Grants for Small businesses - Science and Technology

This program provides financial support to Indiana-based manufacturers, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises, to adopt advanced smart manufacturing technologies that drive innovation and modernization.

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 funding to small businesses and commercial property owners in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, for improving their storefronts and interiors to boost economic growth and community revitalization.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for innovative projects that develop and pilot new technologies for processing critical minerals and materials essential for U.S. energy and industrial competitiveness.

The FY24 ASUDRP CA supports the establishment of a Consortium whose purpose is to identify, evaluate, and advance pharmacotherapies for alcohol, opioid, and other substance use disorders, with an emphasis on other co-occurring mental health conditions, through rigorous, collaborative research efforts that translate basic knowledge and early-stage clinical products into evidence-based treatments. The goal of this research is to maximize functioning and quality of life for Service Members, their Families, Veterans, and the American public.The proposed research must be relevant to Service Members, Veterans, military beneficiaries, and/or the American public.Each individual organization must apply to this program announcement as a Consortium Management Core (CMC) by means of a single application, and may also serve as a future research and/or trial site. The CMC will be responsible for coordinating with the Consortium Steering Committee (CSC) and Consortium Executive Committee (CEC) to prioritize, propose, conduct, and analyze basic research and clinical trials, and developing a roadmap to translate basic science knowledge into evidence-based treatments for ASUD. Clinical trials that include military and Veteran populations are encouraged.

Grant Opportunity: New York Newspapers Foundation The New York Newspapers Foundation is offering financial support to organizations that align with its mission of promoting freedom of speech and the press, as well as education and scientific research related to these fields. The foundation was established in 1977 by the New York State Publishers Association and is a public organization with 501(c)(3) status. Eligible applicants for this grant opportunity include nonprofits, startups, researchers, local governments, small businesses, and any other organization that focuses on the dissemination of information. To apply for funding, interested organizations need to complete the provided form and submit it to the address specified at the bottom of the form. Please note that eligibility is not guaranteed unless explicitly stated in the application guidelines or requirements.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to locomotive owners in Minnesota for implementing technologies that reduce idle time and diesel emissions, improving air quality and public health.

This program provides $145 million in financial assistance to hospitality businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic through county-established grant programs.

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.

This grant provides funding for small businesses selected through the xTechIgnite competition to develop an AI-driven solution that automates and improves the Army's contract proposal evaluation process, enhancing efficiency and reducing errors.

Microbes and communities of microbes have remarkable genetic, physiological and biochemical diversity, allowing them to flourish in environments all over the planet and in a variety of substrates and hosts. Given their relative importance to ecosystems around the world, to the economy and to health, researchers have studied microbial systems extensively and have a better understanding of their capabilities and impacts on hosts and the environment. In recent years, researchers have increasingly turned to microbes and their diverse capabilities for bioremediation and applications in biotechnology, agriculture, and medicine. Because of advances in molecular biology, synthetic biology and bioengineering, researchers now have the ability to assemble synthetic microbial communities that have novel compositions, genetics and phenotypes and to use these communities to address both fundamental biological questions and a range of societal problems. The goal of this solicitation is to support research that addresses one or more of the three themes: 1) define the underlying mechanisms or rules that drive the formation, maintenance or evolution of synthetic microbial communities, 2) use synthetic microbial communities to address fundamental biological questions, including questions in molecular biology, cellular/organismal biology, ecology and evolution and/or 3) build synthetic communities with biotechnology, bioeconomy or environmental engineering applications, including but not limited to the production of novel biorenewable chemicals, biodegradation of recalcitrant or forever chemicals, enabling a circular bioeconomy, fostering sustainable agriculture and mitigating the impacts of climate change. For theme 3, the emphasis should be on designing communities with novel capabilities and understanding the underlying mechanisms that lead to these novel capabilities. Proposals must address one or more of the three themes noted above. Highest funding priority is given to proposals that have outstanding intellectual merit and broader impacts, while proposals with weaknesses in either category (or those that are perceived as likely to have an incremental impact) will not be competitive. The most competitive broader impacts include assessment plans. Well-conceived broader impacts activities take time and resources; thus, proposers are encouraged to include appropriate costs for broader impacts in the budget. To better understand the societal benefits and risks, as well as the potential for misuse or unintended damage to natural biological systems, synthetic microbial communities proposals should include a careful consideration of the social, ethical, and biosafety/security dimensions of the research. Investigators may choose to address these issues either as part of intellectual merit or broader impacts. Reproducibility in research leads to data that is amenable to more powerful analysis and the potential for reuse of data and greater generation of knowledge. Reproducibility in biological research that is prone to context dependent biological variation presents a unique challenge for the synthetic microbial communities researchers. Investigators must follow or advance best practices in sample collection and preparation, experimental design, data analysis, model generation, and/or validation of mathematical and computational methods to produce scientifically defensible results.

