Workforce Development Grants

The Accion Opportunity Fund, in partnership with LegalZoom, the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G-League, has launched a grant program designed to support small business owners and emerging entrepreneurs across the United States. This initiative provides grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, along with free LegalZoom services valued up to $500. Administered by the nonprofit Accion Opportunity Fund, the program's core mission aligns with empowering business owners by offering essential tools and resources for starting and growing their ventures. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and investing in the success of small businesses nationwide. The program targets two primary beneficiary groups: existing small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs. Existing small businesses applying for the $10,000 grant and LegalZoom services must be U.S.-based, have been in operation for at least 3 months, have an annual revenue under $1 million, possess an active business bank account, and not be in an ineligible industry. Those in business for 12 months or more need to provide their most recent business tax return, while those in business for 3 to 12 months require specific formation documents or licenses. Emerging entrepreneurs, seeking LegalZoom services, must also be U.S.-based and either be in operation for less than 3 months or provide a business idea summary. The program's priorities and focuses revolve around encouraging entrepreneurship and providing tangible support to small business owners. This includes offering direct financial assistance through grants, as well as crucial legal and business formation resources via LegalZoom. The initiative aims to provide a "perfect play" for businesses, signifying a holistic approach to support that addresses both financial needs and structural requirements for growth. By focusing on both established and nascent ventures, the program seeks to create a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful establishment and growth of small businesses, increased access to legal services for entrepreneurs, and a reduction in the barriers faced by new and existing ventures. While specific quantitative metrics for success beyond the grant distribution are not explicitly detailed, the underlying theory of change suggests that by providing financial capital and legal support, businesses will be better equipped to sustain operations, expand, and contribute to local economies. The program's design, with its clear eligibility criteria, is structured to ensure that resources are directed to businesses poised for positive impact and growth.

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 funding initiative provides financial support to schools and educational organizations in Oklahoma to develop and implement programs that enhance aviation and aerospace education, preparing students for careers in these fields.

This program provides funding to local governments and fire training facilities in Virginia for the construction, renovation, or repair of live fire training structures to improve fire safety and community development.

This funding opportunity supports community organizations in Louisiana working together to improve health and well-being by addressing issues like heart disease, diabetes, and mental health through collaborative and sustainable solutions.

This grant provides financial support to early-career postdoctoral researchers in the field of aging, helping them transition into independent faculty positions while establishing their own research programs.

This program provides funding to improve workplace safety and health education, training, and prevention services, particularly for small businesses and K-12 schools in Michigan.

The Career Pathways grant, accepting applications from May 27 to July 5, 2024, is dedicated to increasing economic mobility and generational wealth by providing access to family-wage jobs, entrepreneurship, and small business ownership. The grant supports programs that facilitate skill development, offer wrap-around services, and support entrepreneurship, especially for minority- and woman-owned businesses. Prioritizing culturally specific and minority-led programs, it aims to serve communities facing systemic barriers, ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion in all initiatives.

The Recovery Friendly Workplace Pilot Program, launched by the Maryland Department of Labor, aims to create a supportive environment for employees recovering from substance use disorders. The program encourages employers to adopt workplace policies that assist in employee recovery, provides stigma-reducing education, and facilitates research on recovery-friendly practices. It seeks to promote workplace well-being and recovery for employees and their families while fostering community awareness.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state, regional, and local economic development organizations to create full-time jobs in economically distressed areas of North Carolina.

This grant provides funding for innovative research in emerging technologies that improve teaching and learning across various educational settings and for diverse learner populations.

