2026 Glazer Family Small Business Fund

The Maryland Energy Administration Commercial Solar Grant Program ("CSGP", "the Program") will provide grants for solar PV systems installed at Maryland businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations, that will be owned by or directly benefit (1) low-to-moderate income communities located in a census tract with an average median income at or below 80% of the average median income for the State, or (2) overburdened or underserved communities, as defined by §1-701 of the Environment Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. These solar PV systems can help reduce organizational operational costs and improve their sustainability, which can help them better serve the communities that surround them. Solar PV systems are excellent solutions for organizations that seek to free up capital for other expenses and projects, expand operations and offerings sustainably, and help Maryland meet its clean energy and greenhouse gas reduction goals. This is especially important for Maryland businesses and other organizations that have historically been disadvantaged, overburdened, and underserved.

The Raleigh Facade Rehabilitation Grant Program provides Raleigh small business owners and commercial property owners with matching reimbursement grants of up to $10,000 to refurbish the exteriors of their existing commercial buildings. Administered by the City of Raleigh's Small Business Development division within the Office of Economic and Social Advancement, the program originated in the 1980s to support businesses and property owners in Raleigh's Downtown and older commercial districts, and has since helped more than 100 businesses upgrade their storefronts. Grants reimburse up to 50% of qualified rehabilitation costs, with maximum awards based on location: businesses within Raleigh's Economic Development Priority Areas may receive up to $10,000, while businesses outside those areas may receive up to $5,000. Eligible improvements include the removal of false fronts, repair or replacement of windows, doors, cornices, and façade materials, exterior lighting, exterior painting (when associated with a larger rehabilitation effort), and qualifying art and mural projects including artist fees, labor, and materials. Routine maintenance, interior projects, residential properties, projects located outside Raleigh, and projects already permitted or underway are not eligible. Applications are accepted on a quarterly basis, and façade improvements must be clearly visible from public streets. Applicants must complete a pre-application to determine eligibility before being invited to submit a full application.

Any Massachusetts-based business that has been awarded funds through SBIR Phase II may be eligible for grants and business guidance to help them create jobs and commercialize their technologies. Each year, the program awards 17 grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000.

CanGrow farmer training and farmer loan financing grants will help eligible organizations provide educational resources, guidance, and low-interest loans for farmers who want to be part of the legal cannabis industry. While grants will be awarded to eligible organizations, Minnesota farmers will ultimately benefit by expert mentorship, compliance training, business planning resources, and low-interest loans. Grant awards for technical assistance in the second round of funding are expected to range from $10,000 to $100,000 per project. Grant awards for loan financing are expected to range from $200,000 to $500,000 per eligible organization (individual farmer loans will range from $2,500 to $50,000 or up to $150,000 for projects with matching funds). OCM intends to fund investments in eligible communities throughout the state. This is a competitive grant program.

The VEGI program provides performance-based cash incentives to businesses that are expanding in, or relocating to, Vermont. Businesses can earn incentives for creating new qualifying jobs, increasing payroll, and making capital investments that go beyond typical growth. There are no restrictions on business size, type, or minimum number of jobs.