Grant Opportunity: U.S. & Chinese Foreign Policy and Relations Research Grants Funder: The Charles Koch Foundation Award Details: Funding levels are commensurate with the requirements of the research and the potential for the research to advance an understanding of critical issues. Accepted proposals may also receive support to disseminate the research findings. Eligibility: Organizations of all types across the USA, including nonprofits, startups, researchers, local governments, and small businesses. Other Relevant Information: - Proposals should focus on analyzing China's future prospects, examining challenges in leveraging economic clout in foreign policy, exploring avenues for productive engagement with China, studying potential causes of conflict in East Asia and strategies for mitigation, evaluating different U.S. military postures in East Asia, assessing the balance of power between China and other countries in Asia, considering implications of emergent technologies for U.S. security interests in East Asia, studying power transition literature, exploring behavior of East Asian states towards balancing or bandwagoning with China, examining issues related to U.S.-China trade and foreign direct investment, and evaluating the real threat posed by China compared to claimed threats. - Application requirements include a two-to-five page abstract, a CV or résumé, and a brief itemized budget. - Proposals will be accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis. - The Charles Koch Foundation aims to remove barriers that prevent people from reaching their potential by supporting research and innovations in postsecondary education. For more information and to apply for this grant opportunity, visit https://charleskochfoundation.tfaforms.net/344037?tfa_13=tfa_1475

The "Main Street Connected" Grant Program, a collaboration between Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) and MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU), is designed to bolster small businesses in designated downtowns and historic neighborhood commercial corridors within Oakland County, Michigan. Its primary mission is to provide technology and digitally based support, complementing MSOC’s existing economic vitality efforts. This alignment ensures that the grant directly contributes to the broader goal of fostering economic growth and stability at the local community level, particularly within these vital commercial districts. The program specifically targets small businesses that are up to 10 years old and located within one of the Main Street Districts in participating cities, including Auburn Hills, Berkley, Birmingham, Clarkston, Clawson, Farmington, Ferndale, Lathrup Village, Oak Park, Ortonville, Pontiac, Rochester, Royal Oak, Southfield, and Wixom. The impact goals are centered on supporting the attraction, retention, and growth of these small businesses by enhancing their digital capabilities and operational efficiency. By doing so, the program aims to strengthen the local economies of these selected cities. The grant prioritizes and focuses on a range of eligible activities designed to improve a small business's technological infrastructure and digital presence. These include the development or use of data analytics software, payment processing software or equipment (such as Point of Sale systems), website creation and e-commerce support, and social media or digital marketing costs. Additionally, the program supports cybersecurity and data protection, customer relationship management (CRM) costs, and project or inventory management software. The creation or implementation of pop-up operations or public markets also falls within the scope of supported activities. Expected outcomes include enhanced digital literacy and operational effectiveness for participating small businesses, leading to improved market competitiveness and sustainability. Measurable results would likely include an increase in the number of small businesses adopting new technologies, growth in online sales or customer engagement, improved data management, and a stronger presence in both physical and digital marketplaces. The grant’s theory of change posits that by providing targeted financial assistance for technology and digital support, small businesses in these corridors will be better equipped to adapt to modern commerce demands, ultimately contributing to a more vibrant and resilient local economy.

