Local Arts Grants

The Environmental Education and Conservation Fund, established in 2018 by biologist Roger Foote and agronomist Chuck Vaughn, aims to foster appreciation, conservation, and responsible use of the natural environment within Mendocino County. This initiative aligns directly with the Community Foundation of Mendocino County's mission to support organizations, including educational institutions, that offer conservation and/or education programs. The overarching goal is to raise awareness about the natural world through educational endeavors and to directly address significant conservation challenges. The fund targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including educational institutions and other organizations that provide conservation and education programs. The impact goals are centered around increasing ecological understanding, promoting natural resource management, highlighting the scientific method in conservation, addressing climate change and human roles in it, and encouraging land stewardship. Ultimately, the fund seeks to improve public access to natural lands, ensuring people from all backgrounds can experience and enjoy them. The fund's priorities and focuses are clearly delineated, encompassing both educational and conservation projects. Educational initiatives may include outdoor schools, science camps, college-level natural resource management programs, and natural history displays. Conservation projects, on the other hand, can involve wildlife surveys, habitat studies, restoration efforts, improving public access to conservation lands, land stewardship internships, tree planting, and invasive plant removal. The fund emphasizes a holistic approach to environmental well-being. Expected outcomes include a more informed public regarding ecological understanding and climate change, improved natural resource management practices, and tangible progress in habitat and watershed restoration. Measurable results could manifest in increased participation in environmental education programs, the successful completion of conservation projects such as a certain acreage of restored habitat, and an expansion of public access points to natural areas. The Foundation's strategic priorities are rooted in the belief that investing in both education and direct conservation efforts will lead to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious community, embodying a theory of change where knowledge and action drive positive ecological impact.

The Tompkins County Tourism Capital grants aim to foster significant investments in projects that attract visitors, such as theaters, museums, trails, and other major cultural and recreational attractions. The program's mission aligns with enhancing tourism infrastructure and experiences within Tompkins County, New York, thereby supporting the local economy and community development. This grant is provided by Tompkins County, signaling a public sector initiative to strategically invest in the region's tourism assets. The target beneficiaries include nonprofit organizations designated as 501(c)3, municipalities within Tompkins County, and Farmers Markets. The impact goals are to support new construction, renovation, and unique permanent installations that serve or promote tourism. Expected outcomes include the expansion or enhancement of existing facilities and the creation of new visitor-generating attractions, ultimately increasing tourism revenue and engagement in the county. Measurable results would be evidenced by the number and scale of new or renovated facilities, increased visitor numbers to funded projects, and the economic benefits generated. The program prioritizes capital investment projects valued at $75,000 or higher, contributing up to one-third (33%) of eligible costs. These eligible costs encompass land acquisition, building construction and renovation, acquisition of furnishings, equipment, permanent exhibitions, and design services. Additionally, the grant supports feasibility studies that lead to capital investments, including concept-level design, cost estimates, and business or tourism plans for capital projects. The focus is on tangible, long-term improvements that will sustainably promote tourism for a minimum of five years. Supported activities from past projects highlight the breadth of this program, including the Dryden Rail Trail, Stewart Park Inclusive Playground renovation, Discover Cayuga Lake’s charter boat for eco-cruises, Tompkins Center for History and Culture buildout, and visitor amenities for the Cayuga Waterfront Trail. This demonstrates a strategic priority of fostering diverse attractions that cater to various visitor interests, from outdoor recreation to cultural heritage. The underlying theory of change is that by investing in high-quality, sustainable tourism infrastructure and experiences, Tompkins County will attract more visitors, leading to economic growth and a more vibrant community.

