Ohio Business and Commerce Grants

Ohio: Call for Applications for Facade Improvement Grant. The Facade Improvement Grant (FIG) program aims to enhance the appeal of commercial areas in Knox County, Ohio, by supporting building improvements. The program prioritizes projects that align with historic preservation standards, design guides, and municipal plans. By investing in fixed assets, the initiative seeks to stimulate business development and downtown growth while creating a more inviting environment for residents and visitors.

The EQT Foundation Grant program is designed to support nonprofits that demonstrate positive, needed, and trusted impacts within their communities. The foundation is deeply committed to fostering education and training for both children and adults, developing diverse and livable communities, and preserving natural environments. This mission aligns with their belief in meaningful community engagement and responsible corporate citizenship, emphasizing trust-based philanthropy to ensure resources directly contribute to community stability and, in turn, support successful business operations in their operational footprint. The foundation's funding strategy prioritizes organizations and programs that directly impact community residents. They seek proposals grounded in analysis that demonstrate creative approaches to addressing critical issues. The target beneficiaries include children and adults receiving education and training, residents of diverse and livable communities, and those benefiting from natural environment preservation efforts. The impact goals revolve around creating positive and needed change, fostering community stability, and contributing to the overall well-being of the areas where EQT Corporation operates. The EQT Foundation focuses on three core areas: Community Enrichment, Education & Workforce, and Environment. Community Enrichment encourages the development of diverse, safe, healthy, and sustainable communities, with examples ranging from food banks and libraries to arts programs and community festivals. Education & Workforce aims to promote STEM proficiency for youth and create a skilled future workforce through initiatives like in-school STEM curricula, computer camps, and career planning. The Environment focus supports natural resource preservation and educates communities on conservation techniques, including community gardens, watershed conservation, and green space restoration. Beyond these thematic priorities, the EQT Foundation also seeks evidence of a geographic setting that aligns with EQT Corporation’s business locations, effective management of available resources, and outreach that garners solid public recognition and support for the nonprofit, its programs, and sponsors. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not detailed, the emphasis on "positive, needed, and trusted impacts" and "creative approaches to addressing critical issues" suggests a commitment to tangible community benefits. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in education, community development, and environmental preservation in their operational areas, they contribute to the long-term stability and success of these communities, which in turn supports their business operations.

The Asheville Area Arts Council's Arts for Schools grant program aims to provide in-school arts programming for students attending economically disadvantaged schools in Buncombe County and the City of Asheville K-12 public school system. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to support arts education and ensure access to enriching artistic experiences for all students, particularly those in underserved communities. For a limited time, the program also extends support to arts-focused after-school and camp programs, demonstrating a broader commitment to arts accessibility outside of traditional school hours. The target beneficiaries of this grant are K-12 students in Buncombe County and City of Asheville public schools, with a specific focus on those attending economically disadvantaged schools. The program seeks to impact students by providing free arts-focused performances, workshops, residencies, and field trips. The ultimate goal is to enhance arts education and foster artistic engagement among students who might otherwise lack such opportunities due to economic barriers. The extension to after-school and camp programs further broadens the reach and potential impact on youth development through the arts. The program prioritizes applicants located in Buncombe County for at least one year and requires them to be either a 501c3 nonprofit arts organization or a qualified teaching artist. Qualified teaching artists must possess a BA or BFA in their specific art form, or equivalent training and experience, along with at least five years of experience in arts education. All programs must serve students in Buncombe County or City of Asheville K-12 public schools, be free for students and schools, and align with North Carolina’s Common Core curriculum and Essential Standards. These criteria ensure that the funding supports high-quality, accessible, and educationally relevant arts programming. Expected outcomes include an increase in arts participation and appreciation among students, improved access to arts education in economically disadvantaged schools, and the development of artistic skills and creative thinking. Measurable results for in-school programs range from $500-$2,000, and for out-of-school programs, from $500-$5,000. Programs must take place between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. For in-school programs, a school partnership agreement form is required. For out-of-school programs, applicants are ineligible if they already receive funding for the proposed arts-focused program from Dogwood Health Trust’s WNC After 3pm initiative. For camps, only 501c3 nonprofit arts organizations may apply. The Asheville Area Arts Council's strategic priorities are centered on fostering a vibrant arts community and ensuring equitable access to arts education. Their theory of change posits that by investing in arts programming for students, particularly in underserved areas, they can contribute to positive educational outcomes, personal development, and community enrichment. The emphasis on qualified artists and alignment with educational standards underscores their commitment to effective and impactful arts interventions. This grant program is a direct manifestation of their belief in the transformative power of the arts for young people.

This program provides financial support to small business and property owners in Ironton, Ohio, for revitalization projects that create jobs and improve local business districts.

This program provides advertising resources to small, for-profit businesses in the Detroit Metro Area that demonstrate community impact, helping them enhance visibility and growth opportunities.

The FY24 Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA) Grant programs represent a critical funding initiative aligned with the mission of combating and preventing automobile theft across the state. This Notice of Funding Availability specifically targets Arizona Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice agencies, offering financial resources for projects in three core areas: Law Enforcement, Training, and Theft Prevention. The program's foundational mission is to reduce auto theft through strategic investments that enhance the capabilities of agencies responsible for enforcement and public safety, ensuring a focused, systematic approach to this crime. The target beneficiaries of the AATA Grant funding are Arizona Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice agencies, which serve as the direct implementers of the funded projects. The ultimate impact goal is to create safer communities for all Arizona residents and businesses by reducing the financial and social costs associated with vehicle theft. By strengthening the tools and skills of these agencies, the grant aims to achieve a demonstrable decrease in auto theft incidents, improve recovery rates, and enhance public awareness regarding prevention measures. The AATA's strategic priorities are clearly focused on the three identified project categories: Law Enforcement, Training, and Theft Prevention. The funding is specifically available for the FY24 cycle, with a deadline of June 30, 2024, although the AATA demonstrates flexibility by allowing for grant extensions beyond this date to facilitate necessary procurement and program implementation. A key operational priority is accountability, as agencies are required to submit detailed budget sheets and consistent financial and performance reports either monthly or quarterly through the Ecivis Grant Management System. All applications must also receive formal approval from the AATA Board of Directors before contracts are generated and funding is issued. The expected outcomes of the grant program are tied directly to the measurable success of the funded projects across the three focus areas. The AATA's theory of change posits that targeted investment in enforcement, education, and skill development will lead to a quantifiable reduction in automobile theft. Measurable results are determined through the mandatory financial and performance reports, allowing the AATA to track progress indicators such as the effectiveness of new law enforcement initiatives, the reach and impact of training programs, and the efficacy of prevention campaigns. The Foundation’s strategic priority is to ensure that these measurable results confirm that the resources are generating a tangible, positive impact on reducing vehicle crime within Arizona.

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.