Columbia Small Business Grant

The City of Bloomington is now accepting applications for the 2026 Solar, Energy Efficiency, and Lighting (SEEL) Grant Program. The program offers up to $25,000 in grant funding and technical assistance to local small businesses and nonprofits. The goal is to help organizations improve building efficiency, install solar panels or add battery storage. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, schools, early childhood centers, healthcare facilities, grocery stores, multifamily residential complexes and small businesses with fewer than 500 full-time employees. Organizations must own a facility within city limits, but renters can apply with documented agreement from the property owner.

Businesses based in Middletown, Connecticut, and that have been in operation for a minimum of 24 months (among other qualifications) may be eligible for this operating assistance grant. The maximum grant amount will not exceed $5,000 and can be used toward rent, utilities, and other ongoing fixed expenses and operating costs.

Exhibiting at a wholesale domestic trade show can boost your sales, help make key business connections, and diversify your market. The Montana Trade Show Assistance Program grant can help fund your next domestic trade show exhibition through 50% reimbursement of your cost associated with the show, plus travel stipend.

The purpose of the GAINS program is to promote the expansion and development of United States Department of Labor (USDOL) approved Registered Apprenticeship programs that drive economic development through skills and educational attainment and create pathways to better-paying careers and advanced credentials. While this NGO describes fourteen (14) sectoral/occupational areas of focus, all occupations that are recognized by US DOL as “apprenticeable” are encouraged to apply. Eligible applicants can request funding up to $12,000 per registered apprentice.

The InStore Forgivable Loan Program provides Philadelphia retail, food, and selected personal service businesses with forgivable loans of $50,000 to $100,000 to purchase equipment and make interior improvements to their commercial space. Administered by the City of Philadelphia's Department of Commerce and expanded in 2022 with funding from the Neighborhood Preservation Initiative, the program is designed to boost economic development on historically underserved commercial corridors. No payment or interest is collected on the loan for five years, and the full loan is forgiven at the end of that period as long as the business remains open and operating at the same location, effectively functioning as a grant for qualifying businesses. To apply, businesses must be located in a low-to-moderate income community on an eligible commercial corridor, registered and licensed with the city, and current on city business taxes. A limited number of projects are approved each year, with priority given to businesses that provide affordable goods and services to the community and increase activity in commercial corridors that have historically received limited private investment.