Private Business and Commerce Grants

Overview: The Google for Startups Ukraine Support Fund aims to provide equity-free cash awards and Google support to assist Ukraine-based startups in sustaining and expanding their businesses, fortifying their community, and establishing a foundation for post-war economic recuperation. Background: Ukraine boasts a robust and dynamic startup ecosystem. However, the nation's economy and its enterprises confront formidable challenges. Startups often operate transnationally, with teams in both Ukraine and neighboring nations, to ensure liquidity, sustain operations, and attract further investment. Google for Startups recognizes the importance of bolstering these endeavors. Funding Details: An initial $5 million fund was allocated in 2022. A subsequent fund of $10 million has been earmarked for 2024 and 2025. Selected startups will be announced on a rolling basis. Each chosen startup will receive up to $100,000 in non-dilutive funding. Ongoing Google mentorship and product support will be provided. Up to $350,000 in Cloud credits will be made available. Purpose: The fund is intended to empower Ukrainian entrepreneurs in sustaining and expanding their ventures amidst the current crisis. It seeks to support startups in maintaining growth trajectories, resuming operations, or pivoting products or operations impacted by the war and ongoing crisis. Entry Criteria: Must have at least one entity registered in Ukraine. Should be at the post-MVP stage with demonstrated traction (product launched, pilots, early revenue). Companies leveraging AI and possessing a social impact mission will receive priority. Founders intending to utilize the non-dilutive cash award for growth continuation, business resumption, or product/operation pivot due to war-induced challenges are encouraged to apply. Deadline June 5th, 2024

This grant provides financial support and educational resources to diverse-led businesses in Illinois, helping them grow and create new jobs.

The Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) is offering a second round of Digital Towns Grant funding to implement strategies that improve digital equity and inclusion across the Indiana Uplands. The program aligns with ROI's mission to advance a more digitally inclusive region by integrating digital information and communication into all aspects of communities. This grant is designed to support projects and programs that ensure Uplands citizens can fully participate in a digital society, going beyond just broadband expansion to include access to affordable internet, reliable devices, and sufficient digital skills and literacy. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are Uplands communities and organizations within the 11-county Indiana Uplands region, including incorporated cities and towns, county commissions and councils, libraries, nonprofits, public education institutions, faith-based organizations, Main Street organizations, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations with an affiliated 501(c)3, and organizations/programs that help businesses/entrepreneurs. The impact goal is to increase the digital capabilities of the region, ensuring everyone has the resources and skills to prosper in the digital age. The program focuses on three main themes: Digital Citizens, Digital Public Services, and Digital Business. Digital Citizens aims to help households connect to the internet, access devices, and grow competence in using digital technologies for internet services, e-commerce, educational opportunities, digital public services, and healthcare. Digital Public Services supports collaborations between local government, nonprofits, and healthcare to provide access to online information, services, and telehealth. Digital Business partners with businesses and entrepreneurs to maximize opportunities in the digital economy. Expected outcomes include financially supported projects that align with the Indiana Uplands Digital Inclusion Plan, leading to a more digitally inclusive region. Measurable results will be seen in increased access to affordable internet, reliable devices, and improved digital skills and literacy among citizens, as well as enhanced e-commerce opportunities for local businesses and improved access to digital public and healthcare services. ROI's strategic priority is to advance regional digital capabilities through funding for professional services, training, digital products, equipment/hardware, and other services that promote digital inclusion and prosperity. Applicants can receive between $5,000 and $50,000, with regional scope projects eligible for up to $75,000.

This grant provides funding to North Dakota organizations for tailored workforce initiatives that address regional employment challenges, including talent attraction, retention, and infrastructure investments.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to arts organizations of color in New England with annual expenses under $500,000, helping them sustain and expand their cultural programming and community engagement.

This program provides funding for community-driven projects that improve the Schenk-Atwood-Starkweather-Yahara neighborhood in Madison, Wisconsin, with a focus on diversity, inclusivity, and positive social impact.

