CO Rural Jump-Start Program

The Shift4 Rescue Mission Contest awards one selected restaurant or bar owner with a $100,000 business grant, a one-on-one business consultation with Bar Rescue's Jon Taffer, and a complete Shift4 POS system to help revitalize their business. Sponsored by Shift4 and run in partnership with hospitality expert and television personality Jon Taffer, the contest is open to restaurant and bar owners across the United States and is designed to support community-focused operators facing operational and financial challenges. In addition to the grand prize, two additional finalists each receive a free Shift4 POS system and an in-person consultation with Jon Taffer. Applicants enter by submitting a short video explaining why their restaurant or bar needs a Rescue Mission and how they would use the grant funds to strengthen their operations. Now in its third year, the contest has grown each iteration, with the current $100,000 grand prize representing the largest single award offered through the program to date.

The updated MOVE grant program helps businesses that are signing their first commercial lease or expanding their existing lease by at least 500 square feet in office space in Montgomery County. All MOVE grant awards will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis based on the date of receipt of submitting all required documentation and subject to the availability of funding. This grant is restricted to businesses located in Montgomery County, Alabama.

Attracting workers to North Dakota is essential in helping to meet the state’s current and future workforce needs. Internships provide a valuable way for students to make connections with businesses and identify career options in North Dakota. Operation Intern is designed to expand the number of internships, work experience and apprenticeship positions with North Dakota employers. The program’s primary focus is employers in the state’s targeted industries: energy, advanced manufacturing, value-added agriculture, tourism and technology-based businesses, and autonomous systems. North Dakota businesses receive up to $5,000 in matching funds for the internships/apprenticeships. Funding can be used for items needed for the intern/apprentice to perform their internships, like wages, tools and equipment, essential training or tuition reimbursement. The funding is a one-to-one match.

The Cedar Rapids City Manager’s Sustainability Grant provides Cedar Rapids, Iowa nonprofits, businesses, and community groups with grants ranging from $500 to $10,000 per project to implement community-driven sustainability projects that benefit the public. Administered by the City of Cedar Rapids and recently launched in October 2026, the program is designed to support community-led efforts that advance sustainability, economic vitality, health, and environmental resilience, aligning with both the city’s Community Climate Action Plan (adopted in September 2021 with a goal of making Cedar Rapids carbon-free, resilient, and accessible by 2050) and the EnvisionCR comprehensive plan. Eligible projects must take place within Cedar Rapids, provide a public benefit, and support the city’s broader sustainability goals. Example project types include electric vehicle charging stations, nature-based spaces and playgrounds, waste-reduction efforts, active transportation projects, energy conservation initiatives, public art and beautification, mini forest planting, and other projects that enhance outdoor spaces or reduce environmental impact. Grants are intended for one-year projects, though extensions may be approved with appropriate justification. Successful applicants are also expected to prioritize local spending in executing their project. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community groups. Applications are evaluated across five criteria: feasibility, innovation, budget, community engagement, and alignment with city priorities. Applications are submitted through the city’s online grant portal, which also hosts the full set of program guidelines, scoring criteria, and application requirements.

LIFT was created as a way of utilizing Rutland's enhanced solar tax revenue to support future business investment and job creation. The City holds half of all tax revenue generated from private solar development to fund this incentive program. The LIFT program offers three different tiers: the $10,000 reimbursable grant for fixed infrastructure/renovations/upgrades, $5,000 grant and the HFCU up to $50,000 secured loan. The $10,000 LIFT reimbursable grant is for fixed infrastructure renovations or upgrades to buildings within the City. It covers costs up to $10,000, or 50% of the renovation costs, whichever is less. There are also opportunities for $5,000 grants which may be used for more general costs for a City business. A Revolving Loan Fund program, jointly funded and administered by Heritage Federal Credit Union, is available with secured loans of up to $50,000 available to qualifying businesses. The use of this funding is flexible and interest rates on the loans are below market rate.