Local Business and Commerce Grants

This grant provides funding for innovative arts and culture projects that address community challenges and enhance the vibrancy of New Bedford, Massachusetts, benefiting its residents, visitors, and businesses.

This grant provides financial assistance to businesses and building owners in downtown Ames for improving their building façades, with a focus on historically significant features.

This grant provides funding to support projects that boost economic development, promote tourism, and enhance cultural arts programs in Brighton, encouraging community engagement and attracting visitors.

This funding opportunity supports businesses and non-profit organizations in Lewis County, NY, by providing financial assistance for creative projects that enhance their visibility in the community.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and event organizers in Cattaraugus County to create tourism-driven events and attractions that encourage visitors to explore the area.

The Town of Trumbull is offering grants to community-based organizations and nonprofits that serve Trumbull residents through eligible programs, services, and capital investments. This funding originates from the federal government's ARPA program, specifically targeting the COVID-19 public health and economic response. The program aims to address the pandemic's impact on public health, as well as economic harms to households, small businesses, nonprofits, impacted industries, and the public sector within Trumbull. This initiative aligns with the town's commitment to supporting its community and mitigating the ongoing effects of the pandemic. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are Trumbull residents, who will benefit from the services, programs, and capital investments provided by the selected community-based organizations and nonprofits. The overarching impact goal is to support the COVID-19 public health and economic recovery within the town. This includes addressing public health challenges exacerbated by the pandemic and alleviating economic hardships experienced by various sectors of the community. The program prioritizes projects, programs, and services exclusively within the Town of Trumbull that directly support the COVID-19 public health and economic response. Eligible activities include those that address the pandemic's impact on public health and mitigate economic harms to households, small businesses, nonprofits, impacted industries, and the public sector. There is a strong focus on organizations that demonstrate a palpable presence within the Town of Trumbull. Expected outcomes include improved public health conditions, reduced economic hardship for households and businesses, and enhanced capacity of local nonprofits and community-based organizations to serve Trumbull residents. Measurable results will likely involve reporting on the number of residents served, the specific public health and economic issues addressed, and the overall impact of the funded programs. Applicants are required to comply with federal reporting guidelines, including periodic project and expenditure reports, ensuring accountability and the ability to track progress. The Town of Trumbull's strategic priority in launching this grant program is to effectively deploy federal ARPA funds to create a tangible positive impact on its community in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The theory of change is that by providing financial support to local organizations, the town can empower these entities to deliver targeted, effective interventions that directly address the pandemic's multifaceted challenges, thereby fostering a stronger, more resilient Trumbull. This program is not intended to replace other federal, state, or local ARPA assistance, reinforcing its role as a supplementary and focused effort.

The City of Kansas City, Missouri, in partnership with the Economic Development Corporation - Loan Corporation (EDCLC), is offering grants to eligible micro-businesses that have been negatively impacted by the pandemic. The grants are available to businesses based in Kansas City, Missouri, with ten or fewer employees. The EDCLC will provide grants of $10,000, $15,000, and $25,000. The funds can be used for various purposes such as overhead costs, renovation costs, technology, professional services, facade and minor roof repairs, inventory costs, equipment costs, and marketing. However, certain businesses are ineligible for the grants, including liquor stores, payday loans, hookah and vape shops, marijuana-related businesses, rental properties, bars with less than 50% food sales, and new businesses operating for less than one year. For more information, contact smbcapital@edckc.com or call 816-691-2120.

This program provides financial assistance to business owners and tenants in Newberry's historic downtown to improve the appearance of their building facades, promoting preservation and aesthetic enhancement.

This grant provides financial support for organizations and individuals to promote tourism-related events in Johnson Creek that encourage overnight stays, through marketing initiatives and advertising efforts.

This grant assists Goshen County businesses in enhancing the external appearance of their buildings to attract more customers and improve community aesthetics. Projects can include updates to building frontages and business signage. Applicants are required to provide multiple bids for their projects, with a preference for local contractors, to demonstrate the economic development merit of the enhancements. Deadlines: Applications due first Friday of November, February, May, August

