Citizens Community Champion Award

In order to foster job creation and economic development in West Virginia, and stimulate SBIR and STTR results across the State, the West Virginia Legislature initiated the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Investment (EII) Fund. This money is earmarked to provide a monetary award when a business successfully submits a federal SBIR or STTR proposal and receives a Phase I or Phase II award. The amount of the State matching funds awarded is dependent on the existing balance in the EII Fund at the time of application and is typically not a 100% match. There are two award periods during the year for submitting SBIR/STTR Phase I or II matching fund applications: January and July. No preference will be given to the order in which applications are received. Closed Phase I or II SBIR/STTR projects are not eligible for matching funds. In addition to these Phase I and Phase II award periods, businesses can also apply for a Phase 0 award upon submitting a Phase I SBIR or STTR proposal. These Phase 0 awards are distributed as a $2,500 grant and can be applied for during any month of the year.

The Technical Skills Training grant was first developed in 2020 in response to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program supported new and expanding accelerated skilled workforce training programs for displaced workers. The Technical Skills Training grant program aims to offset the cost for program providers and employers in their effort to support the development of highly trained skilled workers to meet the demands of our labor market.

Purpose: The Program may consider funding projects that develop new management methods for treating the beet leafhopper (BLH), or development of enhancements to other program areas that will mitigate the virus. The funding will be based on the researcher using a no pesticide alternative or Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) approved pesticides registered for use in CA on BLH and/or on rangeland/hillside. Project Scope: The Beet Curly Top Virus Control Program (BCTVCP) may consider funding projects that develop new management methods for treating the beet leafhopper (BLH), the primary vector of the beet curly top virus or development of enhancements to other program areas that will mitigate the virus. The funding will be based on the researcher using a no pesticide alternative or Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) approved pesticides registered for use in CA on BLH and/or on rangeland/hillside.

The Bozeman Professional Women Small Business and Professional Development Grants provide women in Montana with grants ranging from $500 to $3,500 to support business development or further their professional education. Administered by Bozeman Professional Women (BPW), a nonprofit organization that has been supporting women entrepreneurs and professionals across Montana since 2010, the program is designed to enable women in the development of their businesses or education and grow the number of women entrepreneurs in the state. Since the program began, BPW has awarded over $75,000 to women business owners across Montana. Grants may be used to purchase equipment or other materials for business start-up or development, or to fund educational and professional development opportunities. To qualify, applicants must be a woman and a Montana resident who is either a small business owner or a business professional seeking grant funding for business or professional growth. Business applicants must have a business that has been operational and registered in Montana for at least one year prior to application and is in good standing with the Montana Secretary of State. Grants are intended for projects not otherwise eligible for aid and cannot be used for religious purposes, veterans' or fraternal organizations, general endowments, or fundraising. The funded project or program must not have already been purchased or funded prior to applying, and must be completed within six months of receipt of funds. Finalists are required to participate in a personal interview with the BPW Grant Committee as part of the selection process.

The DC Restaurant & Retail Stabilization Grant provides up to $50,000 in financial assistance to small restaurant and retail businesses in Washington, DC that experienced a revenue decline in 2025. Funded by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) and administered by Capital Impact Partners — a local nonprofit community development financial institution — the program is a $3.875 million initiative designed to help brick-and-mortar businesses remain operational and support long-term sustainability. Grant funds may be used to cover occupancy costs and payroll over a six-month grant period. Preference is given to businesses that lost more than 10% of gross revenue in 2025, did not receive prior DMPED funding in 2023–2025, have a positive impact on the local community, and purchase goods or services from the DC, Maryland, or Virginia economy.