal of ensuring a safe food supply for all Michigan residents. The foundation's strategic priority is to prevent foodborne illness through proactive education and the empowerment of various stakeholders within the food system. The program primarily targets two key beneficiary groups: Michigan consumers and food service establishment employees, as well as agents of the director who enforce food regulations (e.g., local health department sanitarians and MDARD food safety inspectors). The impact goal is to improve food safety knowledge and practices among these groups, ultimately reducing the incidence of foodborne illnesses. Eligibility is restricted to Michigan governmental and non-profit organizations and entities, ensuring that the grants support organizations deeply embedded in community health and public service. Producers, marketers, processors, and growers are explicitly excluded to maintain the program's focus on education and training. For the 2024-2025 grant cycle, up to $365,600 is available, with a specific allocation of $242,500 for consumer food safety education and $114,100 for food service establishment employees and regulatory agents. This demonstrates a clear prioritization of widespread public education while also fortifying the knowledge base of those directly involved in food handling and enforcement. The grant duration is typically one year, though multi-year proposals are considered on an individual basis, contingent on future funding availability. Proposals should specifically avoid requesting funding for routine or required training, such as HACCP or ServSafe certification, emphasizing a focus on innovative and supplementary educational initiatives. Proposals are evaluated based on several key criteria, including goals and objectives to improve food safety, assessment of statewide need and audience, measurable outcomes, potential for partnering with other organizations, inclusion of matching funds, and opportunities to build upon previously funded projects. These selection criteria reflect the program's theory of change, which posits that strategic partnerships, evidence-based interventions, and quantifiable results are essential for achieving sustainable improvements in food safety. The expected outcomes include a more informed public, better-trained food service professionals, and more effective enforcement of food safety regulations, all contributing to a safer food environment across Michigan.

The Equitable Energy Future Grant Program, initiated by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, aims to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in historically disadvantaged communities. With an estimated total program funding of $25.5 million, the program offers grants ranging from $250,000 to $1 million. These grants are designed to support equity investment eligible communities, provide on-the-job training, and facilitate the development of projects that benefit low-income households and community-based businesses. The program encourages projects that generate or save energy, with a significant focus on involving equity eligible contractors and workforce from CEJA or FEJA programs. Applicants are encouraged to leverage other funding sources to enhance cost-effectiveness and project impact.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to a variety of organizations, including health systems and community groups, to implement and evaluate innovative lifestyle medicine interventions aimed at improving health outcomes and reducing costs for Medicare beneficiaries.

This initiative provides $35,000 grants and mentorship to beauty and wellness entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities to help them grow their early-stage businesses.

This funding opportunity supports partnerships between Minnesota educational institutions and MedTech businesses to develop training programs focused on AI and advanced technologies, enhancing workforce skills and job opportunities in the sector.

The James City County Stormwater and Resource Protection has initiated the Clean Water Heritage Grant program, aiming to promote the proper maintenance of privately owned neighborhood drainage systems and private stormwater management facilities, also known as Best Management Practices (BMPs). This program is designed to support the safety and general welfare of all County residents by ensuring these systems are well-maintained. The grant is open to a range of applicants, including Non-HOA Neighborhoods, HOAs with Public Roads, and HOAs with Private Roads within James City County, Virginia. The core mission of the Clean Water Heritage Grant aligns with safeguarding both citizens and property from the negative impacts of runoff. By focusing on drainage systems that move runoff safely through residential areas and stormwater management facilities that reduce runoff quantity and improve water quality, the program directly addresses critical environmental and public safety concerns. The target beneficiaries are residents and property owners within James City County, with the overarching impact goal of fostering a healthier and safer community through improved water management and infrastructure maintenance. The program prioritizes addressing non-routine maintenance and repairs for both drainage systems and BMPs. It offers several types of grants: Inspection Grants, which support inventorying, mapping, and inspecting existing drainage structures for operational condition; Repair & Maintenance Grants for general drainage system upkeep; and BMP Repair & Maintenance Grants specifically for stormwater management facilities. This structured approach ensures that both preventive and corrective measures are supported, allowing for comprehensive care of these vital systems. Expected outcomes include a more resilient local infrastructure capable of effectively managing stormwater, leading to reduced flooding and improved water quality across the county. Measurable results will be seen through the number of inspected and repaired drainage systems and BMPs, the documented improvements in their operating conditions, and the extent to which these efforts contribute to overall community safety and environmental health. The funding structure, with varying award limits and cost-sharing percentages (e.g., up to $6,000 for inspections with a 75%-25% JCC-Owner split, and up to $50,000 for maintenance and repairs with a 50%-50% split), further encourages shared responsibility and investment in these critical infrastructure improvements.

This fellowship program supports entrepreneurs in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area who are developing innovative solutions for climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.

