California Business and Commerce Grants

This funding opportunity provides up to $30 million for projects that develop publicly accessible hydrogen refueling and charging infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles in disadvantaged and low-income communities along key highway corridors in California.

The Kern Community Foundation's Women’s and Girls’ Fund is offering grants between $10,000 to $100,000 for one year to 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Kern County, California, that aim to enhance educational attainment and STEM interest for women and girls, with a focus on improving test scores, literacy, graduation rates, and vocational training opportunities.

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses in Malibu that have experienced economic hardship due to recent natural disasters, helping them cover essential operational costs for recovery.

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses and nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles County that were significantly affected by the Eaton and Palisades wildfires, helping them recover and rebuild.

The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is launching the Commercial Acquisition Fund (CAF) to provide grants to qualifying nonprofit organizations. This program aims to support the acquisition of vacant or abandoned land and buildings in communities severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The DEO's mission, through the CAF, aligns with revitalizing economically distressed areas and fostering community resilience by empowering local nonprofit entities to drive economic recovery and development. The target beneficiaries of the CAF are communities in Los Angeles County identified as "highest and high need areas" based on the County’s COVID-19 Vulnerability and Recovery Index in the Equity Explorer Tool. The program prioritizes addressing the negative impacts of the pandemic by facilitating the conversion of underutilized commercial properties into assets that can serve community needs. The impact goal is to stimulate economic activity, improve local infrastructure, and create opportunities for growth in these vulnerable regions. The CAF focuses on the acquisition of vacant or abandoned commercial properties. The program is funded by $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, demonstrating a strategic priority to leverage federal resources for local recovery efforts. Grants will be awarded as recoverable funds, ranging from $500,000 to $2,000,000, indicating a significant investment in each project to ensure substantial impact. The expected outcomes include the successful acquisition and redevelopment of commercial properties, leading to job creation, increased access to essential services, and enhanced community well-being. Measurable results will be tied to the number of properties acquired, the economic benefits generated in the target areas, and the overall improvement in the COVID-19 Vulnerability and Recovery Index. The DEO’s theory of change posits that by empowering qualified nonprofit organizations to acquire and redevelop commercial properties, it can directly address economic disparities and foster sustainable recovery in the communities most affected by the pandemic.

This program provides funding to four designated initiatives to support dairy businesses in developing, marketing, and distributing innovative dairy products while enhancing regional resilience and farmer income.

The MORE program was established to replace the state's underutilized Mobilehome Park Rehabilitation and Resident Ownership Program (MPPROP). Under the new MORE Program, the types of eligible applicants were expanded to include local public entities, qualified nonprofit housing sponsors and in some cases private MobilehomePark owners. The changes to this section of the HSC also allow for Mobilehome Parks that do not have a permit to operate or whose permit has been suspended to utilize MORE program funds. Key policy goals of the MORE program captured in the guidelines include:-Rehabilitation of Mobilehome Parks that have the most severe health and safety concerns;-Providing funding for the rehabilitation and/or replacement of individualMobilehomes;-The creation of Affordability Restrictions for assisted Mobilehome Parks.

This funding initiative provides $5,000 to support independent animation worker cooperatives in California that focus on creating inclusive stories and promoting equity in the creative industry.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, Tribal entities, nonprofits, and for-profit businesses to improve glass recycling by purchasing collection bins and facilitating the processing of empty glass beverage containers.

