Grants for Small businesses - Infrastructure

The City of San Antonio's Small Business Construction Support Grant Program aims to provide financial assistance to eligible micro and small business owners whose enterprises are negatively affected by city-initiated construction projects. This initiative, funded by the City of San Antonio and managed by LiftFund, allocates $1,459,168 to support for-profit small businesses, with individual grants ranging from $5,000 to $35,000. The program's core objective is to mitigate the financial hardship experienced by businesses due to construction-related disruptions, thereby fostering economic stability and continuity within impacted commercial zones. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are micro and small retail or service businesses that rely on customer foot traffic for their operations and are situated within designated construction zones. To be eligible, businesses must have generated a minimum of $10,000 in gross sales in 2022, meet the SBA Size standard for small businesses based on their NAICS code, and demonstrate a net profit/loss in 2022 that is at least $5,000 greater than in 2023. This focus ensures that the support reaches businesses that are actively contributing to the local economy and have experienced a measurable decline in profitability due to construction. The program specifically excludes non-profits, gambling/gaming businesses, franchisors, sexually oriented businesses, payday & auto loan providers, liquor stores, and businesses with a City employee or officer having a financial interest, ensuring the funds are directed towards a specific segment of the business community. The program prioritizes businesses that are currently operational, have not filed for bankruptcy, and are committed to remaining in their eligible construction zone for at least one year from the grant award date. This ensures the grants support resilient businesses that are integral to the community and will continue to operate in the affected areas. A key focus is on demonstrating financial impact, requiring applicants to show a significant difference in net profit/loss between 2022 and 2023, directly linking the need for support to the construction-related challenges. Expected outcomes include the sustained operation of small businesses within construction-impacted areas, job retention, and the overall economic recovery of affected commercial corridors. Measurable results will likely include the number of businesses receiving grants, the total amount of grant funds distributed, and potentially, tracking the survival rate of these businesses post-grant. The program's success will be measured by its ability to alleviate financial stress on small businesses, allowing them to weather construction periods without significant long-term negative impacts, and contributing to the vibrancy of San Antonio's local economy.

The City of Lawrence's Affordable Housing Trust Fund is accepting applications to provide and improve the quality, availability, and affordability of housing in Lawrence. This initiative aligns with the mission of the Affordable Housing Advisory Board (AHAB) to ensure everyone in Lawrence has access to safe, quality, affordable housing and supportive services for independent living with dignity. The fund is supported by a local sales tax, demonstrating a community-wide commitment to addressing housing needs. The primary target beneficiaries are low-to-moderate income households and residents within the City of Lawrence city limits. The impact goals include increasing the supply of affordable housing, preserving existing affordable housing stock, and enhancing accessibility. Additionally, the program aims to provide housing vouchers for low-income households, increase community awareness on affordable housing issues, and advance racial equity in housing. The program prioritizes several key areas, including affordable housing or land acquisition, new affordable housing development, and rehabilitation of existing affordable housing for preservation. It also focuses on accessibility modifications for households with specific needs to maintain affordable and accessible housing, as well as projects that specifically advance racial equity in housing. Investing in private/public partnerships for the provision of affordable housing is also a central focus. The City of Lawrence anticipates awarding up to $1.2 million in Affordable Housing Trust Funds. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of affordable housing units, improved quality of existing affordable housing, and greater accessibility for those with specific needs. The program also aims to reduce housing insecurity through vouchers and foster a more equitable housing landscape within Lawrence, with success measured by the number of projects funded and the households served.

This program provides funding for innovative partnerships that help reduce poverty through economic growth in developing countries, focusing on initiatives like infrastructure resilience and women's entrepreneurship.

The Kansas City Outdoor Dining Enhancement Grant Program offers eligible restaurants grants of up to $15,000 to improve their outdoor dining areas. This initiative is a direct reflection of the City of Kansas City's broader mission to cultivate a thriving local economy, provide substantial support to small businesses, and foster the development of vibrant, community-oriented neighborhoods. By enhancing outdoor dining spaces, the program aims to not only boost the economic vitality of local establishments but also create more inviting and dynamic public spaces that benefit the entire community. The alignment with the city's strategic priorities is clear, as it addresses both economic development and quality of life for its residents. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are private, for-profit, full-service restaurants located within Kansas City, Missouri. The program specifically targets those businesses that have been operational for at least one year, as evidenced by a KCMO business license acquired by July 1, 2023. The impact goals are centered on enabling these restaurants to increase their outdoor dining capacity and improve the overall experience for customers. This, in turn, is expected to lead to increased revenue for the businesses, job creation or retention, and a more vibrant street-level atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined. Grant funds must be used exclusively for outdoor dining enhancement, encompassing a wide range of improvements such as building structure construction, infrastructure, expanding walkways, purchasing furniture and coverings, and covering necessary permit costs. A crucial focus is on increasing the total number of available tables for outdoor dining, with the stipulation that these enhancements must be usable for at least six months out of a calendar year. Additionally, all projects must adhere to ADA requirements, ensuring a 5-foot clear path for accessibility in street or sidewalk cafes, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive urban design. The expected outcomes of the Kansas City Outdoor Dining Enhancement Grant Program are multifaceted and measurable. Restaurants receiving grants are anticipated to expand their customer capacity, leading to a direct increase in sales and operational stability. The broader community is expected to benefit from enhanced urban aesthetics and a more lively, pedestrian-friendly environment. Measurable results will include the number of outdoor dining tables added, the total amount of grant funds dispersed, and potentially, local economic indicators such as increased foot traffic in participating areas and business growth reported by grant recipients. The theory of change underpinning this program is that by directly investing in the physical infrastructure and operational capabilities of local restaurants, the city can stimulate economic growth, strengthen its small business sector, and create more engaging public spaces, thereby improving the overall quality of life for its citizens.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to shipyards and training organizations to improve the repair capabilities and workforce skills for non-nuclear U.S. Navy vessels.