The Rural STEM Network Grant VI, administered by the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology (OSIT), aims to support innovative initiatives that help develop a diverse workforce in Rural Nevada with the skills and education needed by STEM industries. Projects should address increased participation in high-quality STEM programs from underserved groups, raise awareness about STEM opportunities, and ensure high-quality STEM education with engaged business partners across all counties, cities, and districts. Funding is available up to $50,000, with applications due by June 28, 2024. Eligible projects include pilot programs, scaling up existing programs, or extending successful initiatives from other regions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to U.S.-based organizations conducting health equity research that has been disrupted by federal funding cuts, prioritizing projects led by early- to mid-career researchers from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

NetWork Kansas, in partnership with K-State 105, is offering a one-time grant of $100,000 to $500,000 to support new or early-stage projects focused on entrepreneurship and small business development, with a maximum funding request of $125,000 per project and a 25% match required, open to for-profit businesses, nonprofits, community organizations, and municipalities in Kansas.

The NAACP x BACARDI are working together to provide dedicated support under-represented minorities in the beverage alcohol service, sales and hospitality industries. Backing the B.A.R. is an NAACP initiative that is awarding over $100,000 in acceleration grants, education, support and entrepreneurship solutions for minority-owned bars, restaurants, nightclubs, lounges, liquor stores and small businesses in the process of applying for a liquor license. If you are a minority-owned business owner with a liquor license or real liquor license aspirations - and you need financial, educational or mentorship support, please apply here. Ideal grant recipients are looking for support in accelerating their business for the future.

The National Press Foundation is offering the Covering Equitable Community Development Journalism Fellowship, an expenses-paid program designed to enhance journalists' ability to report on equitable community development. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to support and educate journalists, specifically by equipping them to investigate the intersection of policy, public and private financing, and calls for equitable housing, parks, and other community assets. The program aims to address the critical need for comprehensive and nuanced reporting on how resources are allocated and what initiatives receive support within various regions. The target beneficiaries of this fellowship are U.S.-based journalists working across print, TV, radio, or online media, with a particular encouragement for those who cover race and metro beats. The program emphasizes diversity and welcomes applicants from across the nation. The impact goal is to empower these journalists to better understand and report on pervasive racial gaps and the policies and investments in their communities related to health, wealth, and overall community well-being. By providing specialized training, the fellowship seeks to foster a more informed public discourse on community development issues. The fellowship's priorities and focuses include an immersive exploration into community development issues, especially in the context of small and mid-sized cities. The program will delve into how financing and investing institutions—such as community development financial institutions (CDFIs), philanthropic impact investors, private banks, and other investors—prioritize projects. It will also examine how policymakers and public officials can actively involve residents in decision-making and ensure accountability for anti-racist practices in the community development sector. Other key topics include identifying conditions that lead to healthier, more equitable communities with access to essential resources like affordable housing, education, and healthcare, as well as addressing environmental justice as a community development issue. The expected outcomes and measurable results of this fellowship include equipping journalists with the knowledge and context to add breadth to their coverage of community development. By bringing together experts from health equity, nonprofit, policy, financing, and community organizing sectors, the program anticipates that fellows will gain a deeper understanding of complex issues. While specific measurable results are not explicitly stated as quantitative metrics, the qualitative outcome is a more capable and informed journalistic body that can investigate and report on community development effectively, potentially leading to increased public awareness and accountability in these areas.

This program provides financial assistance to commercial businesses and property owners along Western Avenue in Rancho Palos Verdes for visible storefront improvements to enhance the area's appearance and economic vitality.

