Going to Bat for Small Business

The City of Jacksonville is committed to strengthening its local economy and enhancing the community’s appeal for residents and visitors alike. Beautification of commercial properties is a proven took for achieving these goals, as well- maintained and visually appealing business districts can influence consumer behavior, attract tourism and contribute to a vibrant community atmosphere. In support of these efforts, in 2025, the City established the Rediscover Jacksonville Business Beautification Grant Program to assist local businesses with exterior improvement projects that promote economic growth and support tourism throughout Jacksonville. The purpose of this grant program is to provide financial assistance to Jacksonville, AR businesses for projects that enhance the exterior appearance and curb appeal of their establishments. These improvements are intended to strengthen Jacksonville’s commercial corridors, attract shoppers and visitors, and promote business retention and growth by encouraging increased foot traffic and customer engagement.

The New Investigator Gateway Award in T1D Research is designed to supporta robust pipeline of innovative projects and talented new investigators in T1D research. In addition to providing support for preliminary research, the Gateway program provides an opportunity for new Program Directors/Principal Investigators (PD/PIs) to pursue their studies within the intellectual environment of a select number of large, ongoing collaborative research programs. Embedding awardees within an established scientific framework in each of these consortia will provide unique opportunities for New andEarly Stage Investigators to increase their understanding of key questions in the field, to network, and to establish unique and potentially long-lasting collaborations that will propel their careers forward. Bringing New and Early Stage Investigators into existing collaborative research networks will also benefit the networks by providing new ideas and perspectives.

The SBLLG supports the purchase of an Inactive Plenary Retail Consumption Liquor License by a small business. Assisting with the purchase of an inactive plenary retail consumption liquor license supports the growth and success of New Jersey’s small service businesses. This product aligns with legislation P.L. 2023, c.290 regarding inactive plenary retail consumption liquor licenses and allows NJ small businesses the opportunity to purchase one. This grant will reimburse a NJ small business up to 50% of the cost of the inactive license, not to exceed $100,000.

The South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) Member Companies may apply for a variety of non-dilutive grants, each with its own eligibility and review criteria. The Academic Startup Grant is focused on startups advancing intellectual property from institutions of higher education. Managed by the Academic Innovations team, the objective of the Academic Startup Grant is to provide earlystage funding to academic startups to support one or more critical milestones towards commercialization and to advance the company’s pursuit of follow-on funding. Key milestones include developing the technology past the minimum viable product (MVP) and demonstrating product-market fit, in the DEVELOP stage of startup development. Academic Startup Grants provide funding for up to $25,000.

SelectFlorida offers a variety of trade grants through the Florida Export Diversification & Expansion program to help qualified companies start exporting for the first time or diversify into new overseas markets. Grants are offered for marketing plans, website localization, market development and trade shows.