CO Rural Jump-Start Program

The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative (WLEI) offers grants that support forest, farm, and food businesses. Grants also go to producer associations, business assistance provider organizations, and more. The state's annual budget process decides the amount of funds available each year. The Working Lands Enterprise Board (WLEB) meets each summer to decide which grants to offer for the coming year based on available funds and needs across Vermont. This is an annual program that opens in September yearly. The program typically awards $10,000 to $100,000 to businesses in Vermont to fund market development, research and development, infrastructure, energy, or workforce development projects.

The Community & Worker Economic Transition Office will manage the Michigan Supplier Conversion Grant Program, which has allocated $31.8 million through federal funding and state support to help small- and mid-sized automotive manufacturers shift from producing parts, components or materials for internal combustion engine vehicles to materials needed in the electric vehicle supply chain. Eligible manufacturers may use these funds to offset costs associated with fixed assets, machinery and equipment, technology and training to support the transition of new production for electric vehicles or components. Eligible applicants must be domestic entities located in Michigan that are currently manufacturing products, components or materials for internal combustion engine vehicles. Companies must either have fewer than 1,500 employees or be operating a facility with 500 or fewer employees on the site where the retooling project will take place.

The Start.Pivot.Grow. Micro Grant provides $2,500 in non-dilutive funding to small businesses for essential expenses like rent, inventory, or marketing. Open to U.S.-based, for-profit companies with at least two years of operation, eligible applicants must generate $50,000+ annually and have no more than two employees, including the owner. Winners will also receive a digital business growth planner and a Prep My Loan Planner to support their development. Grants are awarded quarterly, with applications accepted on a rolling basis.

Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education is a U.S. Department of Agriculture program designed to support farmers and ranchers in southern states. Producer Grants are designed to help farmers and ranchers test sustainable agriculture ideas. The annual application process opens in September with grant amounts up to $25,000 awarded the following February.

This program provides grants of up to $10,000 to small businesses damaged by a fire that is no fault of their own. Grants to eligible businesses are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, based on fund availability.