Athens Interior Rennovation Grant

The South Carolina Department of Commerce provides the Relentless Challenge (RC) Grant Program. This is a statewide competitive scheme that plans to award approximately $1,000,000 for the 2026 funding cycle. The RC grant funds projects that foster a sustainable innovation ecosystem and that focus on high growth/high impact entrepreneurship, talent development, access to capital, and university/industry collaborations. Matching funds are available up to a maximum of $75,000.

This grant program, which Hidden Star, a nonprofit organization, presents, is open to women and minority small-business owners. Winners can currently receive a $3,500 grant, with one grant issued every quarter.

Santander's Cultivate Small Business program helps early-stage entrepreneurs in the food industry, with a focus on historically underserved businesses. Through this program, business owners participate in a 12-week virtual education curriculum that includes mentorship and networking. Business owners also receive up to $20,000 in capital grants. To qualify, you must have been in business for at least one year, have between one and 10 full-time employees and have generated between $25,000 and $1 million in revenue in the past year.

The city of Mesa has a Business Export Assistance Program that reimburses qualified Mesa-based businesses for up to 50% of expenses related to starting or increasing international exports. To qualify, you need to be headquartered in Mesa and have no more than $25 million in annual sales.

This program supports East Trenton business owners who want to start a new operation within the city. The Small Business Improvement Grant—which offers up to $6,000—is available to existing businesses with five or fewer employees. The Small Business Startup Grant—which offers up to $2,000—is available to prospective entrepreneurs who need capital to cover startup costs.