Credibly Small Business Award 2025

The Non-Traditional Apprenticeship Incentive Program provides employers with an incentive payment of $1,000 per non-trade apprentice hired and registered after the completion of the required probationary period. Employers are eligible for up to $5,000 in monetary incentives per calendar year and may collect no more than $1,000 for each unique apprentice. NOTE: Non-traditional apprenticeships are apprenticeships that are registered with the Department of Labor and Training that are outside of the construction trades. The required probationary period is a standard that established as part of the apprenticeship approval process and will vary based on the apprenticeship model.

The Maryland Community Investment Venture (MCIV) Fund was created to accelerate the adoption of financial innovations that enhance access to capital and financial services for small business owners in low- to moderate-income (LMI) communities. The MCIV Fund provides grant dollars to fintech firms to pilot products and services in partnership with Maryland state-chartered financial institutions.

The Non-Trade Apprenticeship Expansion Grant Program was created to support the expansion of Non-Trade/Non-Traditional Registered Apprenticeship Programs. The program helps organizations pay for the design and development of new and innovative apprenticeship tracks by providing reimbursement for eligible planning activities and costs up to $25,000.

The Batavia Microenterprise Assistance Program (MAP) provides Batavia, New York microenterprises with grants ranging from $5,000 to $35,000 to support the creation or expansion of small businesses with five or fewer employees. Administered by the Batavia Development Corporation (BDC) on behalf of the City of Batavia and funded through New York State Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars, the program is designed to help small business owners invest in their operations while creating employment opportunities for low-to-moderate income individuals in the city. Grant funds may be used for machinery, equipment, furnishings, fixtures, inventory, operating costs, and other working capital expenses, but cannot be used for construction, renovations, leasehold improvements, or demolition. Eligible applicants must operate or plan to operate within the City of Batavia, have five or fewer employees (including the owner), and may be structured as a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, LLC, or other legal business form. Because the program is funded with federal CDBG dollars, all grants must meet a national objective: applicants must either be owned by a low-to-moderate income individual or create at least one full-time-equivalent job available to low-to-moderate income persons. Additional program requirements include a 10% equity contribution by the business, completion of an entrepreneurial training course through Brockport SBDC or Niagara SBDC before receiving funds, submission of a complete business plan, and a commitment to continue operating in Batavia for at least 12 months following grant closing. Nonprofit organizations are not eligible.

The Athens Downtown Development Authority (ADDA) Janey Mae Cooley Memorial Façade Grant Program is intended to stimulate investment in the revitalization and preservation of building exteriors in Athens’ historic downtown area, the heart of the Athens Historic District and a source of pride for our community. Matching funds are made available for eligible improvements to business facades that are easily visible and in public rights-of-way, such as those that face a public street or a parking area. Improvements must preserve the individual character of each building with its unique features, historic appearance and significance, as well as make a contribution and impact to the appeal of the downtown area.