Grants for Small businesses - Workforce Development

This grant provides financial support to New Jersey companies for hiring Ph.D. candidates and graduates to conduct technological research and foster innovation in the state.

The Minnesota State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Program, overseen by the Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) within the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, invites eligible Minnesota-based small businesses to apply for funding aimed at facilitating export development activities. This initiative is designed to support businesses either embarking on exporting or looking to expand their exports from Minnesota. With a fund of approximately $200,000 available for the program year ending on June 30, 2022, the STEP program offers financial and technical assistance to qualified applicants. The grant mandates a 50% matching fund from recipients, capped at $7,500. Applications are evaluated competitively upon receipt, with a recommendation for early submission to ensure timely review, especially for activities involving travel. Rolling (applications accepted until funds are fully allocated)

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.

This grant provides financial support to small for-profit businesses in central Maryland that are BGE customers, helping them grow and better serve their communities.

The Job Training and Economic Development - Teachers Apprenticeship Program aims to provide targeted job training and development opportunities through a state-funded grant. Eligible entities are encouraged to apply for funding to establish or enhance apprenticeship programs for teachers. This opportunity supports efforts to develop the educational workforce and improve economic opportunities within the community. The program is anticipated to award 4 grants, with a total funding amount of $2,000,000 available. Grants will be awarded ranging from $50,000 to $500,000. Applications are accepted from the announcement date until the specified closing date. Technical assistance sessions are available for prospective applicants. These are not mandatory but are offered to provide additional support. The session is scheduled for 03/28/2024 at 1:00 PM, and registration can be completed online.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is offering grants through its relaunched Materials Management grants program, now named the Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine Grants Program. This initiative aims to support statewide efforts in reducing the environmental and human health impacts of materials throughout their entire life cycle. The program's core mission is to build local capacity and foster community-driven solutions that address the environmental, social, and health consequences arising from the production, consumption, use, and disposal of materials. This aligns with a broader strategic goal of promoting sustainable consumption and material use, creating environmental and health benefits, and inspiring innovative projects. The program primarily targets a diverse range of eligible applicants, including local governments, nonprofit organizations (501(c)3 or 501(c)4 status) or fiscally sponsored organizations, organizations created by an Oregon public entity, Tribal nations, public schools, public universities, community colleges, and small businesses of 50 people or less. The impact goals are centered on empowering community action to reach environmental solutions, advancing equity, and ensuring environmental justice by providing resources to historically underserved and underrepresented communities across Oregon. The program seeks to fund projects that offer promising solutions to reduce material impacts, ultimately aiming for a more sustainable future. For the 2024 grant cycle, the program's annual funding area is specifically focused on waste prevention. This priority reflects an environmentally centered approach to reduce the consumption of natural resources and the generation of waste before items become trash or pollution. Waste prevention activities encompass changes in product design, reduced usage, extended product life, or repair. Examples of eligible activities include farmers markets purchasing reusable dishes, establishing or expanding community tool libraries, small businesses adopting new technologies to reduce plastic labels, and stores investing in bulk storage for low-waste products. Eligible activities also include education and outreach, training, research, program/policy development, and workforce development. The expected outcomes and measurable results of the Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine Grants Program include a tangible reduction in the environmental and human health impacts of materials. This will be measured by the successful implementation of innovative projects and programs that embody waste prevention principles. The program anticipates creating environmental and health benefits through more sustainable consumption and material use practices. Furthermore, it aims to advance equity and environmental justice by ensuring resources reach communities that have historically been underserved, fostering localized solutions and building capacity within these communities. The total funding available for the 2024 grant cycle is up to $1,000,000, with individual grant awards ranging from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $125,000, providing significant resources for impactful initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that will help improve diabetes prevention and management for underserved populations by offering expertise, training, and resources to enhance health equity.

The CATALYST Grant aims to enhance the capabilities, efficiency, and competitiveness of small and medium-sized manufacturers in South Carolina by promoting the adoption of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), Quality Management Systems (QMSs), and Lean Manufacturing tools. Eligible manufacturers must have a NAICS code beginning with 31, 32, or 33, be physically located in South Carolina for at least one year, operate within the Department of Defense supply chain, and employ at least four workers. The grant supports consultative assessments to identify opportunities for AMT deployment and funds pilot projects in areas such as augmented reality training, digital work instructions, and robotics. The grant application opens on October 5, 2023, following an informational webinar, and closes on June 30, 2024, or when all slots are filled. The grant provides funding for projects recommended by AMT assessments, as well as QMS and Lean Manufacturing implementations to help manufacturers eliminate waste and reduce rework, improving their effectiveness as DIB suppliers.

