Berks IMAGINE Your Business Grant

Support for female entrepreneurs with businesses that address social issues. EmpowHer grants support women who need early-stage business capital, a network of business advisors, or both. Grantees will have access to financial, marketing, leadership, and sector professionals who can advise on business focus, next steps, and longer-range planning. As an entrepreneur, you’re not alone: our network is full of people who have been in your shoes.

HSBIR provides matching grants to help companies further develop new products that solve critical issues for the nation. Applicants must have received Federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) /Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants or contracts to qualify for the state matching grant program. The HSBIR program provides up to 50% match for companies receiving SBIR/STTR awards. Companies may apply also for reimbursement for grant writing costs for their initial Federal grant application (Phase 0). The Hawaiʻi SBIR matching grant program is the longest state funded SBIR matching program in the United States. Initially the grant program only funded companies that received Phase I grants but in 2016, the program was expanded to help companies who are moving their advanced technology products from research into the market. Hawaiʻi’s SBIR Phase II and Phase III winners are creating the best technology solutions in the nation.

The Phelps County GO! Programs are a comprehensive suite of grants, incentives, and loan programs administered by the Phelps County Development Corporation (PCDC) to help grow opportunities across Phelps County, Nebraska. Designed for businesses, individuals, contractors, and future residents, the umbrella program is structured around five categories (GO! BUSINESS, GO! DREAM, GO! HOME, GO! WORK, and GO! BUILD) offering direct grants ranging from $250 up to $7,500, along with matching low-interest loans and technical assistance. The grant-focused programs most relevant to small businesses fall into two main categories: GO! BUSINESS and GO! DREAM. GO! BUSINESS is PCDC's primary small business grant suite, focused on helping businesses at every stage from startup through expansion. The centerpiece is the Business & Franchise Development Program, which provides reimbursement grants of up to $5,000 for facility build-out, remodeling, equipment, initial rent, or deposits, along with additional grants of up to $1,000 each for demolition and permitting fees, initial inventory, and digital, electronic, and online support. The program also includes low-interest gap financing (not to exceed 50 percent of the total amount borrowed) and free research and site selection services in conjunction with a franchisor. Additionally, the Building Exterior Impact Grant offers matching grants of up to $1,000 for exterior appearance and branding improvements to commercial buildings, and the Steps to Start Up Program offers low-interest loans to entrepreneurs who complete PCDC's business planning education. GO! DREAM (Downtown Revitalization Economic Assistance Mission) focuses on restoring and improving buildings in the downtown cores of Phelps County communities, especially those with historic architectural features. The program addresses both exterior façades of commercial buildings and certain interior renovations within Central Business Districts, and all Phelps County communities qualify for funding. It includes three sub-grants: First Impression & Signage Grants (up to $7,500 in matching grants for signage and initial visual impact improvements), the Building Integrity Grant (up to $5,000 in matching grants for structural improvements), and GO! Sparkle (up to $250 in matching grants for small-scale beautification projects). Beyond the direct small business grants, PCDC also administers three related program categories: GO! HOME (housing incentives and down payment assistance programs of up to $7,500 for new and existing county residents, plus renovation and code compliance grants for contractors and developers), GO! WORK (workforce training resources, high demand job scholarships, internship placements, and education partnerships), and GO! BUILD (permitting assistance, site acquisition and preparation support, and project advocacy for local development). While these programs are less directly focused on individual small business grant funding, they provide broader ecosystem support that may benefit small business owners, their employees, and the county workforce.

The Wish Local Empowerment Program, funded by the e-commerce brand Wish, is designed to support Black-owned small businesses. With a $2 million fund, the program offers financial assistance between $500 and $2,000 to around 4,000 Wish Local partners. To qualify, businesses must be Black-owned, have 20 or fewer employees, and earn under $1 million annually. Recipients will also gain access to Wish Local's consumer base through various partnership opportunities.

The city of Salem offers a matching grant program in the Riverfront Downtown area to businesses that need help financing construction or renovation projects. Companies can get up to 50% of their eligible project costs covered, up to $300,000.