Business Attraction Prime Sites Grant

Small businesses are the foundations of our communities, and together with our members, we want to help them thrive with the FHLBank Indianapolis Elevate grant. We believe that strong small businesses generate more economic opportunities for everyone. With an Elevate grant, our members can help their small business customers expand or train new or retain existing workers. Small businesses throughout Indiana and Michigan have used Elevate to help fund training and professional development opportunities, technological enhancements, new or upgraded equipment and more.

The BGV Pitch program flips the traditional pitch experience on its head: we coach entrepreneurs, host a live crowdfunded pitch competition, and connect you to community and professionals to support you on your journey. We democratize funding by allowing the audience to vote with their dollars using our Raisify platform for the founders whose pitch they favor. Each founder has 3 minutes to pitch, followed by a 2-minute Q&A with the audience. Winners will receive cash prizes ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, access to the BGV Connect Incubator, and a network of business owners and investors.

The Vibrant Places program supports local businesses that invest in improvements to their exterior appearance, including facades, landscaping, signage, and windows. The goal of the program is to enhance the vibrancy and improve the physical appearance of our commercial, industrial and mixed-use buildings. Grants range from $1,500-$50K based on business location and project scope. Maximum grant amount: $30K-$50K, depending on the location of the business. Businesses are required to contribute matching funds toward the total project cost. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis. Businesses must cover expenses upfront and request reimbursement after project completion. Not all project components may qualify for reimbursement.

The Wyoming Safety Improvement Fund supports businesses seeking to enhance safety within their organizations through training or the acquisition of health and safety equipment. Grants of up to $10,000 are available and require a 10% matching contribution from the business. Businesses must be in good standing with Wyoming Workers’ Compensation, Unemployment Insurance, and with the Wyoming Secretary of State.

The City of Appleton offers multiple grant programs for businesses: The Business Recruitment Grant offers $1,000 boost grants to businesses that need a little extra capital to move downtown or open a new business there. The Façade Improvement Grant offers grants to businesses that need assistance in enhancing their exterior aesthetics. Businesses can receive between $2,500 and $5,000 to use on minor improvements (such as painting and lighting) or facade renovations (like window upgrades).