Small businesses across the country are facing unique challenges due to the ongoing pandemic, but there is help available. Many cities and organizations are offering grants and funding to support small business owners in their efforts to revitalize their businesses, implement sustainability measures, and cover startup expenses. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the most exciting grant programs currently open for applications.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has launched a new iteration of its Match on Main Program to support downtown businesses throughout the state. To participate, applications must be submitted by a city or downtown development organization, with each city allowed to apply for two businesses. Time is running out, as the deadline for submissions is February 1st. Click here to apply
Small business owners in Tacoma, Washington can apply for restoration grants to cover repair expenses and market enhancement opportunities. The application window for these grants is open now until February 2nd. Click here to apply
Waco, Texas has launched the We All Win Waco grant program to help small businesses thrive. Qualifying businesses located in commercially blighted areas can receive up to $180,000 from various programs, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and the city’s general fund. The deadline to apply is February 4th. Click here to apply
Cumberland, Rhode Island is offering small businesses the chance to receive up to $10,000 to help offset pandemic-related revenue loss through a grant program. The program is funded by $500,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act and applications will be accepted until February 6th. Click here to apply
Alexandria BIPOC Business Grants: To support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color-owned businesses in Alexandria, Virginia, a new grant program has been launched. Eligible businesses must be 51% BIPOC-owned, locally owned and operated, and have no more than 100 employees. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $7,000 will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, with a deadline of February 10th. Click here to apply
San Francisco Flood Disaster Relief Grants: Small businesses affected by floods, mudslides, and power outages in San Francisco can receive up to $5,000 through the Flood Disaster Relief Grant program. Funding will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and applications must be submitted by February 10th. Click here to apply
Trellus Same-Day Delivery Grants: 20 small businesses on Long Island can receive $500 to cover Trellus Same-Day Local Delivery subscription and delivery costs. Applications for the grants are open now through February 14th. Click here to apply
Clearwater ARPA Grants and Loans: Clearwater, Florida is offering $6.5 million in grants and loans to local small businesses negatively impacted by the pandemic, with a focus on education, cultural affairs, and North Greenwood community companies. The deadline to apply is February 15th. Click here to apply
Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grants: In its second round, Innovate Alabama is offering up to $250,000 to businesses in the state that received Phase I and Phase II Federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants. The deadline to apply is February 17th. Click here to apply
Indiana Technical Assistance Program: The Indiana Small Business Development Center is offering professional assistance and funding through its Indiana Technical Assistance Program to help small businesses complete growth projects, including grant applications. The deadline to apply is February 17th. Click here to apply
Madison Neighborhood Association Grants: Madison, Wisconsin is offering grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 to neighborhood and business associations for projects related to community enhancement, leadership, and organizational capacity. The deadline to apply is February 20th. Click here to apply
The Windy City is supporting small businesses and nonprofits in their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint with grants from the Climate Infrastructure Fund. This initiative includes a $5 million investment towards renewable energy and energy-efficient building upgrades. Proposals must be submitted by February 24. Click here to apply
Boston is providing assistance to up to 50 local businesses through its SPACE (Supporting Pandemic Affected Community Enterprises) Grant. This program is aimed at helping entrepreneurs establish new storefronts in the city’s commercial districts, with grants covering up to $200,000 in startup costs spread out over three years. Apply by February 17 for the first round. Click here to apply
West Chester, Ohio is reinvigorating its small businesses with the Spark Grant Program, which provides funding for exterior upgrades. This initiative includes $250,000 to cover improvements along the U.S. Route 42 corridor, with each business eligible for grants between $1,000 and $10,000. The current application cycle ends on February 28. Click here to apply
The Minority Business Development Agency under the Commerce Department is providing nearly $100 million in grants to female and minority entrepreneurs through its Capital Readiness Program. The program will support business incubators and accelerators that serve underserved entrepreneurs with $93.5 million in funding. Applications are due by February 28. Click here to apply
Barclays is awarding grants of up to $60,000 to small businesses that showcase their achievements. To participate in the Barclays Small Business Big Wins 2023 Contest, simply share your business story in 500 words or less. Submit your entry by February 28. Click here to apply
Conclusion:
Small business owners have many options to explore when it comes to finding funding to help their business grow and succeed. From energy-efficient upgrades to telling their story, the grants and contests featured in this article are an excellent way for small business owners to access resources and support. With deadlines ranging from February 17 to February 28, business owners should act quickly to take advantage of these opportunities. Whether it’s through the Innovate Alabama program, the Barclays Small Business Big Wins 2023 Contest, or one of the other options, there’s a grant program out there for every small business owner’s needs.