To implement a project aimed at advancing U.S. foreign policy and national security priorities outlined in the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) Act of 2022 (Div. A, P.L. 117-167). The Act established a new International Technology Security and Innovation Fund (ITSI Fund) to to support the development and adoption of secure semiconductors, [and] semiconductor supply chains with the goal to make the global semiconductor supply chain more resilient, diversified, and secure.

Orthopaedic injuries have a profound impact on military readiness and return to work/activity/duty. In the military, extremity battle wounds comprise approximately 50% of injuries reported in the Department of Defense Trauma Registry. Additionally, orthopaedic injuries and conditions that occur outside of combat (e.g., during training, leisure activities, resultant from old injuries, etc.) present one of the greatest threats to the readiness of our Service Members and military. Early stabilization, treatment, and rehabilitation of orthopaedic injuries in both civilian and military populations have led to better outcomes, particularly in the prevention of secondary complications and in minimizing morbidity. Availability of orthopaedic care and treatment as early as possible, or as close to the point of injury as possible, also minimizes limb loss and affects military readiness.Although the PRORP is interested in supporting military-focused research, research supported by the PRORP is expected to also apply to all individuals who have sustained a major orthopaedic injury.With the initiation of the Arthritis Research Program, the FY24 PRORP may not fund arthritis research; however, research that addresses conditions or health abnormalities related to arthritis is permitted provided the proposed research addresses the selected Focus Area.The FY24 PRORP ARA seeks applied research applications focused on advancing optimal treatment and restoration of function for individuals with orthopaedic injuries sustained during combat and service-related activities. Applicants are encouraged to address how the proposed research will support patient care and allow patients to more quickly return to duty/work. It is expected that any research findings would also provide benefit to the general population. To meet the intent of the award mechanism, applications must specifically address an FY24 PRORP ARA Focus Area, listed in Section II.A.1, above.The FY24 PRORP ARA is focused on applied research, defined as work that refines concepts and ideas into potential solutions with a view toward evaluating technical feasibility of promising new knowledge products, pharmacologic agents, behavioral and rehabilitation interventions, diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, clinical guidance, and/or emerging approaches and technologies.Awards may not be used to support fundamental basic research. Basic research is defined as research directed toward greater knowledge or understanding of the fundamental aspects of phenomena and of observable facts without specific applications toward process or products in mind.Research Scope: Research proposed under the FY24 PRORP ARA may include small- to large-scale projects. Upon successful completion, the proposed research is expected to yield knowledge products, approaches, or technologies that have the potential to advance toward clinical translation. Strong transition plans are expected.Inclusion of preliminary and/or published data relevant to the proposed research is required. Applicants must demonstrate logical reasoning for the proposed work. To be competitive, the application must include a sound scientific rationale and a well-formulated, testable hypothesis established through a critical review and analysis of the literature.Studies allowed under the FY24 PRORP ARA may include, but are not limited to: Refinement of concepts and ideas into potential solutions, or research tools, with a view toward evaluating technical feasibility of emerging approaches, technologies, and promising new knowledge products. Evaluation, maturation, and/or down-selection of potential product candidates (drugs, biologic constructs, or devices/systems) in vitro and/or in vivo. Preparation activities needed to support a future clinical trial or regulatory submission.Applications to the FY24 PRORP ARA mechanism must support preclinical applied research and may not be used for clinical research studies. Applicants seeking support for clinical research projects should consider the FY24 PRORP Clinical Translational Research Award (Funding Opportunity Number HT942524PRORPCTRA), Clinical Trial Award (Funding Opportunity Number HT942524PRORPCTA), or Womens Health Research Award (Funding Opportunity Number HT942524PRORPWHRA) mechanisms.The funding instrument for awards made under the program announcement will be grants (31 USC 6304).Rigor of Experimental Design: All projects should adhere to a core set of standards for rigorous study design and reporting to maximize the reproducibility and translational potential of preclinical research. The standards are described in SC Landis et al., 2012, A call for transparent reporting to optimize the predictive value of preclinical research, Nature 490:187-191 (www.nature.com/nature/journal/v490/n7419/full/nature11556.html). While these standards are written for preclinical studies, the basic principles of randomization, blinding, sample-size estimation, and data handling derive from well-established best practices in clinical studies. Projects that include research on animal models are required to submit Attachment 8, Animal Research Plan, as part of the application package to describe how these standards will be addressed. Applicants should consult the ARRIVE guidelines 2.0 (Animal Research: Reporting In Vivo Experiments) to ensure relevant aspects of rigorous animal research are adequately planned for and, ultimately, reported. The ARRIVE guidelines 2.0 can be found at https://arriveguidelines.org/arrive-guidelines.Womens Health Research: The CDMRP encourages research on health areas and conditions that affect women uniquely, disproportionately, or differently from men, including studies analyzing sex as a biological variable. Such research should relate anticipated project findings to improvements in women's health outcomes and/or advancing knowledge for women's health. Applications proposing research that solely address womens health may also consider the FY24 PRORP WHRA mechanism, Funding Opportunity Number HT942524PRORPWHRA.Encouraged Department of Defense (DOD) and/or VA Collaboration: Military relevance is a key feature of this award. Principal Investigators (PIs) are encouraged, but not required, to collaborate with DOD or VA researchers and clinicians.Use of DOD or VA Resources: If the proposed research involves access to DOD or VA resources or databases, the application must describe the access at the time of submission and include a plan for maintaining access as needed throughout the proposed research. Refer to Section II.D.2.b.ii, Full Application Submission Components, for detailed information. Refer to the General Application Instructions, Appendix 1, for additional information.The anticipated total costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for an FY24 PRORP Applied Research Award should not exceed $750,000. Refer to Section II.D.5, Funding Restrictions, for detailed funding information.Awards supported with FY24 funds will be made no later than September 30, 2025.The CDMRP expects to allot approximately $3.75M to fund approximately five ARA applications. Funding of applications received is contingent upon the availability of federal funds for this program, the number of applications received, the quality and merit of the applications as evaluated by peer and programmatic review, and the requirements of the government. Funds to be obligated on any award resulting from this funding opportunity will be available for use for a limited time period based on the fiscal year of the funds. It is anticipated that awards made from this FY24 funding opportunity will be funded with FY24 funds, which will expire for use on September 30, 2030.