The City of York's Education, Empowerment & Enhancement (3E) Grant Program is supported by ARPA funds and aims to increase the operating capacity of small businesses. This program is rooted in the city's broader ARPA grant initiatives, which are designed to benefit City of York residents and the community. The alignment with the city's mission is evident in its focus on supporting local businesses, particularly those in Qualified Census Tract (QCT) areas, which the U.S. Treasury recognizes as disproportionately impacted. This strategic focus ensures that grant funds are directed towards areas and populations most in need, contributing to the overall economic resilience and social well-being of the city. The primary target beneficiaries of the 3E Grant Program are small business owners in the City of York who are minorities, women, or people with disabilities. To be eligible, businesses must also earn $500,000 or less in annual gross revenues, be registered, licensed, and in good standing on all City taxes and obligations, and be physically located within a QCT in the City of York. Additionally, no owners should have been convicted of financial crimes within the past three years. The program's impact goals are centered on fostering business growth and stability within these underserved communities by providing resources for education, professional development, and operational enhancements. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined by the "3E's": Education, Empowerment, and Enhancement. Education encompasses classes, certificates, and training for business owners and/or their employees. Empowerment focuses on retreats, workshops, and coaching to build professional development. Enhancement involves improvements to business operations through new software, products, or equipment. These areas represent the core strategies through which the grant intends to address the operational capacity and growth challenges faced by eligible small businesses. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the operating capacity of participating small businesses. This can manifest as improved skills through education, enhanced leadership and strategic thinking through empowerment, and increased efficiency or service offerings through operational enhancements. Eligible costs must occur within a year of receiving grant funds, providing a clear timeframe for impact. The program's theory of change posits that by investing in these key areas, the City of York can create a more equitable and robust local economy, particularly for businesses in historically disadvantaged areas, leading to sustained growth and community benefit.

This fund provides financial assistance to women pursuing careers as football coaches and scouts at the collegiate or professional levels in the U.S., helping to address gender disparities in these roles.

This funding opportunity supports institutions in developing clinician scientists through structured research training in substance use and addiction, enabling them to pursue independent research careers.

This program provides funding to local governments in Nebraska for transportation projects that create or retain jobs and attract private investment in the state.

This funding initiative provides financial support to Tennessee-based agricultural, food, and forestry businesses, as well as nonprofits and local governments, to enhance market access, increase production capacity, and promote innovation in the agricultural sector.

US DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) provides funding to Washington state for tribal, state, and local governments to sustain and enhance hazardous materials-related emergency preparedness. The funding is specifically targeted to increase effectiveness in safely and efficiently handling hazardous materials accidents and incidents and to encourage a comprehensive approach to emergency training and planning by incorporating the unique challenges of responses to transportation situations. The HMEP grant program was established in 1990 by the Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act. In 1993, PHMSA began issuing grants to assist States, Territories, and Native American Tribes to "develop, improve, and carry out emergency plans" within the National Response System and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986. The HMEP grant program is designed to allow grantees the flexibility to implement training and planning programs that address differing needs for each location based on demographics, emergency response capabilities, commodity flow studies, and hazard analysis. Relevant trainings are found in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 472: Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents publication and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations found in 29 CFR § 1910.120. Governors in each State, or their counterparts within Territories or Tribes, designate an agency to receive the HMEP grant funds. Agencies submit grant applications to PHMSA annually requesting funds for proposed activities. PHMSA reviews and evaluates applications to make certain the proposed activities support the program mission to ensure the safe transportation of hazmat. If approved, PHMSA offers the agency a Notice of Grant Award (NGA) for acceptance and signature. Once executed, the agency may distribute grant funds in accordance with the planned activities identified in the grant application within the State, Territory, or Tribe to Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) and first responder organizations.

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.

This program provides financial support to rural manufacturers in Colorado affected by the pandemic, enabling them to access valuable consulting services at a reduced cost to improve their operations.

The Child Health Research Awards Program by the Charles H. Hood Foundation aims to advance child health by providing grant support to newly independent faculty within New England-based pediatric researchers. The program offers two-year grants of $200,000 ($100,000 per year inclusive of 10% indirects) to researchers who are within five (PhD scientists) or seven (physician-scientists) years of employment following completion of training. The grants support hypothesis-driven clinical, basic science, public health, health services research, and epidemiology projects focused on child health. Application deadlines occur in the spring and fall of each year, with funding beginning every January 1st and July 1st. For complete eligibility requirements and application guidelines, visit CharlesHoodFoundation.org.