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The City of Sacramento Office of Innovation and Economic Development is offering Incubator and Accelerator Grants to fund organizations that support start-up businesses and entrepreneurs in the Sacramento region. The program's mission aligns with stimulating economic development and fostering innovation by nurturing early-stage businesses. The grant size ranges from $10,000 to $100,000, with a total allocation of approximately $500,000, and a grant duration of one year. The deadline for applications is September 9, 2024. The target beneficiaries are early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs within the Sacramento region, particularly those with high growth potential and innovative solutions. The primary impact goal is for participants of the funded incubator and accelerator programs to successfully start or grow their businesses, thereby spurring innovation and stimulating economic development locally. Non-profits and companies are invited to apply for funding to run these programs. The grant prioritizes programs that offer a comprehensive suite of services, including mentorship and coaching from experienced professionals, educational workshops on business planning and financial management, product development support, and legal and administrative assistance. Furthermore, programs should focus on marketing and branding support, strategic partnerships, and facilitating access to funding through pitch training and investor introductions. Access to shared office space is also a valuable component. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of new businesses started and existing businesses grown within the Sacramento region. The program aims to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, leading to job creation and economic prosperity. The City's strategic priority is to invest in initiatives that directly contribute to innovation and economic growth, with the theory of change being that by supporting early-stage businesses through comprehensive programs, they will be better equipped to succeed and contribute to the local economy. Eligible activities for grant expenditures are broad, covering program development and delivery, staff salaries, stipends for volunteers and participants, training supplies, office space, marketing, and even food for participants (up to 5% of the grant total). Scholarships for program participants, software subscription fees, and professional services are also permissible. Applicants must operate from a fixed place of business within Sacramento city limits, or provide grant-supported programming within the city, and be in compliance with current and past City grants.

The Zoo Labs: FUND, administered in partnership with the Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI), is a funding and investment initiative designed to support Bay Area entrepreneurs who are launching or growing businesses centered around music. With a strong emphasis on culturally-rooted artist teams, the program offers unrestricted funding to music ventures that align with values of cultural preservation, innovation, economic empowerment, and community enrichment. In 2025, the FUND will distribute a total of $230,000 in grants, prioritizing artist teams that face barriers to accessing capital and are committed to contributing to the Bay Area's creative ecosystem. Zoo Labs: FUND provides grants in four tiers: $5,000, $15,000, $25,000, and $50,000, with award size contingent upon the team’s business development stage. Eligibility requires applicant teams of at least two individuals, including one culturally-rooted artist, who all reside full-time in specified Bay Area counties. Teams may include various roles such as content creators, producers, engineers, and advisors, and must be operating a music-centered business, whether as a nonprofit, sole proprietorship, or for-profit organization. Prior grantees may reapply if they meet reporting and mentorship obligations from previous awards. Applicants must complete an online submission through CCI’s Submittable platform between May 19 and July 7, 2025. Required materials include a team pitch video, business matrix, one work sample, and a budget with notes. Applications are assessed based on the strength of the team, artistry and craft, entrepreneurship, and internal and external community impact. An independent panel reflecting diverse backgrounds will review the materials and recommend grantees. The notification of awards is scheduled for September 8, 2025. In addition to receiving financial support, awardees gain access to mentorship opportunities through Zoo Labs: LEARN. These include on-demand courses, virtual networking sessions, and for higher-tier recipients, a strategy session with Zoo Labs Co-Founder Vinitha Watson. All grantees must attend a virtual orientation on October 15, 2025, and participate in at least one one-on-one business mentorship session. Recipients of $25,000 or $50,000 grants are also invited to serve as voluntary mentors to future applicants. The grant supports activities from September 2025 through September 2026. For assistance, applicants can contact CCI via email at grants@cciarts.org or phone at 415.288.0530. Additional technical support is available through Submittable. Information sessions and office hours are scheduled throughout June and early July to assist prospective applicants in preparing strong submissions. All applicants are encouraged to review the guidelines, FAQs, and application preview before seeking support. The Zoo Labs: FUND is made possible with support from Vinitha and David Watson and individual donors. Contributions are welcomed to expand the program’s reach. The FUND continues to invest in artistic legacies that reflect the diversity, resilience, and creativity of Bay Area communities.