The City of Evanston's "Sustain Evanston" Incentive Program is a funding tool designed to empower small business owners to implement sustainability measures. This initiative directly aligns with the City’s Climate Action & Resilience Plan, serving the foundational mission of fostering a more sustainable community. By offering financial assistance, the program aims to reduce operating costs for businesses while simultaneously enhancing their service to customers through environmentally friendly practices. This strategic alignment underscores the city's commitment to both economic vitality and ecological responsibility. The primary beneficiaries of this program include commercial property owners, tenants of commercial buildings, business districts, and coalitions of businesses within the City of Evanston. The impact goals are centered on improving the environmental footprint of local businesses, promoting sustainable infrastructure, and encouraging eco-conscious operations. Through these efforts, the program seeks to create a more resilient and environmentally sound local economy, benefiting both businesses and residents. The program prioritizes a broad range of sustainability measures, categorized into capital projects, equipment, services, and education materials. Key focuses include the adoption of heat pumps, EV charging infrastructure, solar PV, waste collection enclosures, green infrastructure like green roofs, and energy-efficient upgrades such as insulation and windows. Equipment priorities involve reusable containers, energy-efficient lighting, and appliances. Services like composting, recycling, energy/water benchmarking, and consulting are also emphasized, alongside educational signage and labels. These priorities reflect a holistic approach to sustainability, addressing various facets of business operations. Expected outcomes include a significant reduction in the operational costs for participating businesses due to increased energy efficiency and waste reduction. Measurable results will likely involve the number of businesses implementing sustainable upgrades, the amount of energy saved, the volume of waste diverted from landfills, and the expansion of green infrastructure within the city. The program's strategic approach is to incentivize tangible changes that collectively contribute to the City’s broader Climate Action & Resilience Plan, acting as a catalyst for widespread sustainable practices within the business community. This aligns with a theory of change where financial incentives drive behavioral and infrastructure changes, leading to a more sustainable and resilient urban environment.

The HealthTech Accelerator is a 90-day tech business accelerator specifically designed for pre-Series A HealthTech startups. This program focuses on critical areas within the health technology sector, including Digital Health, Healthcare Services, Health Sustainability and Wellness, Medical Devices and Equipment, Software, Femtech, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, PharmacyTech, Wearables, and Quantified Self. The program is an initiative of Tampa Bay Wave, a nationally recognized nonprofit, in partnership with the University of South Florida Research & Innovation, The Florida High Tech Corridor, and the U.S. Economic Development Corporation, among others. These partnerships align with the broader mission of fostering innovation and economic growth within the health technology landscape. The primary target beneficiaries of this accelerator are HealthTech startups that are in their pre-Series A funding stage. The program aims to support businesses that are built with proprietary technology, creating next-generation health technology products and solutions. The overarching impact goal is to accelerate the growth and market validation of these innovative startups, ultimately contributing to advancements in healthcare and wellness. By providing structured programming and access to a robust network, the accelerator seeks to empower these companies to overcome common startup challenges and achieve sustainable growth. The program prioritizes companies with dedicated management teams of at least two full-time individuals, demonstrating a serious commitment to their venture. A key focus is on market validation, requiring applicants to show proof that their products or solutions address a real market need. The accelerator also seeks investable and/or scalable businesses with viable business plans and a financial runway of at least 6-12 months. While not strictly requiring relocation, selected companies must plan for on-site participation in Tampa, FL, during each of the three blocks of programming, emphasizing the importance of in-person engagement and collaboration. The expected outcomes for participating startups include enhanced business development, refined proprietary technology, and increased market readiness. Through the 90-day program, companies are anticipated to strengthen their business models, expand their professional networks through partnerships with entities like Accenture, hospitals, health systems, and healthcare-specific VC funds, and improve their readiness for investment. Measurable results would likely include progress in product development, securing follow-on funding, customer acquisition, and overall business growth, all contributing to the program's strategic goal of fostering a vibrant health technology ecosystem.

City of Tehachapi Small Business Sign Grant Program (California) is offering grants ranging from $500 to $3,000 to assist small businesses in the City with installing or improving their signs. The program aims to eliminate blight, encourage economic development, and enhance properties within the City’s commercial districts. Priority funding will be given to projects that align with the City Design Guidelines. The grant includes reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible sign costs, with a minimum of $500 and a maximum of $3,000. Recipients are required to maintain the building sign for a three-year term. Eligible applicants include owners and tenants of small businesses or commercial properties within the City of Tehachapi.

Business Innovation & Support Grants are available for small businesses in Iowa with one to 10 employees. This program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and administered in partnership with the City and Chamber of Commerce, aims to provide financial support to small businesses that have faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant funding ranges from $5,500 to $15,500, and recipients will also receive up to five hours of mandatory business counseling from a pre-approved business coach, with $500 reserved from each cash award for this coaching fee.

This initiative provides crucial support to small businesses recovering from the pandemic enabling them to thrive and serve our community. Additionally, it acts as financial assistance to attract new businesses into the Downtown Business District. PROGRAM ELEGIBILITY Grant funding is available to small business owners and owners of mixed-use and commercial properties in the Downtown Business District: In good standing with the City of Mount Vernon – i.e. not delinquent on real property, personal or school district taxes) Own a small business or property with ground floor commercial space in Downtown Business District. Business owner must have at least three (3) years remaining on their commercial lease. An active City of Mount Vernon Business Registration number. Demonstrate commitment to program requirements. Own a home-based business and plan to occupy a ground floor commercial space in the Downtown Business District.