This grant provides funding for researchers and organizations to explore and develop innovative scientific projects related to space and Earth sciences, with a focus on emerging worlds and planetary exploration.

This program provides funding to organizations in New Jersey to develop training and workforce development initiatives in the film and digital media sectors, particularly for individuals from overburdened communities.

The Town of Olathe has received a Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) grant from the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), aimed at revitalizing its Main Street and supporting local retail businesses. This grant directly aligns with a mission to foster economic development and community prosperity in rural areas by providing financial assistance for critical business improvements. The program’s focus on storefront enhancements and accessibility modifications is designed to create a more vibrant and economically robust town center, ultimately benefiting the entire community. The target beneficiaries for this grant are businesses located in the 200 and 300 blocks of Olathe’s Main Street, as well as retail businesses along Highway 50 Business Loop. The primary impact goal is to stimulate local commerce, attract more customers, and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal and functionality of the town’s commercial core. By supporting these businesses, the grant intends to create a more attractive and accessible environment for residents and visitors alike, fostering sustained economic growth. The grant prioritizes a range of physical improvements, including awning repair or replacement, new or updated business signs, and comprehensive façade improvements such as storefront repairs, window replacement, and the rehabilitation of historic architectural features. Additionally, modifications to improve business accessibility are a key focus, ensuring that the revitalized spaces are inclusive for all patrons. The grant explicitly excludes roof and foundation work, directing funds toward highly visible and impactful street-level enhancements. Expected outcomes of the REDI grant include increased foot traffic and sales for participating businesses, a significant improvement in the visual appeal of Main Street and the Highway 50 Business Loop, and a strengthened local economy. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of businesses that undergo improvements, the types of improvements made, and potentially, local sales tax revenue increases or new business establishments in the targeted areas. The strategic priority is to leverage this funding to create a ripple effect, encouraging further private investment and community engagement in Olathe’s ongoing revitalization efforts.

This grant provides funding to a single organization to lead and manage a national initiative that connects researchers and educators with essential artificial intelligence resources and infrastructure.