Private Business and Commerce Grants

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 micro-grants to women entrepreneurs in the U.S. to help them overcome business challenges and promote personal well-being while fostering sustainable growth.

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 initiative provides financial support to women-owned businesses in the U.S. consumer packaged goods sector that are led by Black and BIPOC entrepreneurs, helping them overcome barriers to growth and sustainability.

This initiative provides $500 to support African and Caribbean women engaged in entrepreneurship, nonprofit leadership, or creative projects, fostering community empowerment and cultural expression.

This program provides financial support to Black- and Latinx-owned small businesses in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, North Carolina, to help them grow and sustain their operations.

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 funding opportunity provides financial assistance to U.S. farmers and ranchers, particularly beginning, limited-resource, and veteran producers, to enhance farm viability and implement sustainable agricultural practices.

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 funding opportunity provides general operating support to local nonprofit organizations in Western Massachusetts that focus on racial justice, education, arts, and community resilience, particularly those led by BIPOC individuals and serving underrepresented communities.

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.

This funding opportunity provides $20,000 and mentorship to creative entrepreneurs in the U.S. who are making a positive cultural and economic impact in their local communities.

This grant provides funding for projects that promote historic preservation, community development, and the arts in Wheeling, West Virginia, supporting individuals, businesses, and organizations working to enhance the city's cultural and historical identity.

This grant provides funding to Black-led and Black-serving organizations in Appalachian Ohio to support community-driven projects that promote equity and empower African American communities across various sectors.