The City of Wentzville's Facade Improvement Grant Program aims to preserve historic structures and prevent neighborhood deterioration through renovation and restoration efforts. This initiative is a 50-50 matching grant, with individual projects eligible for up to $10,000. While the description does not explicitly state a foundation mission, the program's focus on historic preservation and community revitalization aligns with broader municipal goals of maintaining aesthetic integrity and fostering economic stability within its districts. The program acts as a strategic tool to achieve these city-wide development and preservation objectives. The target beneficiaries of this program are businesses and mixed-use buildings over 30 years old located within the HD-1, HD-2, or HD-3 zoning districts. The impact goals are multifaceted, seeking to boost property development, strengthen both new and existing businesses, and facilitate the rehabilitation and modernization of downtown buildings. By supporting these specific entities, the program intends to create a ripple effect that benefits the entire community through improved infrastructure and a more vibrant commercial landscape. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly articulated: encouraging the preservation of historic structures, preventing general neighborhood deterioration, and promoting renovation and restoration. These priorities are addressed through the specific design of the grants, which require a 50-50 match, indicating a shared investment and commitment to the success of the projects. The emphasis on properties within designated historic and downtown zoning districts underscores the program's strategic focus on areas critical for community identity and economic activity. Expected outcomes include a visible improvement in the physical appearance of buildings within the targeted districts, increased property values, and a more robust local economy driven by strengthened businesses. Measurable results could include the number of facade renovations completed, the total amount of private investment leveraged by the matching grants, and potentially an increase in new business openings or retention rates within the program areas. While a formal "theory of change" is not explicitly stated for the City of Wentzville, the program implicitly operates on the principle that investing in the physical attractiveness and structural integrity of its commercial and historic properties will lead to enhanced community pride, increased economic activity, and sustained neighborhood vitality.

This program provides funding to Utah-based agricultural producers, processors, and organizations to improve food supply chain infrastructure and enhance market access for local food systems.

This funding opportunity seeks innovative research proposals from various entities, including businesses and universities, to develop groundbreaking technologies for national security, focusing on areas like novel materials, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence.

This program provides funding for Wisconsin-based small businesses, nonprofits, and local governments to purchase equipment that enhances the processing, storage, and distribution of locally produced food products.

This funding opportunity is designed to support researchers and organizations developing advanced communication and networking technologies to enhance the operational capabilities of the Navy and Marine Corps.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community-based organizations and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Connecticut that serve Trumbull residents, focusing on projects that address the ongoing public health and economic challenges related to COVID-19.

This grant provides financial assistance to businesses in Takoma Park for enhancing their storefronts, promoting a vibrant commercial environment.

This funding opportunity provides $100,000 to established for-profit businesses in Cook County, Illinois, to support their growth through capital investments in workforce expansion, equipment, and facility upgrades.

This grant provides funding for collaborative, arts-based projects that improve community livability and cultural vibrancy in Pennsylvania, focusing on diversity, equity, and local engagement.

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 Innes Street Incentive Grant, offered by the City of Salisbury, aims to enhance building facades, landscapes, driveways, and parking lots within the Innes Street Improvement District. This program is a matching grant, with the City providing up to $5,000 per project on a 50/50 basis. The grant seeks to align with the City's mission of urban beautification and economic development by incentivizing property and business owners to invest in their properties, thereby improving the overall appearance and pedestrian-friendly environment of the district. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are property and business owners within the Innes Street Improvement District. The impact goals include fostering a more aesthetically pleasing and vibrant commercial area, attracting more visitors and businesses, and ultimately boosting local economic activity. By supporting a range of projects from minor repairs to substantial rehabilitations and the installation of new pedestrian amenities, the grant targets a broad spectrum of improvements that collectively enhance the district's appeal. The grant prioritizes several key areas, including the introduction of new pedestrian amenities like outdoor seating, planters, awnings, and lighting, as well as the installation of new façade elements and the restoration of storefronts. Other focuses include painting murals, repairing and replacing windows and doors, repointing brick, and implementing green building improvements such as solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations. Projects are expected to result in visible improvements to properties, increased pedestrian traffic, and a more positive perception of the Innes Street area. Measurable results could include the number of completed projects, the total investment leveraged through matching funds, and qualitative assessments of improved aesthetics and public engagement. The City of Salisbury's strategic priorities for this grant center on urban revitalization and creating a more attractive and sustainable downtown area. The theory of change is that by offering financial incentives for property enhancements, the city can stimulate private investment, which in turn leads to a cumulative positive effect on the district's economic vitality and quality of life for residents and visitors. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to foster community pride and encourage a vibrant local economy through targeted improvements that enhance both functionality and visual appeal.