The City of Powder Springs Neighborhood Beautification Grants aim to visually enhance neighborhoods, including entrances, common spaces, and building exteriors within the city limits. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to improve community aesthetics and foster civic pride. The grant program is designed to be accessible to various neighborhood-based organizations and multi-family residential property owners, encouraging widespread participation in community improvement efforts. The primary beneficiaries are single-family residential neighborhoods and multi-family residential properties within the City of Powder Springs. The impact goals are centered around creating more visually appealing, cohesive, and historically representative communities. By encouraging exterior improvements, the program seeks to uplift the overall appearance and character of the city's residential areas. The program prioritizes projects that are highly visible to the public, contribute significantly to improving community appearance, and promote the historic and/or unique character of the area. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, installing neighborhood identification signage, organizing neighborhood cleanups, constructing playground equipment in public areas, and planting community gardens. Ineligible projects include roof repairs, security systems, general maintenance (except exterior painting), interior improvements, and the purchase of personal property. Expected outcomes include a noticeable improvement in the visual quality of neighborhoods, increased community engagement in beautification efforts, and a stronger sense of local identity. Measurable results could include the number of projects completed, the visibility of these projects, and positive feedback from residents regarding the enhanced appearance of their communities. The program's strategic priority is to empower residents and organizations to take an active role in shaping the physical environment of their neighborhoods, with a theory of change that posits that visible improvements lead to increased community pride and a better quality of life for residents. The funding is limited to a maximum of $4,000 per project, with a minimum grant of $500, and all projects must be completed by April 1, 2025. Eligibility is extended to homeowners associations, neighborhood organizations, and multi-family residential property owners, provided they meet specific criteria, including being current on all City taxes and not being in violation of any City codes. This structured approach ensures that the grants are effectively utilized for tangible and sustainable improvements across Powder Springs.

The Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Tucson, and Pima County, is offering operating support grants for arts and culture organizations. These grants are part of a 3-year initiative designed to equitably rebuild arts economies in the borderlands and strengthen civic participation. The foundation's mission aligns with this program by stewarding local, regional, and federal funds to achieve these goals, thereby investing in the Southern Arizona arts economy. The target beneficiaries for this program are arts and culture organizations that are tax-exempt 501(c)(3) or charitable arts organizations in good standing with the IRS, or federally recognized Indian tribal governments. Pima County arts organizations may also apply with a fiscal sponsor. Beneficiaries must reside and provide services in counties and regions south of the Gila River, including Pima, Santa Cruz, Cochise, and southern portions of Pinal, Yuma, Greenlee, Graham, and Maricopa counties, and/or Native Sovereign Nations. The primary mission of these organizations must explicitly be to produce, present, teach, serve, or preserve through arts and culture, with over 51% of their programming and budget dedicated to the arts. The program focuses on two key impact goals: restoring/creating jobs and incentivizing arts & civic engagement. To achieve this, the grants will invest in Southern Arizona’s arts economy. Eligible expenses for Pima County Arts Organizations include operational expenses, while Southern Arizona 501(c)3 Arts Organizations can request funds for artist fees, contracts, or employment. The grant size ranges from $1,000 to $10,000, with specific funding information indicating $5,000 to $10,000 for eligible expenses, and a funding period from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the creation and restoration of jobs within the arts sector and an increase in arts and civic engagement across Southern Arizona. Grantees are required to submit a final report 30 days after the end of the funding period, documenting expenses and providing a brief description of programming. They must also comply with all National Policies, including a Section 504 Self-Assessment, and appoint a Section 504 staff coordinator, ensuring accountability and adherence to program objectives.

The Impact KC Grant Program, administered by the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, is designed to make a substantive impact on the well-being of the Kansas City metropolitan area. This program aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering volunteerism, fundraising, and education to address community needs. Impact KC is funded through general membership and aims to award one-time grants annually to one to four eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, with grant sizes ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. The program targets a wide range of beneficiaries across various areas of interest, including Aging, Arts and Culture, Community Development, Education/Youth services, Health and Life Sciences, and Social services/Families. The core impact goal is to provide funds that will have a substantive impact on a tangible project or defined purpose within these areas. This focus ensures that the grants contribute to concrete and measurable improvements in the well-being of the Kansas City community. Impact KC's priorities are broadly defined by the areas of interest, with an emphasis on projects that demonstrate a clear potential for significant positive change. While specific strategic priorities and a formal theory of change are not explicitly detailed, the program's structure implies a commitment to supporting local nonprofits that can effectively implement projects addressing critical community needs. The selection of organizations that can articulate a specific purpose for the funds reflects a results-oriented approach. Expected outcomes include the successful completion of tangible projects and the achievement of defined purposes within the grant recipient organizations. Although specific measurable results are not outlined in the provided text, the requirement for funds to be used for "specific purpose(s) as outlined in the original grant proposal" suggests an expectation of accountability and a focus on achieving the proposed objectives. The grant size, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, indicates support for projects with a defined scope, enabling recipients to address specific challenges effectively.

