Going to Bat for Small Business

The objective of the Façade Improvement Grant (FIG) program is to restore, sustain, and improve commercial properties located within the City of Newport News. The FIG program provides matching grant funds, up to a maximum of $20,000, to assist with eligible façade improvements on properties citywide that are used for commercial, industrial, office or mixed-use purposes.

The Micro Enterprise Fund strives to increase access to Micro Enterprise and self-employment opportunities for persons with disabilities who are Alaska Mental Health Trust Beneficiaries. Grant funds may be used for costs associated with starting a new business, expanding a current business or acquiring an existing business. The business must meet the definition of a micro enterprise, which is a business with total capital needs of not more than $35,000 and fewer than 5 employees.

The purpose of the Big Sky Film Grant is to build and support partnerships with filmmakers and productions companies to create film industry jobs throughout the state. In addition to providing grant funding, the program elevates and supports Montana filmmakers, crew and businesses that provide products, services and locations to the film industry. To qualify, a production must film 50% or more of the principal photography days in Montana. Eligible productions include feature films, short films, documentaries, television series, limited series, music videos and others. Certain categories of productions are excluded from the program, including, but not limited to, broadcast news or current affairs programs, interview or talk shows, instructional videos, sports shows or events, religious or political campaigns, some adult content and daytime soap operas.

The Wyoming SBIR Match Grant Program is designed to support companies that have received Phase I or Phase II federal funding through the Small Business Innovation (SBIR) or the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. With the intent of helping Wyoming businesses that are working to advance their groundbreaking technologies and looking to commercialize their research. The goal of this program is to catalyze innovation and business growth within the state, ultimately creating a lasting positive impact on the Wyoming economy.

Verizon is awarding $5,000 grants to small businesses based in California, New York, and West Virginia. These grants are issued by Verizon, in partnership with LISC, to help entrepreneurs sustain and grow their businesses. The grants will be awarded directly to selected business owners and do not need to be repaid. These grants are made in partnership with Verizon's Digital Ready courses. To be eligible for a grant, business owners must complete one Digital Ready course, virtual event (including recorded events), or in-person event. Applications are due March 31, 2026.