Charlotte Business Matching Grants

The New Jersey Clean Tech Research and Development (R&D) Voucher Program provides early-stage New Jersey based clean technology companies with vouchers of up to $40,000 to subsidize access to research and development equipment, facilities, and makerspaces at participating "core facilities" across the state. Administered by the New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) in collaboration with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), the program is designed to accelerate development and innovation of clean technologies, helping companies transform research stage discoveries into commercially viable technologies that attract industry and investor interest. Eligible target areas include chemicals and advanced materials, energy distribution and storage, energy efficiency, energy generation, green buildings, transportation, waste processing, and water and agriculture. Funds are paid directly to participating core facilities (which include New Jersey based colleges and universities, federal labs, NJEDA approved Strategic Innovation Centers, and approved nonprofit organizations) rather than to the business itself, and may be used for access to labs, equipment, makerspaces, and technology centers, use of facility equipment and technicians for testing and development, training to prepare for independent use of equipment, access to datasets at participating facilities, and supplies and consumables needed to operate that equipment. Applicants can apply for multiple CSIT vouchers up to a combined cap of $40,000 in any 12-month period. To qualify, applicants must be a for-profit company authorized and in good standing to conduct business in New Jersey (nonprofits are not eligible), have no more than 50 full-time-equivalent workers, have at least one full-time worker, conduct 50 percent or more of cumulative work hours in New Jersey, generate less than or equal to $5 million in prior calendar year sales revenue (excluding grant revenue), and hold a current NJ Tax Clearance Certificate listing CSIT. Approved projects must fall within Technology Readiness Levels 1 through 7 (from basic research through full-scale prototype demonstration in a relevant environment). Manufacturing of products for sale or commercial use and real estate rental expenses are not eligible. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis as long as program funds remain available, and applicants must secure a written letter of support, agreed scope of work, and agreed budget from a participating core facility before their application is complete.

The Dominion Energy Small Business Energy Solutions program is designed to reduce energy use and costs through enhancements to lighting and HVAC systems. The program pays 90% of the cost, up to $6,000. Applicants must be current Dominion Energy customers.

The Romeoville Small Business Grant Program provides Romeoville, Illinois small businesses with grants of up to $5,000 to help offset startup and operating costs for businesses opening in a brick-and-mortar location within the village. Administered by the Village of Romeoville, the program was recently approved by the Village Board and is designed to make it easier for aspiring entrepreneurs to launch and grow their businesses in Romeoville's commercial spaces. In addition to the direct grant, the program also provides fee waivers for business license fees, inspection fees, and building permit fees associated with tenant buildouts, effectively lowering the total cost of opening a new location. Grant funds may be used for a range of eligible business expenses, including startup costs, planning expenses, general operating expenses, equipment and inventory purchases, and other similar business needs. To qualify, applicants must operate a business with a physical location in a commercial building within Romeoville, generate no more than $1 million in annual revenue, and employ five or fewer people.

The Royal Credit Union Small Business Grant provides pre-launch, startup, and early-stage small businesses in Wisconsin's Chippewa Valley with a $3,000 grant to support meaningful investments in the business, from startup costs to equipment and technology upgrades. Administered by Royal Credit Union (RCU), a Wisconsin-based credit union headquartered in Eau Claire, the program is designed to empower entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed, help create local jobs, and support small business owners in strengthening the communities RCU serves. The grant is currently offered as a pilot initiative, with the goal of expanding to additional communities within RCU's credit union footprint in the future. To qualify, applicants must be owned by Royal Credit Union members or individuals who qualify for membership, be pre-launch, in startup phase, or have been established within the last three years, and be located in one of six eligible Wisconsin counties: Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Trempealeau, or Taylor. Applicants are asked to provide information about their business, including financial needs, community impact, and future plans, and must submit a business plan and financial projections as part of the application. Applicants are also encouraged (but not required) to connect with the UW-Eau Claire Small Business Development Center or the Western Wisconsin Women's Business Center for support during the application process.

The Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP) is a discretionary incentive that provides funding and services to qualifying companies to support new job creation or upskilling in conjunction with new or expanding operations. The cash grant and accompanying services are intended to offset a company’s recruitment and training costs. The funding for each net new, full-time job created or full-time employee retrained is based on a customized budget determined by an assessment of the company’s recruiting and training activities, as well as the project’s expected benefit to the Commonwealth. The final budget and proposal are approved in advance of the project by the Secretary of Commerce and Trade. VJIP support is typically for a 36-month period. Companies can be reimbursed 90 days after the new employee is hired (for new jobs programs) or after the retraining activity is complete (for retraining programs).