This program provides reimbursement funds to non-franchised commercial property and business owners in Wickliffe, Ohio, for enhancing the appearance of storefronts, signage, parking lots, and street-visible hardscaping.

The Larimer County Behavioral Health Services (BHS) is offering its Impact Fund Grant Program to invest in and enrich community-based behavioral health services. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to address the behavioral health needs of Larimer County community members through strategic funding. The program is part of a 20-year sales tax initiative, demonstrating a long-term commitment to improving local behavioral health programming. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are residents of Larimer County, with a focus on those requiring behavioral health services. The impact goals are broad and aim to foster a healthier community through improved access, coordination, and early intervention in behavioral health. The program seeks to reduce stigma, increase public awareness, and ensure the provision of quality preventative care. The funding priorities of the Impact Fund Grant Program include Access & Affordability, Care Coordination & System Integration, Early Identification & Intervention, Stigma Reduction & Public Awareness, Quality Care, and Prevention. BHS funds organizations through two types of grants: Targeted Grants and Responsive Grants. Program/Project support grants typically range from $10,000 to $150,000, with requests up to $250,000 considered. The project period is up to 12 months. Expected outcomes include enhanced accessibility and affordability of behavioral health services, more streamlined care coordination, and earlier identification and intervention for those in need. The program also aims to achieve measurable results in stigma reduction and public awareness campaigns, leading to an increase in quality care and effective prevention strategies across Larimer County. The BHS does not provide general operating support but restricts funds to direct or indirect behavioral health services for Larimer County residents, limiting overhead costs to 20% of the budget, ensuring funds are primarily directed to services.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for small-scale marketing projects that promote tourism in the Manzanita area during the off-season, helping local businesses attract visitors when traffic is typically lower.

The Cultural Capacity Building grants, provided by Iowa Arts & Culture, offer general operating support over a three-year period to eligible arts, cultural, and humanities organizations in Iowa. This program is designed to enhance the cultural and managerial excellence and community service of these organizations. Funding is made possible through an annual appropriation from the Iowa Legislature to the Iowa Arts Council, which is part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, and by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. This aligns with a mission to foster a vibrant cultural landscape within Iowa by supporting the operational needs of key cultural institutions. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are Iowa 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations whose primary mission is focused on arts or culture, as well as arts or cultural divisions of municipal governments. Eligible entities must maintain an annual cash operating expense budget of no less than $10,000 and have a minimum of one dedicated year-round staff or volunteer position responsible for oversight and management. The impact goal is to strengthen the operational capacity and community engagement of these organizations, ensuring their long-term sustainability and ability to deliver cultural services across all counties in Iowa. The program prioritizes organizations with annual operating expenses above $10,000 that can demonstrate a commitment to improving their cultural and managerial excellence and community service. The focus is on providing stable, multi-year funding to help these organizations achieve their goals. Grant recipients will receive up to $5,000 in each fiscal year, for a total maximum award of $15,000 over three years, specifically to support operating expenses incurred within each eligible funding period. The funding period for the current cycle is from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2027. Expected outcomes include enhanced cultural programming, improved organizational management, and stronger community service among recipient organizations. Measurable results would involve the effective utilization of funds for operational expenses, leading to greater organizational stability and the continued delivery of arts and cultural experiences to Iowa communities. While the document does not explicitly detail a "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change," the funding structure and eligibility criteria reflect a strategic priority of the Iowa Arts Council and its partners to invest in the foundational strength of cultural organizations. The implicit theory of change is that by providing consistent operational support, these organizations will be better equipped to fulfill their missions, enrich the lives of Iowans, and contribute to the state's economic and cultural vitality.

