Ohio Business and Commerce Grants

This funding program provides equity-free grants to local entrepreneurs in the Greater Cincinnati Region, supporting early-stage and revenue-generating businesses in sectors like Retail, Manufacturing, and Tech, with a focus on innovation and community impact.

Main Street Ventures offers Launch Funding to emerging, pre-revenue businesses that have a prototype or product. This grant program aims to support the growth and scaling of businesses within the Greater Cincinnati region, aligning with the foundation's mission to foster economic development and innovation in the area. The funding is specifically designed to cover key direct costs associated with growth projects, rather than general operating expenses, reflecting a strategic priority to provide tangible support for business acceleration. The primary target beneficiaries are business entities (C-Corp, S-Corp, or LLC) with a Federal Tax ID (EIN) located in the Greater Cincinnati region, which includes specific counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Businesses must demonstrate customer demand and strong progression since their founding. The program focuses on specific growth projects that will accelerate business growth, with examples of suitable direct expenses including key equipment, packaging support, and technology product development. This targeted approach ensures that the grant funds directly contribute to measurable business expansion. Special consideration is given to women and minority-owned businesses, as well as businesses that can show matching funds from other sources. This reflects the foundation's strategic priorities to promote inclusivity and leverage additional investment, thereby maximizing the overall impact on the regional economy. The expected outcomes include the scaling of businesses, job creation, and increased economic vitality within the Greater Cincinnati region, with successful applicants demonstrating a clear impact of the grant funds on their business or the region. The Main Street Ventures' theory of change is rooted in providing early-stage, direct financial assistance to promising businesses to help them overcome critical growth hurdles. By focusing on direct costs and specific growth projects, the program aims to create a ripple effect, enabling these businesses to achieve significant milestones that would otherwise be out of reach. The emphasis on local businesses and underrepresented founders further amplifies the foundation's commitment to building a robust and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Greater Cincinnati area. The grant duration of three years allows for sustained support and monitoring of the businesses' progress.

This grant provides funding to municipalities, schools, nonprofits, and local agencies in Cuyahoga County to support projects that reduce waste, promote recycling and composting, and address illegal dumping.

This funding opportunity supports events and projects that boost tourism in Union County, Ohio, targeting both nonprofit and for-profit organizations, as well as municipalities, to enhance the area's appeal and economic impact.

This grant provides financial assistance to commercial property owners in Wooster's Central Business District for renovations that enhance downtown activity and preserve the area's visual appeal.

The 501vc® Investment Fund is seeking to invest $200,000 to $300,000 in early-stage climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest region, focusing on sectors like advanced materials, renewable energy, and agriculture technologies.

This program provides financial support to businesses, nonprofits, and public entities in Ohio for energy efficiency projects that reduce energy costs and emissions while creating or retaining jobs.

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.

The Ohio Meat Processing Grant Program, initially established by House Bill 110 of the 134th Ohio General Assembly and further funded by House Bill 33 of the 135th General Assembly, is designed to support Ohio livestock and poultry producers. This program offers grants up to $500,000 to assist in the improvement and expansion of meat harvesting/processing services. These grants aim to enhance processing efficiency and support the expansion or construction of facilities on existing sites. Administered by the Ohio Department of Development, eligible businesses must be for-profit entities operating a Federal or State registered meat harvesting/processing facility in Ohio as of July 1, 2023. Funding can cover a range of costs associated with plant construction/expansion and the purchase of new/upgraded machinery or technology, excluding personnel costs, land purchases, and non-eligible expenses. A total of $14 million in funds is available for Fiscal Year 2024, with grants covering no more than 65% of project costs, requiring matching funds for the remainder. Grant renewed every year.

This grant provides financial support to local businesses in Lake County, Ohio, for infrastructure improvements, innovative projects, and employee training, fostering economic growth in the community.

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 financial support to nonprofit organizations in Mentor for community development projects that benefit low- and moderate-income residents, address urgent needs, or combat slums and blight.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Akron focused on revitalizing underserved neighborhoods through projects that improve housing, infrastructure, and public services.

This program provides funding to small businesses and property owners in Toledo to revitalize vacant or underutilized commercial spaces, particularly in historic corridors, through eligible architectural and design services.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in the Appalachian region for projects that promote economic diversification and workforce development in communities impacted by coal industry job losses.

This annual microgrant provides $1,000 to women-led small businesses or nonprofits in Marion County, Ohio, to support innovative community initiatives that empower women and enrich the local community.

This program provides financial support to artists and creatives in Summit County, Ohio, for professional development opportunities that enhance their skills and career growth.

This program provides financial assistance to local businesses and nonprofits on Broadway Street in Toledo affected by road construction, helping them cover essential operating expenses.

This program provides financial assistance to Toledo property owners for facade assessments and design services to improve the appearance of commercial and industrial buildings in designated revitalization neighborhoods.