The non-Entitlement competitive grant program component prioritizes assistance to persons experiencing or At risk of homelessness and investments that increase the supply of housing to households with incomes of 60 percent or less of area median income. A. Eligible Applicants. An Applicant must be a Non-Entitlement Local Government. A Non-Entitlement Local Government means a Local Government in an area which is not a metropolitan city or part of an urban county, a Local Government that, as of September 1, 2017, was an incorporated city with a population of less than 50,000 or a county with an unincorporated area population of less than 200,000 persons, which had not entered into a three-year Urban County Cooperation Agreement, or a Local Government that was not otherwise entitled to receive CDBG funds directly from HUD. See Appendix A for a list of eligible Applicants for Non-Entitlement Local Government for fiscal year 2019-20. For applications that include the development of a Rental Housing project, the Sponsor must be a co-Applicant with the Non-Entitlement Local Government, pursuant to Guidelines Section 400. Sponsor includes the general partner(s); if there are two general partners, both must submit all the required co-Applicant documents. B. Eligible Activities. Pursuant to Guidelines Section 401, eligible activities under this PLHA competitive NOFA are limited to the following and must take place within the jurisdiction of the Applicant Local Government: 1. Development of new multifamily rental housing that is Affordable to households at or below 60 percent of AMI or substantial rehabilitation of multifamily rental housing that will be Affordable to households at or below 60 percent of AMI, but which is not currently restricted as Affordable housing. In order to be eligible as “substantial rehabilitation”, a project must complete a minimum of $40,000 per unit in hard construction costs; or 2. Assistance to persons who are experiencing or At risk of homelessness, including, but not limited to, through rapid rehousing, or rental assistance, supportive services and case management services that allow people to obtain and retain housing, operating and capital costs for navigation centers, or new construction, rehabilitation, or preservation of permanent or transitional rental housing C. Funding Limits The maximum application amount, including administrative costs, for the development of new multifamily rental housing or substantial rehabilitation of a multifamily rental housing project, or development of a navigation center is $3 million. The minimum application amount shall be $500,000.  

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.

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 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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations for repairing, replacing, and installing electric vehicle charging ports in California to improve the reliability and accessibility of the state's EV charging infrastructure.

The "Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program," launched by the City of Long Beach, is an initiative designed to enhance the success and sustainability of small businesses. While the description doesn't explicitly detail a "foundation mission alignment," the program itself aligns with the broader civic mission of economic development and community prosperity. By empowering local entrepreneurs, the City of Long Beach aims to strengthen its local economy and foster a vibrant business environment, thereby contributing to the overall well-being of its residents and community. The program targets small businesses located and operating within Long Beach, California, with a storefront accessible to the public. Eligible businesses must have been in operation for a minimum of three years as of April 23, 2024, be independently-owned for-profit entities (including sole proprietorships, LLCs, or Corporations that are not publicly traded), or 501(c)3 nonprofits. They must hold an active or delinquent City of Long Beach business license, be currently open and active, and earn no more than $5 million in annual gross revenue. Corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships must have an "ACTIVE" status with the California Secretary of State. The program excludes businesses without a physical location, permanently closed businesses, government entities, political/lobbying activities, passive businesses, religious organizations, financial lending businesses, landlords/property managers (unless repairing on behalf of a small business), illegal activities, socially undesirable activities (e.g., check cashing), businesses with active code enforcement/COVID-19 Health Order violations, and cannabis-related businesses. The program's priorities and focuses include igniting growth and fostering excellence among Long Beach's small businesses. Through no-cost training sessions, participants will receive comprehensive support in strategic business planning, marketing, branding, social media optimization, access to capital, government procurement, permitting/licensing, merchandising, networking, biz-to-biz mentorship, talent recruitment, and personalized business counseling. A selection committee will determine program participants and grant awards based on representation across all parts of the city (with priority for low-to-moderate income areas), representation across multiple sectors, and business readiness and potential impact of program participation. Expected outcomes and measurable results include participants becoming eligible to apply for $10,000 grants upon completion of the program, which are intended to empower them to expand their business capacity and enhance resilience. The City’s Economic Development Department will select a group of 25 small businesses for this exclusive opportunity. The focus on comprehensive workshops and subsequent grant eligibility directly aims to translate the acquired knowledge and resources into tangible business expansion and increased sustainability. While specific quantitative metrics for growth and resilience are not detailed, the program's structure implies that the successful utilization of the grants and learned strategies will be key indicators of impact.