The Jackson County Community Foundation, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, is accepting grant applications to support projects and programs benefiting Jackson County residents and communities. This initiative aligns with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio's broader mission to advance opportunities across five critical areas, known as the Pillars of Prosperity: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. The Foundation's strategic priorities are centered on fostering growth and addressing pressing needs within the region, with this grant program directly contributing to those objectives by investing in local efforts. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are individuals of all ages within Jackson County. The program specifically targets those who are leading initiatives that create opportunities, meet critical needs, and unlock the potential of the community. The impact goals are broad, aiming to uplift the county through diverse projects that resonate with the Pillars of Prosperity. By supporting a range of efforts, the foundations seek to create a ripple effect of positive change across various sectors, improving the overall quality of life for residents. The program's priorities and focus areas are explicitly tied to the Pillars of Prosperity. Applications will be evaluated based on how well they advance opportunities in arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. The emphasis is on supporting initiatives that are locally driven and demonstrate a clear capacity to create tangible benefits. Funding requests are ideally between $500 and $5,000, though larger requests may be considered if they promise significant impact, demonstrating a flexible approach to achieve their strategic goals. Expected outcomes include a strengthened community fabric, enhanced access to vital resources, improved educational and economic prospects, greater environmental sustainability, and better health and human services for Jackson County residents. Measurable results will likely be tied to the specific objectives outlined in each awarded project, such as an increase in participation in cultural programs, job creation numbers, improvements in academic performance, conservation efforts, or the reach of health services. Through these investments, the Foundation's theory of change posits that by empowering local leaders and funding impactful projects, sustainable positive transformation will occur, unleashing the full potential within Jackson County.

The Pat Sanford Animal Welfare Grant, offered by Orange County Animal Services in North Carolina, provides up to $500 for individuals, groups, or organizations to fund animal welfare initiatives in Orange County, honoring the legacy of former Animal Protection Society Executive Director, Pat Sanford.

This grant provides financial support to local nonprofits in Hammond to improve community quality of life through projects in arts, civic betterment, education, and health.

This program provides micro-grants to local artists in Columbia, South Carolina, to create public art that reflects the city's history, river systems, and sustainability efforts.

The Mercer County Cultural and Heritage Commission, in partnership with the New Jersey Historical Commission's County History Partnership Program (CHPP), offers grants through its annual History Regrant program. This initiative aims to support historical organizations and history programming within Mercer County. The program's mission aligns with fostering an appreciation for local, county, and New Jersey state history by providing financial assistance to organizations dedicated to preserving and presenting this heritage. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include Mercer County-based non-profit organizations, particularly historic sites and historical organizations, as well as libraries, schools, and local government entities. These organizations must operate historic sites and/or offer historical programming and events. The program specifically emphasizes those with a focus on Mercer County and its communities, aiming to reach a broad public audience. The ultimate impact goal is to strengthen the historical infrastructure and engagement within the county. The program prioritizes both General Operating Support (GOS) and Special Projects (SP) grants. GOS grants are available exclusively to non-profit historical sites and groups with a primary mission of presenting New Jersey and/or Mercer County-related history. SP grants are open to a wider range of non-profit community organizations, local government entities, schools, higher education institutions, and libraries that offer programming and events related to local, county, or New Jersey state history. This dual focus ensures support for both established historical entities and diverse project-based initiatives. Expected outcomes include enhanced historical programming, improved preservation of historic sites, and increased public engagement with local and state history. The program seeks to support projects and organizations that demonstrate clear public benefit, responsible management, proven quality of work, and historical merit. Grants are awarded competitively by the County based on evaluation by an independent review panel, ensuring that funding goes to initiatives with the highest potential for positive and measurable results in historical education and preservation.

