Grants for Small businesses - Transportation

The Ports for the Future Partnerships grant, managed by the Bureau of Counterterrorism under the U.S. Department of State, is a discretionary funding opportunity designed to support initiatives in the transportation sector, specifically targeting port infrastructure development. This program will coordinate with the Quad (Australia, India, Japan, and the United States) to hold the first Quad Ports and Transportation Conference in Mumbai, India, in 2025. The grant's objective is to partner with organizations that have substantial experience and established networks in port infrastructure and management within the region. A primary focus will be on coordinating technical assistance and capacity-building efforts that meet the extensive infrastructure needs of regional ports, aligning with the strategic priorities of the Quad countries. The grant will be awarded as a cooperative agreement, enabling a close collaboration between the U.S. Department of State and the recipient to ensure the alignment of program activities with the initiative's strategic objectives. The total funding available for this award is $1,275,904, which also serves as both the maximum and minimum funding level for this grant, meaning only one award is anticipated. The program does not require cost-sharing or matching funds from the awardee, allowing for full coverage of approved project costs by the grant. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities such as U.S.-based and foreign nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status), for-profit organizations, public and private educational institutions, public international organizations, and governmental institutions. This broad eligibility requirement ensures that organizations with relevant expertise in port management, transportation, and infrastructure, regardless of their legal structure or location, can apply if they meet the program's criteria and objectives. Applicants interested in this opportunity must submit their applications by December 6, 2024. The application materials will likely need to include detailed descriptions of proposed activities, expertise in the sector, and strategies for aligning efforts with Quad priorities. While the full application requirements are not detailed here, interested applicants are encouraged to consult the full announcement on MyGrants for specific application guidelines. Evaluation criteria may involve the applicant's experience, access to networks in the region's ports sector, and their proposed approach to capacity-building and technical assistance coordination. Successful applicants will need to demonstrate their ability to contribute to the infrastructure goals of the Quad partnership and effectively engage with international partners to maximize the program's impact. For additional questions or difficulties accessing the application materials, applicants are advised to contact the grant officer at khanz@state.gov. This opportunity represents a chance to play a pivotal role in advancing infrastructure efforts in South and Central Asia in alignment with the shared security and economic goals of the Quad nations.

This program provides financial support to organizations and event planners to develop and promote multi-day athletic events in Virginia Beach, boosting tourism and the local economy.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to businesses and nonprofit organizations in Hennepin County, Minnesota, to implement projects that prevent waste and promote the use of reusable materials.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for research and development of bus safety and accessibility improvements, targeting transit agencies, government entities, nonprofits, and private companies involved in public transportation.

The 501vc® Investment Fund is seeking to invest $200,000 to $300,000 in early-stage climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest region, focusing on sectors like advanced materials, renewable energy, and agriculture technologies.

The Municipal Service District Grant Program, offered by the City of Salisbury, provides financial assistance to commercial property owners and building tenants. This initiative aims to enhance building facades, landscapes, and parking lots, as well as facilitate the installation of new pedestrian elements within the Downtown Municipal Service District. The program's core mission aligns with urban revitalization and fostering a more attractive and pedestrian-friendly environment, contributing to the overall economic vitality and aesthetic appeal of the city center. The primary beneficiaries of this program are commercial property owners and business tenants operating within the Downtown Municipal Service District. The impact goals are to encourage significant improvements ranging from minor repairs and repainting to substantial rehabilitation projects. This includes the introduction of new pedestrian amenities, restoration of storefronts, and overall beautification, ultimately leading to an improved urban experience for residents and visitors alike. The program prioritizes a diverse range of projects designed to significantly enhance the public and commercial spaces. Key focus areas include the installation of new pedestrian amenities such as outdoor seating, planters, awnings, café fences, lighting, bicycle racks, and art. It also supports the installation of new façade elements (signage, lighting, awnings), painting of murals, ghost sign restoration, storefront rehabilitation, removal of false façades, and repairs to windows, doors, and architectural details. Furthermore, the program encourages green building improvements like solar panels, EV charging stations, green roofs, and white roofs, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a noticeable increase in the aesthetic quality and functionality of the downtown area. The 50/50 matching grant, with a maximum City participation of $5,000, ensures a shared investment and commitment to these enhancements. Success will be measured by the number and scope of completed projects, the visible improvements in building facades and public spaces, and the increased presence of pedestrian-friendly amenities, all contributing to a more vibrant and appealing urban core. The City of Salisbury's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this grant, center on enhancing the municipal service district through tangible improvements that benefit both businesses and the community. The theory of change suggests that by investing in the physical environment of the downtown area, the city will stimulate economic activity, improve quality of life, and strengthen community pride. This grant acts as a catalyst for private investment, aligning with a broader vision of sustainable urban development and community engagement.

This program provides funding to small shipyards in the U.S. for capital improvements and workforce training to enhance their operational efficiency and competitiveness in shipbuilding and repair.

CAL FIRE's Wood Products and Bioenergy team seeks to maintain and enhance the wood products infrastructure of California to promote healthy resilient forests throughout the state by supporting a diverse set of business development and workforce development projects.  ; Eligible business development projects include facilities, operations, and professional services that support the restoration of healthy, resilient forests.   Eligible workforce development projects include universities, colleges, government and community organizations, and businesses that aim to increase workforce capacity in the fields of logging, fuels treatment, transportation, manufacturing, or other support services that bolster the development of a resilient forest sector workforce.   Research and development projects related to both business and workforce development will also be considered. Check out the Wood Products website and subscribe for updates.     

This program provides funding to support projects that restore and maintain trails and watersheds in national forests and grasslands across the United States.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that implement electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles in California, particularly benefiting communities in need.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is offering a grant of over $1 million to public, private, and nonprofit owners of heavy-duty diesel vehicles in Minnesota to replace their old vehicles with new, cleaner models, aiming to reduce diesel emissions and improve air quality.

This program provides financial assistance to eligible small businesses in California to help them enter or expand into international markets through subsidized events and reimbursement for export-related expenses.

This funding opportunity is designed to support small businesses in developing advanced AI and machine learning technologies that enhance the safety and effectiveness of Army aviation operations in challenging terrain.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to educational institutions and training providers for training individuals, especially veterans and their families, in the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles to help them obtain their Commercial Driver’s Licenses.

The Lane County Cultural Coalition in Oregon is offering Cultural Opportunity Grants ranging from $1000 to $10,000 for a year, funded by the Oregon Cultural Trust, to support projects that protect and stabilize cultural resources, expand public awareness of arts, humanities, and heritage, and increase access to culture, with a focus on access, awareness, and education in Lane County.

This grant provides funding to public and private entities to develop a network of fast-charging electric vehicle stations along major highways in Minnesota, promoting accessible and reliable EV infrastructure.

This funding opportunity supports local organizations and businesses in Iowa City to implement projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices in areas like energy efficiency, transportation, and waste reduction.

This program provides funding to local and state governments, transportation organizations, and similar entities to promote the use of transit, carpools, and vanpools, ultimately reducing traffic congestion and air pollution in Virginia.

This program provides funding to public, private, and nonprofit entities for replacing high-polluting diesel or CNG vehicles with zero-emission alternatives to improve air quality and public health in Santa Barbara County.

This program provides funding to Pennsylvania school districts, municipalities, and bus contractors to improve school bus safety and increase the number of qualified commercial drivers through various safety and educational projects.