Private Business and Commerce Grants

The Vermont Community Foundation's grant program seeks proposals from Vermont villages, towns, and cities to close the opportunity gap by fostering inclusion and belonging for people of all races and backgrounds. This initiative aligns with the Foundation's mission to support local governments in removing structural barriers and building a more inclusive and diverse state. Developed in collaboration with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns and Vermont’s Office of Racial Equity, the program primarily supports communities participating in the IDEAL (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Action, and Leadership) Vermont program, though limited grants are also available for non-participating communities. The target beneficiaries of this program are all people within Vermont communities, particularly those who may feel excluded, discriminated against, or fear visiting, living, or conducting business due to a reputation for exclusion, intolerance, or bias. The program specifically aims to benefit Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals by ensuring they feel safe and supported, thereby enabling their recruitment and leadership in businesses and local governing bodies. The overall impact goal is to cultivate communities where all residents feel connected and safe, regardless of their background or how long they have resided there. The program prioritizes a range of activities designed to meet locally defined community needs. These include funding for consultant-led work, such as introductory and implicit bias trainings, equity assessments, planning efforts, and reviews of hiring practices. Additionally, the program focuses on supporting community-wide conversations, the creation and work of municipal equity committees, and providing stipends for community members to ensure their involvement is appropriately compensated (e.g., for time off work, childcare, or transportation). This flexible approach acknowledges that communities are at different stages in their equity journey and require varied support. Expected outcomes include a reduction in feelings of fear or exclusion within communities, increased recruitment and leadership of BIPOC individuals in local businesses and governance, and enhanced capacity for educators, students, local leaders, and families to address discrimination and bias effectively. Measurable results will stem from the progress municipalities make in their learning and actions related to equity and inclusion. While not explicitly detailing a 'theory of change,' the Foundation's strategic priority is clearly to empower local governments as leaders in fostering a more equitable and inclusive Vermont by providing resources that facilitate ongoing progress rather than expecting a single project to resolve all challenges.

The Alexandria Area Community Foundation (AACF) offers grants to support health and wellness within the Alexandria area, with a particular emphasis on addressing the health needs of individuals experiencing poverty. This initiative aligns directly with the AACF's mission to foster a healthier community by providing essential resources and support where it is most needed. The grants aim to create a tangible, positive impact on the well-being of residents, especially those who are vulnerable. The grant program targets residents within Douglas County, focusing on individuals who are underserved or experiencing poverty. The overarching impact goal is to improve overall health and wellness in the community. This includes providing health education to prevent disease, supporting food and nutrition education, and helping isolated individuals build social connections to combat the negative health effects of loneliness. The AACF prioritizes grant proposals that demonstrate innovative solutions to community challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. They also favor projects that build or support collaborative efforts among various community partners, including other nonprofits, government entities, businesses, and citizen groups. Sustainable positive impact, the building of social capital across diverse community segments, and highly visible projects that inspire additional investment are also key focuses. Furthermore, projects that support diversity, equity, and inclusion are highly regarded. Expected outcomes include a reduction in preventable diseases through increased health education, improved nutritional health within the community, and enhanced social connections for isolated individuals. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the focus on health education, nutrition support, and social connection building implies a theory of change where targeted interventions lead to improved community health indicators and stronger social fabric. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly centered on fostering a connected, healthy, and equitable community through collaborative and impactful initiatives.

The Washington State Department of Commerce is offering a Request for Applications (RFA) for its Low-Income Home Rehabilitation Grant Program. This program aims to provide grant funding to qualified entities for home repair services. The core mission of this grant is to address critical health, safety, and durability issues within existing housing for low-income households, particularly those located in rural areas of Washington State. This initiative directly aligns with broader strategic priorities focused on improving housing stability and quality of life for vulnerable populations within the state. The target beneficiaries for this program are low-income households residing permanently in single-family residential structures. A strong emphasis is placed on providing priority services to specific groups, including senior citizens, people with disabilities, families with children five years old and younger, and veterans. The primary impact goal is to enhance the living conditions and safety of these residents by addressing essential home repair and improvement needs, thereby promoting a healthier and more secure home environment. The program prioritizes entities capable of delivering comprehensive home repair services. Eligible applicants include rehabilitation agencies, approved Commerce grantees, Tribal Nations, Public Service Companies, Municipalities, Public Utility Districts, Mutual or Cooperatives, and other approved entities responsible for rehabilitating residences. Key focuses for applicants include being licensed to do business in Washington (or committing to become licensed), and possessing at least two years of experience in home renovation-related programs (such as housing rehabilitation and/or weatherization) as well as two years of experience in providing services through low-income home repair programs within the last five years. Expected outcomes include the successful rehabilitation and improvement of numerous low-income homes, leading to enhanced health, safety, and durability for residents. Measurable results will likely center on the number of households served, the types of repairs completed, and the improvements in living conditions for priority populations. The grant duration for successful applicants is approximately nine months, from November 1, 2024, to July 30, 2025, with a maximum grant amount of $500,000 per applicant, demonstrating a commitment to tangible and timely improvements.