The City of Tustin, through its Tustin Cares program, is offering the Main Street Digital Training and Grant Program (Main Street Digital Program) in collaboration with the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network (OCIE SBDC). This initiative aims to provide training and funding to local retail businesses, home-based businesses, and nonprofits, collectively referred to as "Businesses," that are looking to enhance their social media presence and/or increase revenue. This program aligns with a broader mission of supporting local economic growth and resilience, particularly for entities impacted by external factors such as COVID-19, as indicated by the allowance for businesses not in good standing due to pandemic-related issues. The target beneficiaries of the Main Street Digital Program are retail businesses, home-based businesses, and nonprofits physically located in Tustin. These entities must also possess an active Tustin business license since the first quarter of 2023 and have a minimum of two employees, including owners, and no more than twenty-five full-time equivalent employees as of December 31, 2023. Certain businesses are explicitly excluded, such as cannabis-related businesses, gambling facilities, adult entertainment businesses, massage parlors, largely cash-based businesses, and residential or real estate projects including short-term rental operators. The program's impact goals center on empowering these eligible businesses to improve their digital marketing capabilities and ultimately boost their financial performance. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly on digital transformation and revenue generation through enhanced social media presence. By offering training, the program aims to equip businesses with the necessary skills to navigate the digital landscape effectively. The grant component provides crucial financial support, enabling businesses to implement these new strategies. This focus reflects a strategic priority to modernize local businesses and help them adapt to contemporary market demands, thereby strengthening the local economy from within. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the social media presence of participating businesses and a measurable improvement in their revenue. While specific metrics for "measurable results" are not detailed beyond "increase their social media presence and/or revenue," the implicit theory of change is that by providing targeted training and financial assistance for digital marketing, businesses will become more competitive, attract a wider customer base, and achieve sustainable growth. The program's success will likely be evaluated based on the number of businesses trained, the grants disbursed, and the reported improvements in their digital engagement and financial health.

The NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Treatment Grant is a collaborative initiative between the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and the Greater Hudson Heritage Network (GHHN). This program offers financial assistance for treatment procedures aimed at stabilizing and preserving objects held in the collections of museums, historical, and cultural organizations across New York State. The grant's mission is aligned with supporting the arts and cultural heritage by safeguarding significant artifacts and ensuring their longevity for public access and historical record. Additional funding from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation specifically supports projects from Long Island and New York City, further extending the reach and impact of this conservation effort. The grant targets nonprofit organizations, including museums, historical organizations, and other cultural institutions that are incorporated in or registered to do business in New York State and own, care for, and exhibit collections to the public. This includes institutions of all sizes, with encouragement for those with smaller budgets to apply. The impact goal is to aid in the stabilization and preservation of cultural objects, thereby contributing to a more inclusive narrative of New York State's history and diverse cultural expression. The program explicitly prioritizes objects involving historically marginalized and underrepresented communities, such as African American/Caribbean, Latino/Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, Native American/Indigenous, LGBTQIA, and people with disabilities, to tell a more inclusive story of the state. The funding priorities of the NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Treatment Grant embrace a wide spectrum of cultural expression and artistic pluralism. Organizations are encouraged to demonstrate a holistic commitment to DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, and access). The program believes that the objects chosen for conservation reflect what an organization values, therefore, objects and stories that contribute to a more inclusive narrative of New York State are highly valued. This focus aims to ensure that a broader range of cultural heritage is preserved and made accessible to the public, fostering a richer understanding of the state's diverse past. Expected outcomes include the successful conservation of various 3D objects, such as paintings, works on paper, textiles, furniture, frames, sculpture, historical, ethnographic, and decorative objects. Measurable results will be seen in the number of objects treated, the types of communities represented by the conserved objects, and the adherence to professional conservation standards. The grant also supports related costs such as in-state transportation, insurance for treated works, and treatment costs for integral supports, stands, and mounts. For outdoor sculptures, a description of an existing or planned maintenance program is required, indicating a commitment to long-term preservation. The grant operates under the strategic priority of promoting cultural preservation through professional conservation practices, while also advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and access within the cultural heritage sector. The theory of change is that by providing financial support for the conservation of diverse cultural objects, the program will empower New York State's cultural organizations to tell more inclusive narratives, preserve valuable historical artifacts, and make these collections accessible to a wider public. This will ultimately enrich the understanding of New York's cultural landscape and foster greater engagement with its varied histories.

