Local Business and Commerce Grants

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 events and activities that attract tourists to Friday Harbor, with a focus on off-season initiatives, and is open to both nonprofit and for-profit organizations, public agencies, and individuals.

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 New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS), through its Division of Aging Services (DoAS), is offering Age-Friendly grants to local government and nonprofit entities. This program aligns with the state's mission to support the health and wellbeing of older New Jerseyans by fostering age-friendly initiatives and implementing recommendations from the New Jersey Age-Friendly Blueprint. The core mission is to strengthen communities by providing funding for organizations to assess, plan, and develop initiatives that support the health and wellbeing of older adults. The program seeks to advance efforts that lead to tangible and sustainable transformations in policies, systems, and environmental conditions across the state. The target beneficiaries of the Age-Friendly Grants Program are older adults throughout New Jersey. The program aims to improve their health, wellbeing, satisfaction, and quality of life. The impact goals are to create communities that are more livable for older adults by addressing eight age-friendly domains: outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, and community support and health services. This comprehensive approach ensures that various aspects of an older adult's life are considered and improved. The program prioritizes initiatives that promote public, private, and cross-sector partnerships, as well as public policies that address the aforementioned eight age-friendly domains. There are two grant options: Age-Friendly Communities and Age-Friendly Projects. Community Grants focus on broader planning and development, while Project Grants may also include direct services, equipment purchase, and capital improvements. Eligible costs for both grant types include salaries and fringe benefits, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, training, in-state travel, business meeting costs, and translation services. Expected outcomes include enhanced capacity of New Jersey communities to support older adults, with tangible and sustainable transformations in local policies, systems, and environmental conditions. Measurable results will be seen through the implementation of local age-friendly initiatives aligned with the New Jersey Age-Friendly Blueprint. For Age-Friendly Community Grants, up to 57 grants of $70,000 each will be distributed regionally (Northern, Central, Southern New Jersey), totaling $3,990,000. For Age-Friendly Project Grants, up to 10 grants of up to $100,000 each will be awarded, totaling $1,000,000. The grant period runs from December 31, 2024, to June 30, 2026. The program's theory of change is that by empowering local entities with funding and guidance, and by fostering collaborative partnerships, the state can create more supportive and inclusive environments for its aging population, leading to improved quality of life and wellbeing for older New Jerseyans.

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.

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 City of La Verne's Business Assistance Grant Program in California provides eligible businesses with one-time $2,500 grants to support their re-opening, job creation and retention, and provision of quality services to La Verne residents. Recipients can use the grant funds for various purposes, including overhead expenses, rent, utilities, business services like web development to enhance capacity, and essential equipment for ongoing operations.

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.

Grant Opportunity: California: Nevada County Microbusiness Grants Program (Round 2) The Nevada County Microbusiness Grants Program aims to provide relief to microbusinesses and entrepreneurs severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated shutdowns. A total of $107,500 in relief funds will be distributed by Nevada County, with administration and technical assistance provided by Sierra Business Council. Eligible uses of funds include purchasing certified equipment, investing in working capital, obtaining or renewing local permits, paying business debt accrued due to the pandemic, and covering costs resulting from pandemic-related health and safety restrictions or business interruptions. To qualify as a "qualified microbusiness," entities must meet specific criteria related to their physical address within Nevada County, commencement of operations before December 31, 2019, significant impact from the pandemic evidenced by revenue reduction or attestation, annual revenues below $50,000 in 2019, and primary income source for the owner in 2019. For more details and application information, visit the Microbusiness Grants website.

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.

The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP), managed jointly by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), aims to bolster cybersecurity across state, local, and territorial governments, including rural areas. This initiative directly aligns with a foundational mission to safeguard critical infrastructure and enhance the resilience of essential services provided by these governmental entities. By making targeted investments in cybersecurity, the program seeks to mitigate cybersecurity risks and combat threats to information systems, thereby protecting public services and data. The primary beneficiaries of the SLCGP are state, local governments, rural areas, and territories. The program's impact goals are centered on improving the security posture of these governmental agencies, ensuring the continuity and integrity of their services. This is achieved through direct financial assistance and the establishment of robust cybersecurity practices. A key priority is the pass-through requirement, mandating that at least 80 percent of federal funds reach local governments, including those in rural areas, to ensure a broad and equitable distribution of resources. The program's focus areas include addressing existing cybersecurity risks and proactively defending against emerging threats to information systems. CISA contributes subject-matter expertise, defining allowable activities that ensure investments are strategic and effective. FEMA oversees eligibility and grant administration, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks. The emphasis on a certified pass-through process underscores a commitment to direct local impact and accountability in fund utilization. Expected outcomes include a significant reduction in successful cyberattacks against state, local, and territorial government systems, leading to improved data security and service reliability. Measurable results will stem from the effective implementation of cybersecurity enhancements and the documented distribution of funds to local entities. The underlying strategic priority is to create a more secure and resilient governmental infrastructure across the nation, operating under a theory of change where targeted federal investment and collaborative management lead to tangible improvements in cybersecurity capabilities at all levels of government, ultimately benefiting the communities they serve.

This grant provides financial support to businesses in Daggett County for projects that promote economic growth, infrastructure improvements, and business expansion within the area.

This grant supports the purchase of new, more efficient equipment to enhance business operations in Goshen County. It focuses on helping businesses become more productive and competitive by upgrading their operational tools. Technology upgrades and deferred maintenance are not eligible. Applicants must seek multiple bids, preferably from local contractors. Deadlines: Applications due first Friday of November, February, May, August

The City of Frederick's Department of Economic Development has launched a new grant opportunity called “ACCESS GRANTED.” This initiative is designed to support small minority and women-owned businesses, both start-up and established, by providing access to capital for specific projects aimed at scaling their operations. The program aligns with the city's mission to foster a supportive and inclusive business environment, enabling entrepreneurs to achieve their full potential. The primary beneficiaries of the "ACCESS GRANTED" program are small minority and women-owned businesses within The City of Frederick limits. The impact goal is to empower these businesses by providing financial assistance that will facilitate their growth and development. This initiative aims to address the challenges these businesses face in accessing capital, thereby contributing to a more equitable and robust local economy. The program prioritizes small minority and/or women-owned businesses that are physically located within The City of Frederick limits. Eligibility criteria include being a registered for-profit business, being in good standing in the state of Maryland, and having no more than 25 full-time equivalent employees. These criteria ensure that the funding reaches businesses that are genuinely in need of support and are poised for growth within the city. The City of Frederick has earmarked $400,000 for this program, with individual grant sizes ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. The expected outcome is a tangible increase in the capacity and scalability of participating businesses, leading to job creation, economic growth, and enhanced community vibrancy. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the financial allocation, the program's success will likely be evaluated by the number of businesses supported, the scale of projects undertaken, and the overall economic impact on the community.

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.

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 program provides financial support to social equity-licensed cannabis businesses in Cook County to help cover startup and operational costs, prioritizing those in historically marginalized communities.

Grant Opportunity: Wisconsin Community Development Block Grant – Coronavirus (CDBG – CV) is available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Community Development Block Grant program. Eligible applicants must meet the Low-to-Moderate-Income requirement. Please note that businesses located in the City of Racine are not eligible for this grant as the City has received its own allocation directly from HUD.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local businesses and non-profits for community-focused projects that promote public engagement, enhance public spaces, and foster economic growth in Hyattsville.