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is offering the Local Soil Health Workshop Grant, a reimbursement-based program designed to enhance soil health education and practices among Utah's agricultural producers and professionals. This grant aligns with a mission to expand localized knowledge of soil health principles and practices, ultimately fostering a more regenerative and sustainable agricultural landscape within the state. The program's core objective is to facilitate the hosting of local workshops and conferences focused on soil health throughout the 2025 calendar year, providing a direct avenue for education and community building. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are Utah agricultural producers and professionals, along with conservation districts that will host the educational events. The impact goals include increasing opportunities for these individuals to learn about regenerative farming practices and building robust local networks of soil health-focused individuals. The grant prioritizes educational and outreach events that deliver community-sized learning, supporting both expert speakers and local soil practitioner presenters. It also aims to provide a support network for producers and increase the implementation of soil health practices through knowledge sharing, including field days and demonstration events. Expected outcomes include a significant expansion of localized knowledge regarding soil health principles and practices across Utah. Measurable results will stem from the number and quality of workshops and conferences held, the engagement of participants, and the subsequent adoption of soil health practices. The program explicitly aims to provide resources to cover expenses for events, enabling the engagement of expert speakers, payment for local practitioners, and essential supplies and advertisements, all contributing to high-quality educational experiences. The UDAF's strategic priorities are evident in the grant's focus on community-level education and the emphasis on building local networks. The theory of change appears to be that by providing financial resources to host accessible and high-quality local soil health events, UDAF can directly empower agricultural communities to gain knowledge, share experiences, and ultimately implement more sustainable practices. This, in turn, is expected to lead to improved soil health across the state, benefiting both the environment and the long-term viability of Utah agriculture. The grant cycle has a total funding of $30,000, with individual awards ranging from $1,500 to $10,000, ensuring broad reach and impact across various initiatives.

This grant provides $50,000 to diverse-led small businesses in Pennsylvania and New Jersey that meet specific criteria, aiming to support underrepresented entrepreneurs in creating new jobs and fostering business growth.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and public entities focused on improving economic security, educational success, and health outcomes through program development, capacity building, and advocacy efforts.

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

This grant provides financial support and resources to women entrepreneurs in Hawaii, particularly those from Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, or Asian backgrounds, to help grow their early-stage businesses.

This grant provides funding to cities, counties, and public utility districts in Washington to improve water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure for affordable housing projects that include at least 25% affordable units.

The Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) offers the Ignite Grant, a program designed to foster the growth and profitability of women-owned small businesses in Connecticut. This initiative directly aligns with the WBDC's mission to support women entrepreneurs by providing crucial financial resources. The grants, ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, are specifically for clearly defined projects that demonstrate a measurable impact on business expansion. The target beneficiaries of the Ignite Grant are women-owned businesses that are at least 51% woman-owned, headquartered in Connecticut, registered in the state, and owned by a Connecticut resident who is at least 18 years old. These businesses must have been operating for at least two years with a record of sales, possess annual sales/revenue between $25,000 and $2,000,000 in the last twelve months, and be in good standing with the CT Department of Revenue Services. They must also have an established business checking account and utilize a formal, digital bookkeeping/financial system. The program explicitly aims to support for-profit businesses. The WBDC prioritizes projects that will have a demonstrable impact on business growth and profitability, encouraging recipients to invest at least $2,500 into their business in the last 12 months, unless located in a distressed municipality. Certain businesses are ineligible, including childcare businesses (though other WBDC programs may apply to them), non-profit organizations, current WBDC vendors, and businesses that have previously received an Ignite, Equity Match, or WBDC Municipal Grant. Additionally, businesses in industries such as medical marijuana, liquor sales, adult entertainment, vape/tobacco, gambling, gun sales, and various financial services or "going-out-of-business" sales are excluded. The expected outcomes of the Ignite Grant are the measurable growth and increased profitability of recipient businesses. By providing capital for specific projects, the WBDC aims to empower women entrepreneurs to expand their operations, create jobs, and contribute to the economic vitality of Connecticut. The program's theory of change posits that by strategically investing in well-defined projects within eligible women-owned businesses, the WBDC can directly facilitate sustainable business development and economic empowerment for women in the state.

This funding initiative provides microgrants to underrepresented artists and makers in Frederick County, Maryland, to support revenue-generating projects that enhance their marketing and online presence.

This funding opportunity supports community-based arts projects and the creation of original work by local artists in Westchester and Rockland Counties, focusing on inclusivity and access for underrepresented communities.

This funding opportunity provides $50,000 to support diverse-led businesses in Southern California, helping them create new premium wage jobs while offering business development resources.

The BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program, presented in collaboration with Deloitte, aims to support the advancement of women-owned businesses. This program is an extension of BMO's long-standing commitment to recognizing the achievements and contributions of women, a tradition that has celebrated over 240 women since 2012 through the BMO Celebrating Women Program. The grant initiative was specifically created in 2020 to continue supporting women during the pandemic when in-person celebrations were canceled, demonstrating BMO's dedication to providing financial aid and fostering growth for women entrepreneurs, aligning with its purpose to "Boldly Grow the Good in Business and in Life." The primary target beneficiaries are women-owned businesses operating in the U.S. that meet specific eligibility criteria. These businesses must be at least 51% owned or controlled by women, currently active and operating legally, and have a physical location in one of the selected states. They must also be for-profit with annual revenues of $5 million USD or less and have been in operation selling a product or service for at least two years as of April 1, 2024. The program's impact goal is to provide an additional source of financial aid to these businesses, thereby promoting their growth and resilience. The program prioritizes supporting business growth, welcoming applications that detail high-level plans for new products/services or expansion into new markets. BMO is offering fifteen $10,000 grants, aiming to directly inject capital into these businesses to fuel their development. This focus on financial support underscores the program's theory of change, which posits that direct funding can empower women-owned businesses to achieve their growth objectives, contribute to economic development, and overcome financial challenges, especially those exacerbated by events like the pandemic. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of business growth plans by the grant recipients, leading to sustained or increased operational capacity and market presence. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the utilization of the $10,000 grants for specific growth initiatives. While the grant duration is not explicitly mentioned, the immediate financial aid is designed to produce tangible improvements in the short to medium term. The program reflects BMO's strategic priority of fostering diversity and inclusion within the business landscape by actively investing in women entrepreneurs.

The Latino Restaurant Association's Helping Latino Restaurant Owners Thrive Grant Program aims to support Latino-owned restaurants. This initiative aligns with the association's broader mission to provide resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for Latino-owned restaurants to succeed and grow. The program specifically targets business growth and sustainability within the Latino restaurant community, reflecting the association's commitment to fostering economic development and cultural preservation through culinary entrepreneurship. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are restaurant owners of Latino heritage who have made significant contributions to the Latino community. The program intends to assist 35 restaurants located in South Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties in California. The impact goals include providing financial relief and development opportunities, with a specific focus on supporting smaller businesses, as eligibility criteria limit applicants to those owning three or fewer restaurants, each making less than $1 million per year, and having been in business for more than three years. The program prioritizes businesses that are current customers of SoCalGas and located within the specified counties. The grant size ranges from $1,000 to $10,000, with an immediate offer of a $2,500 grant for eligible applicants. This financial support is designed to address immediate operational needs and facilitate long-term stability. The grant documentation requires a W9 form, official photo ID, annual reports or taxes for the last three years, and a current SoCal Gas Commercial Bill, ensuring accountability and verification of eligibility. Expected outcomes include enhanced business operations through the use of funds for kitchen equipment, technology upgrades, and employee training and bonuses. Applicants are required to detail how the funding would impact their business and community, and how they plan to sustain the received funds, encouraging thoughtful and strategic utilization. While the "Grant Duration" is not explicitly mentioned, the focus is on immediate impact and fostering long-term sustainability, demonstrating the association's strategic priority to empower Latino restaurant owners and contribute to the economic vitality of their communities.

Glendale Pandemic Response Small Business Assistance Program in Arizona offers grants for working capital, including payroll, lease payments, business loan payments, utilities, and inventory. The program also provides access to high-quality webinars and workshops in English and Spanish, offering practical tips for small businesses to improve their economic position, recover from interruptions/closures, and mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses in historic downtowns affected by recent natural disasters, helping them recover and thrive.

The UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge, powered by Innovation Works and funded by the BNY Mellon Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania, is an annual competition designed to foster entrepreneurship with a lasting community impact in Southwestern Pennsylvania. This initiative creates cross-sector partnerships to tackle pressing community problems, aligning with a broader mission to promote social innovation through investment, grants, and educational assistance. Since its inception in 2015, the UpPrize Challenge has allocated over $3.1 million to local nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and other participants, demonstrating a commitment to empowering community-driven solutions. The primary beneficiaries of this challenge are nonprofits, businesses, and individuals who are based in and whose startup's impact is within one of the following Pennsylvania counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, or Westmoreland. The program specifically targets those who are 18 years or older and have not received $50,000 or more in previous UpPrize cycles. The core impact goal is to launch or expand startups that leverage technology to address social inequities, thereby creating a meaningful and lasting community impact in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The program's priorities and focus areas revolve around technology-driven solutions to social inequities. This is evidenced by the prize structure, which offers combined prize monies and accelerator assistance to the top three finalists to facilitate the launch or expansion of such startups. The challenge encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in areas that can demonstrate tangible benefits to the community through the application of new technologies and creative problem-solving. Expected outcomes include the successful launch or expansion of promising startups, leading to measurable improvements in social equity within the targeted counties. The challenge's structure, which awards significant prize money ($125,000 for first place, $100,000 for second, and $75,000 for third), incentivizes the development of impactful solutions. These investments are intended to translate into direct community benefits, fostering a more equitable and innovative environment in Southwestern Pennsylvania through the practical application of entrepreneurial endeavors.