The County of Kaua’i’s Office of Economic Development (OED) is offering an Innovation Grant for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. This grant aims to support innovative community projects that address and resolve local challenges, thereby stimulating both short-term and long-term economic growth and diversification in Kaua’i. The program seeks to deploy innovation across various sectors on the island, aligning with OED's mission to foster economic resilience and development within the community. The target beneficiaries for this grant include not-for-profit organizations incorporated in Hawaii and exempt from federal income tax, as well as Kaua’i-based businesses with a non-profit fiscal sponsor. The overarching impact goals are to identify and solve known deficiencies, problems, or needs within the Kaua’i community by deploying innovative projects that have demonstrated success in other contexts. This approach seeks to drive sustainable economic progress and improve the quality of life for residents. The program prioritizes projects that advance innovation in areas such as small business, technology, transportation, agriculture, local manufacturing, creative industries, workforce development, circular economies, tourism destination management, and product development. Proposals are expected to articulate a clear problem and an innovative solution. OED's strategic priority is to invest in initiatives that not only generate economic growth but also promote diversification and build a more resilient local economy. The theory of change suggests that by funding proven innovative solutions, Kaua’i can effectively address its challenges and create new opportunities. The OED intends to award grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 for different initiatives, with a total funding allocation not exceeding $460,000. The project funding period is set from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of innovative programs or projects that demonstrably advance the specified program areas, leading to tangible economic benefits and community improvements. Measurable results will likely be tied to the specific objectives outlined in each funded project, contributing to the overall goals of economic growth and diversification in Kaua’i.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for affordable housing and sustainable transportation projects in California, targeting local governments, nonprofits, and other eligible entities to create healthier, more equitable communities while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Storefront Improvement Program (SIP) is a discretionary reimbursement grant established by the City of Soldotna in 2012. Its primary goal is to revitalize commercial areas within Soldotna by stimulating private investment, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the overall visual appeal and vitality of the city's commercial districts. This program aligns with the City's long-range plan, Envision Soldotna 2030, specifically addressing goals such as promoting downtown development, encouraging redevelopment in key areas like the river and major highways, supporting diverse local businesses for a healthy economy, and improving the streetscape along major routes. The SIP targets property owners and business lessees within Soldotna’s commercial areas, with the aim of boosting traffic, increasing property values, and improving the city's aesthetic. The program prioritizes exterior improvements to business facades visible from the street, including elements like storefronts, windows, exterior lighting, canopies, awnings, painting, masonry work, permanent landscaping, decorative signs, and accessibility improvements. The emphasis is on transformative changes, and projects incorporating multiple elements receive greater weight during the competitive application process. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant and attractive commercial landscape, increased foot traffic for local businesses, and an uplift in property values. By sharing the cost of beautification, the program seeks to empower local business owners to invest in their properties, contributing to a more prosperous local economy. While routine upkeep, maintenance, or required updates (e.g., signage due to change in ownership) are not eligible, the program encourages proactive improvements that enhance the architectural character and functionality of commercial buildings. Measurable results could include an increase in the number of beautified storefronts, a rise in new business openings or expansions in commercial areas, and potentially an increase in sales tax revenue for the city. The program's theory of change posits that by directly incentivizing aesthetic and functional improvements to business exteriors, the city can create a more inviting environment that attracts both residents and visitors, thereby stimulating economic activity and supporting the long-term health of its commercial sectors. The competitive application process ensures that funding is directed towards high-impact projects that best align with the program's objectives.

This program provides rent support to new, innovative retail businesses in Downtown Grand Rapids, particularly those that are women- or minority-owned, to enhance the area's retail diversity and economic vitality.

The Alachua County Small Farmer Grant Program is a mini-grant initiative funded by the County Commission, designed to support Alachua County-based small farms and ranches. The program aims to promote local food system economic resilience and equity, particularly for marginalized communities. This grant differs from traditional reimbursement models by offering an immediate infusion of funds upon award, recognizing that small producers may lack the immediate cash flow for capital equipment. The total funding available for this mini-grant is approximately $100,000, with individual grant requests not exceeding $5,000. The primary target beneficiaries are small producers (farms, ranches, or other agricultural operations) within Alachua County that produce foodstuffs for human consumption and have annual gross cash income between $1,000 and $250,000. There is a strong prioritization for small producers with an annual gross cash income of no more than $75,000. Furthermore, the program specifically prioritizes black, women, indigenous, and persons-of-color owned agricultural operations, aligning with broader goals of economic equity and community support. The program's key priorities and focuses include assisting Alachua County residents and supporting the immediate acquisition of capital infrastructure and equipment. This direct funding approach is intended to enhance the farm's productive capability and financial expansion, addressing a critical need for small producers who may struggle with upfront costs. The grant is not a cost reimbursement grant, emphasizing its role in providing immediate financial support. Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around improving the economic viability of these small producers and increasing the resiliency of local food production. The program also aims to expand the production of related value-added farm products. Ultimately, these efforts are designed to achieve the Board's policies related to economic development, specifically by increasing economic prosperity, economic equity, and fostering a diverse tax base within Alachua County.

City of San Marcos Minority Business Stabilization Fund (Texas) - The City of San Marcos is offering minority entrepreneurs and small business owners within corporate city limits the opportunity to apply for the Minority Business Stabilization Fund Program. This one-time grant assistance program, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), provides direct aid to minority-owned businesses in San Marcos. Grant amounts range from $1,000 to $10,000 based on the number of full-time employees and can be used for eligible expenses such as physical improvements, equipment, e-commerce expansion costs, rent, payroll, and operating expenses. To be eligible, businesses must have been in operation in San Marcos for at least 12 months, employ 1 to 25 full-time employees, and be at least 51% unconditionally owned by a socially disadvantaged individual. Only one grant may be awarded per business with multiple locations in San Marcos. For more information and to apply, visit City of San Marcos website.