The City of Wickliffe's reimbursement grant program aims to enhance the appearance of commercial storefronts for non-franchised property and business owners. This initiative directly aligns with the City's broader mission to foster economic growth and prosperity by encouraging reinvestment and restoration of commercial properties. The program is designed to improve the exterior aesthetics of commercial buildings, thereby contributing to a more vibrant and attractive business environment within Wickliffe. The primary beneficiaries of this program are commercial, non-franchised property owners and business owners within the City of Wickliffe. The program's impact goals include supporting locally-owned businesses, attracting new businesses, and retaining existing ones. By providing financial assistance for property improvements, the City seeks to create a more appealing commercial landscape that benefits both businesses and the community as a whole. The program prioritizes projects that enhance the visible aspects of commercial properties, including front exterior façades, signage, parking lots, and street-visible hardscaping. Specific focuses include new or restored front doors and windows, painting, siding, tuck pointing, awnings, outdoor cafes, company signage, seal coating or resurfacing of parking lots, and perennial plantings as part of larger hardscape projects. The maximum grant amount for parking lot funding is $1,000, and for annual plantings, it is $200. Expected outcomes include a measurable improvement in the overall aesthetics of commercial properties, increased reinvestment in the commercial sector, and enhanced economic vitality in Wickliffe. The program offers reimbursement assistance of up to 50% of total eligible project costs, with a maximum reimbursement of $10,000, ensuring that significant improvements can be undertaken. The duration of the grant is stated as more than 10 years, suggesting a long-term commitment to these strategic priorities and a theory of change that posits sustained investment in commercial aesthetics will lead to lasting economic benefits and community development.

This program provides financial assistance to employers in Austin, Texas, to implement innovative strategies that encourage employees to use alternative commuting methods and reduce traffic congestion.

This funding opportunity is designed for small businesses to develop AI technologies that improve the operation and safety of large ground combat vehicles, enhancing driver awareness and vehicle maneuverability in challenging environments.

The Northgate Boulevard Storefront Improvement (NBSI) Grant Program is designed to empower small business owners along the Northgate Boulevard commercial corridor by providing financial assistance for exterior property enhancements. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to foster local economic vitality and community pride. By focusing on physical improvements such as new paint, signage, lighting, windows, doors, and awnings, the program directly addresses the aesthetic and functional needs of small businesses, thereby contributing to a more vibrant and appealing commercial district. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are small, for-profit retail or service establishments with street frontage on Northgate Boulevard. These businesses must be independently and locally owned and operated, with a principal office and owners domiciled in the greater Sacramento region. Furthermore, eligible businesses must have 100 or fewer employees or earn $18 million or less in average annual gross receipts over the last three tax years. Tenants are also eligible, provided they secure property owner consent and have a current lease with at least three years remaining, or an assurance of a lease extension. The program explicitly excludes non-profit entities and franchises, ensuring its focus remains on supporting truly local and independent enterprises. The program's impact goals are multifaceted, aiming to support the retention and growth of existing businesses, deter vacancies, attract more visitors to the corridor, and spur new investment. The strategic priority is to enhance the physical appearance of storefronts, which is viewed as a catalyst for broader economic and community benefits. The theory of change posits that by improving the visual appeal and functionality of individual businesses, the entire commercial corridor will become more attractive, leading to increased foot traffic, customer spending, and business stability, ultimately contributing to a more resilient local economy. Eligible activities encompass a range of exterior improvements, including painting, installation or repair of façade elements, restoration of original architectural features, and removal of exterior clutter. Exterior security enhancements are also permitted, with the caveat that they cannot exceed 25% of the total grant award, must comply with City design standards, and be proposed in conjunction with other beautification efforts. Additionally, applicable professional service fees related to design, architectural, electrical, engineering, or construction plans (up to 25% of the award) and City/State permitting fees (up to 10% of the award) are covered. The program has a total of $200,000 available, with minimum funding requests of $5,000 and maximum requests of $15,000 per application, over a project period of one year. These measurable results, coupled with the improved physical appearance of storefronts, will indicate the program's success in achieving its stated objectives.