The 2025 Local Community Impact Grant, offered by the Town of Perryville, Maryland, is designed to provide flexible funding to not-for-profit organizations. This grant program aims to address unmet needs within the corporate limits of the Town of Perryville and to support organizations that provide public services to its citizens. The program's core mission aligns with enhancing community well-being and addressing specific local challenges through the support of established non-profits. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are not-for-profit entities that operate within or serve the Town of Perryville. To be eligible, these organizations must possess a place of business within the town's corporate limits or deliver public services directly to its citizens. Furthermore, applicants must hold a 501(c) tax-exempt status and be in good standing with the Town of Perryville, Cecil County, and the State of Maryland. The grant prioritizes organizations that can demonstrate a clear plan to address identified needs within the community, aligning with the town's strategic priority of fostering a resilient and supportive environment for its residents. The grant focuses on supporting initiatives that tackle unmet needs within the Town of Perryville, though specific areas of focus beyond this general objective are not explicitly detailed in the provided information. The expectation is that funded projects will result in tangible improvements in the lives of Perryville citizens and the overall community. The Town of Perryville's theory of change appears to be centered on empowering local not-for-profit organizations as key agents in addressing community challenges and delivering essential services, thereby creating a stronger, more vibrant town. Expected outcomes include a measurable positive impact on the community, with funding contingent upon the availability of Impact Grant funding from the State of Maryland. While specific measurable results are not outlined, successful applicants will likely be required to demonstrate how their proposed projects will meet the unmet needs identified and contribute to the well-being of Perryville's citizens. The grant period is not explicitly mentioned, suggesting a focus on project-based outcomes rather than long-term organizational funding, emphasizing immediate and localized impact.

The Small Business and Not-For-Profit Support Grant Program, initiated by the City of Chicago and funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, aims to provide financial assistance to small businesses and nonprofits. This program is designed to help these entities recover from economic losses sustained due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The City of Chicago, through its Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), is seeking a qualified organization to administer this $21.5 million grant program. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are eligible small businesses and nonprofits located within Chicago. The impact goals are centered around stabilizing their operations, supporting their workforce, and mitigating the long-term economic effects of the pandemic. By providing these funds, the program intends to foster economic resilience within the local business and nonprofit ecosystem. The program's priorities and focus are clearly on economic recovery and stability for the most vulnerable sectors affected by the pandemic. The selection of an administering organization will be based on their understanding of the city contractor's needs, the local small business and nonprofit landscape, and the City of Chicago's processes, ensuring efficient and effective distribution of funds. Expected outcomes include a stabilized small business sector and a stronger nonprofit presence in Chicago, both equipped to navigate future economic challenges. Measurable results would likely involve tracking the number of businesses and nonprofits served, jobs retained or created, and the overall economic recovery indicators within the city. While the specific foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are not explicitly detailed here, the underlying theory is that direct financial support to these entities will lead to broader economic stability and community well-being.

This program provides funding to support community events that promote cultural and economic development in Lawrence, Kansas, enhancing the city's unique identity.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community projects in Pajaro, California, aimed at enhancing emergency preparedness, social services, economic development, healthcare access, language services, and community beautification for local residents.

The 2024 Beautification Awards, offered by the City of Livermore, aim to enhance and increase the aesthetic attraction of Livermore. This program is designed to recognize community members' efforts in promoting creativity, community pride, and economic vitality through improvements to their properties. The awards align with the city's broader mission of fostering a visually appealing and vibrant community. The target beneficiaries of this program are property owners within the corporate limits of the City of Livermore who undertake projects to improve their outdoor spaces. The impact goals include beautifying the city, encouraging community engagement in local aesthetics, and boosting local economic vitality through enhanced visual appeal. The program implicitly promotes a theory of change where local beautification efforts directly lead to increased community pride and economic benefits. The program prioritizes various types of projects, including residential site improvements, retail or commercial upgrades, water-wise or native plant landscapes, historical renovations, and other structural renovations, restorations, and new builds with noteworthy landscape design. Projects must be visible from a public street or trail, have the consent of the owner, and not have won in the previous five years. Self-nominations are encouraged. Award selection criteria focus on how a project visually enhances the property, how the home or business incorporates design, maintenance, color, organization, and creativity to complement and enrich the visual appeal of the existing community, and how the structure, architectural design, and landscaping are combined for maximum visual effect. The expected outcomes are a more aesthetically pleasing Livermore and increased community pride, with measurable results being the number and quality of beautification projects undertaken and recognized.