Hatch Detroit Contest

The Skills Enhancement Fund (SEF) provides assistance to businesses to support training and upgrading skills of employees required to support new capital investment. The grant may be provided to reimburse a portion (typically 50%) of eligible training costs over a period of two full calendar years from the commencement of the project. Grants from the Skills Enhancement Fund must lead to post-secondary credentials, a nationally-recognized industry credential, or specialized company training for both new hires and existing workers, and an increase in wages for existing employees.

The City of Suffolk offers a Small Business Improvement Grant to local retail and restaurant operations to help them fund building improvements. Businesses can get grants equal to up to 50% of their project costs, not to exceed $10,000. Companies must commit to creating at least one new, full-time job to qualify.

The City of Appleton offers multiple grant programs for businesses: The Business Recruitment Grant offers $1,000 boost grants to businesses that need a little extra capital to move downtown or open a new business there. The Façade Improvement Grant offers grants to businesses that need assistance in enhancing their exterior aesthetics. Businesses can receive between $2,500 and $5,000 to use on minor improvements (such as painting and lighting) or facade renovations (like window upgrades).

Revitalize Harlingen is a small business facade improvement matching grant program offered by the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) to enhance storefronts, attract more customers, retain and expand jobs, and stimulate economic activity in Harlingen. The program provides up to $10,000 in matching funds for each pre-approved project. No funds are provided upfront. Eligible pre-approved projects must be completed by August 31, 2026. The matching reimbursement payment is provided when the project is completed, subject to the terms of the grant and final approval from the HEDC Board of Directors. Program eligibility is discretionary and may be discontinued by the HEDC Board of Directors or Harlingen City Commission at any time. The HEDC is now accepting Pre-Approval Applications for Round Four of Revitalize Harlingen. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds have been encumbered or spent.

The Neighborhood Business Grant provides New York City small businesses with microgrants of up to $5,000 to fund initiatives that positively impact their community. Administered by CitizensNYC, one of New York's oldest microgranting organizations (founded approximately 50 years ago and made possible by philanthropic partners including leadership support from M&T Bank), the program funds community-minded businesses of all kinds, from barbershops and bookstores to wellness studios, cafés, and childcare providers, that play a positive role in their neighborhood. To qualify, applicants must operate a business located in one of New York City's five boroughs, have been operating for at least two years, employ 10 or fewer people, be profit-generating, and be able to provide proof of business such as bank statements, tax documents, and POS terminal statements. The program runs two grant cycles each year, one in the fall and one in the spring. Applicants who are awarded grants through the first cycle are ineligible to apply again during the second cycle of that year, but unsuccessful first-cycle applicants are welcome to submit an updated application for the second cycle. Applications are scored across four key criteria: Need, Relevance, Urgency, and Quality of Life Impact. CitizensNYC also offers info sessions and online office hours to help applicants refine their project ideas and applications before submission.