This grant provides financial support to local nonprofits and organizing committees in Mankato to create or sustain community events that benefit the local economy and are open to the public.

The City of Hyattsville's Commercial Façade Improvement Program is a grant initiative designed to enhance the visual appeal, quality, and vitality of the city’s commercial districts. The program aims to facilitate private sector investment in exterior improvements for commercial buildings, aligning with the city's broader mission of supporting local businesses and fostering a vibrant urban environment. It recognizes that individual façade improvements contribute significantly to the overall aesthetic and economic health of the commercial areas. This program targets business or property owners within three specific investment areas: the West Hyattsville Transit District, the Route One/Gateway Arts District, and the Prince George’s Plaza Transit District. The primary impact goals are to remove accessibility barriers, stimulate further investment in commercial properties, and achieve significant visual enhancements in commercial façade appearance. Projects that directly address these goals will receive preferential consideration, ensuring that the grants contribute effectively to the city's development objectives. The program prioritizes well-designed façade improvements that extend the longevity of buildings. Eligible improvements are diverse and include signage, exterior painting, storefront reconstruction, siding, exterior lighting, window and door upgrades, public-facing masonry or cornices, murals, and the removal of unattractive exterior finishes, as well as roof repairs and other approved uses. Eligibility requirements stipulate that structures must be commercially zoned and in use, or planned for commercial use, within Hyattsville. Correction of building code violations must be integrated into the improvement work, and vacant properties must secure a tenant within six months of project completion. The grant operates on a dollar-for-dollar matching basis, providing financial assistance ranging from $5,000 to $35,000. This structure is intended to leverage private investment and maximize the program's reach. The expected outcome is a series of visually improved commercial facades that enhance the city's commercial districts, attract new businesses, and encourage community engagement. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the scope of "significant visual improvements," the program implies that an increase in commercial vitality and accessibility, alongside the tangible improvements listed, will serve as indicators of success. The city's strategic priority is to empower the private sector to make these improvements, underpinned by a theory of change that postulates that financial assistance for façade upgrades will directly lead to a more attractive and economically robust commercial landscape.

This grant provides funding to cultural organizations in New York City to create promotional materials and events that attract tourists to local cultural institutions and activities.

The City of Riverside Small & Micro Business Grant Program is designed to foster local small business resiliency by offering consultation services to identify areas for improvement and develop tailored strategies. The program aims to enhance financial stability, promote long-term sustainability, and build capacity for success among local businesses. This initiative addresses ongoing pandemic recovery needs and aligns with the Department of Treasury State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) to support long-term growth and reduce barriers for small businesses in disadvantaged communities. The target beneficiaries of this program are privately-owned, for-profit businesses that were in operation prior to March 13, 2020. This includes self-employed individuals, entrepreneurs, sole proprietors, 1099 independent contractors, home-based operations, LLCs, and C-Corporations. Individuals who started a business due to COVID-19 employment challenges before January 1, 2023, are also eligible. All applicants must be located within the City Limits of Riverside and possess a physical or residential business address. The program prioritizes businesses that are either categorically eligible (presumed impacted by ARPA) or can demonstrate a financial impact from COVID-19. This includes businesses experiencing decreased revenue, increased costs, challenges covering operating expenses like payroll and rent, or a lower capacity to withstand financial hardship due to depleted savings or lack of working capital. Annual gross revenue must be between $10,000 and $2.5 million, and businesses must have fewer than 50 employees, including owners. Maintaining active and good standing with all City, County, State, and Federal entities is also a key eligibility criterion. The expected outcomes and measurable results include increased financial stability and long-term sustainability for participating businesses, as well as enhanced capacity for success. The program seeks to reduce barriers to success for small businesses, particularly in disadvantaged communities, and promote access to valuable partner resources. In addition to direct financial support, with grant awards up to $25,000, all applicants receive a free one-on-one Strategic Planning Consultation. This consultation is a key component for identifying opportunities for improvement and building customized strategies, directly contributing to the program's goals of fostering resiliency and growth within the local small business ecosystem.