This grant provides funding to South Carolina municipalities, litter control organizations, and community groups for litter removal projects, especially in areas that are challenging for volunteers to access safely.

This program provides training and financial support to early-stage entrepreneurs in Minnesota who are dedicated to creating socially impactful and sustainable businesses.

The Washington State Department of Commerce is launching an accelerated cohort of its Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program (ICAP 2.5). This initiative is an economic development strategy designed to bolster industry ecosystems and stimulate economic growth across the state. The program aims to assist organizations in expanding cluster operations, fostering innovation in key sectors, and drawing in talent and capital. While not explicitly detailed as a "foundation mission alignment," the program's objectives clearly align with broader state economic development goals, serving as a strategic framework to enhance Washington's competitive advantage in global industry sectors. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are industry-led consortia/clusters that demonstrate a commitment to building successful clusters. These consortia must include academic membership, evidenced by a letter of commitment from a major university or community college within Washington State. Furthermore, eligible clusters must demonstrate over $500,000 in investment, which can include prospective federal funding. The program prioritizes clusters that are truly industry-led, ensuring that funding supports initiatives with strong private sector engagement and a clear path to market-driven innovation and growth. The program's priorities and focus areas are multifaceted, designed to strengthen Washington's economic landscape. Key goals include establishing Washington as a global leader in critical industry sectors, supporting technology transfer and commercialization, accelerating the growth of new start-ups and scale-ups, and expanding existing businesses. A significant focus is placed on creating high-value jobs across Washington, increasing export opportunities, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in both business ownership and the workforce. These priorities underscore a comprehensive approach to economic development that values innovation, job creation, and equitable growth. Expected outcomes and measurable results are integral to the ICAP 2.5. COMMERCE intends to award no more than 10 applications, with individual grants ranging from $50,000 to $150,000. The project period is tentatively set to commence around September 1, 2024, and conclude by December 31, 2024, indicating a short, high-impact performance window. The success of the program will be measured by its ability to drive cluster operations, innovation in key sectors, and the attraction of talent and capital, all contributing to the overarching goal of accelerating economic development and strengthening industry ecosystems. While a formal "theory of change" is not explicitly stated, the program's design implicitly operates on the theory that targeted investment in industry-led consortia will foster innovation, create high-value jobs, and ultimately establish Washington as a leader in key industry sectors, thereby increasing economic prosperity and global competitiveness.

This program honors outstanding leaders of small businesses in the Denver metro area who have demonstrated innovation, resilience, and community impact, recognizing their achievements through awards and media exposure.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government units in Muscatine County, Iowa, to support projects that improve community quality of life through measurable outcomes and collaboration.

This initiative provides financial support and resources to women entrepreneurs running small businesses, helping them navigate transitions and achieve sustainable success without compromising their well-being.

This funding opportunity supports initiatives that promote economic mobility and wealth creation for communities of color and low-income individuals in California, focusing on workforce development for formerly incarcerated individuals and strengthening small businesses through culturally-effective support.

This funding program provides financial support to Black- and Latinx-owned small businesses in Forsyth County, North Carolina, to help them succeed, retain jobs, and create new employment opportunities.

This program provides financial support to nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations worldwide that are developing innovative solutions to critical social issues, particularly for underserved communities.

This initiative provides funding and resources to early-stage, technology-focused startups from the U.S. and abroad that are willing to relocate to Kansas City, Missouri, to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.

This grant provides funding to arts organizations in Chicago and Cook County to help them adapt and innovate their operations and practices, with a focus on supporting BIPOC-led initiatives and fostering long-term sustainability.

This program provides $50,000 grants to small, independently owned historic restaurants across the U.S. to help them sustain operations and preserve their cultural significance in the community.

This grant provides financial support and resources to female entrepreneurs in the U.S. who are running socially impactful businesses and need assistance to grow and sustain their ventures.

This grant provides financial support and mentorship to early-stage cleantech entrepreneurs in the Midwest who are developing innovative solutions to promote economic growth and environmental sustainability.