This funding opportunity supports U.S.-based small businesses in developing and manufacturing therapeutic extracellular vesicles for regenerative medicine applications, focusing on tissue and organ repair.

The Oregon Community Foundation is offering a grant of $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that enhance economic vitality and workforce development in specified Oregon counties, with priority given to initiatives that improve prosperity, tax base, competitiveness, workforce skills, and image of the region, and can be used for equipment, facility upgrades, start-up costs, and other necessary services.

This program provides financial assistance to small, independently owned businesses in Wakefield, Massachusetts, to help them enhance their digital marketing efforts and expand their online presence.

This program provides essential financial support to small businesses in Pennsylvania that have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, helping them access working capital to sustain their operations.

The Washington Emergency Management Division Human Services Program works with Federal, State, and Local partners to support disaster preparedness and recovery for Washington’s individuals, households, and businesses. Programs include: The Individual Assistance Program (IA): IA is the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) program to support individual and business recovery and is authorized through a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration. The IA program has multiple components including cash assistance and crisis counseling, a detailed declaration process and benefits that vary depending on several factors. For more information, please click here. The Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program: SBA disaster loans are available even without a Presidential Disaster Declaration and are a great tool to provide low-interest loans to individuals, families, businesses and organizations that suffer physical or economic loss due to a disaster or other disruption. For more information, please click here. Limited English Proficiency Program: The LEP program supports language accessibility for individuals, families and businesses by working with state and local governments and community organizations to promote preparedness activities in communities around the state. For more information, please click here. Disaster Resilience, Recovery and Restoration: Disaster Recovery includes both pre-disaster recovery planning and post-disaster recovery to re-envision and restore a community. Technical assistance and information is available for local governments, special districts, and organizations. Please click here for more information.

The City of Dearborn's Small Business Grant Program aims to bolster the local economy by providing financial assistance to established small businesses. This program is designed to align with the city's broader mission of fostering a vibrant and sustainable business environment, recognizing the crucial role small businesses play in community development and job creation. By offering grants for business improvements, the city seeks to enhance the competitiveness and longevity of its local enterprises, contributing to overall economic stability and growth. The primary beneficiaries of this program are small businesses located in Dearborn, specifically those with 15 or fewer employees and a minimum of five years in operation within the city. These businesses must also be in good standing with the City, State, and IRS, and not currently in bankruptcy. The program targets businesses that are stable but could benefit from financial support to make improvements, thereby strengthening their operations and contributing to the local business landscape. Business owners must also not be listed on the MI State Police Sex Offender Registry. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined: facade improvements (such as paint, windows, building face materials), awnings, and other exterior enhancements like signage, patios, walkways, and landscaping. The grant explicitly aims to improve the physical appearance and functionality of business premises, which can directly impact customer attraction and business viability. This focus on tangible improvements suggests a strategic priority to enhance the aesthetic appeal and operational efficiency of Dearborn's commercial districts. The expected outcomes include an improved physical appearance of small businesses, increased business competitiveness, and a stronger local economy. Businesses can receive $5,000 in assistance, with an expected $2,500 match from the business themselves, indicating a commitment to shared investment and responsibility for improvement. While specific measurable results like increased revenue or job creation are not explicitly stated, the focus on direct improvements implies a theory of change where enhanced business infrastructure leads to greater customer engagement, sustained operations, and ultimately, a more prosperous local economy.

The "Promoting a Just Transition for All Workers" grant is currently being developed to support fair changes in the workforce, with updates and further details to be provided via the Grants.gov subscription service.

The 24 Squared Grant Program, funded by Square Financial Services and the Community Foundation of Utah, offers grants between $1,000 to $10,000 to Utah-based non-profit organizations engaged in community development activities such as affordable housing, small business development, reentry support, and financial wellness, with special awards for the highest scored organization, those with great potential, and those supporting local small businesses.

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.

This grant provides financial support and resources to early-stage marketing and creative consultants in the U.S. and Canada to help them grow their businesses.

This program provides funding to certified community development financial institutions to strengthen their operations and expand services for small businesses and underserved communities in Pennsylvania.

This grant aims to bolster economic growth and development, diversify the tax base, and generate new quality jobs within Doña Ana, Luna, and Otero Counties, with potential expansion across New Mexico. It targets new and existing small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations that contribute to economic revitalization, particularly those impacted by the pandemic or those seeking expansion. The grant supports initiatives such as entrepreneurial education, business development, and workforce reintegration, offering a lifeline for businesses and nonprofits working towards a thriving southern New Mexico economy.