Indiana Innovation Ventures

The Business Initiation Grant provides qualifying, new business startups with a "leg up" at their most critical time. The grant offers up to $5,000 for startup costs to qualified applicants. The entrepreneur is required to participate in a business planning workshop through one of Englewood's economic partners. The business owner must have a fully developed business plan which will be reviewed by the experts at the Aurora-South Small Business Development Center. Grant funding may be used for any valid purpose and a physical storefront or business presence in a commercial or industrial district is required. Capital improvements are permanent investments in the building or on the property, which are generally associated with a building permit. Businesses opened in Englewood within the last 12 months are eligible to apply. Grant funding is limited, and not all businesses that apply may be funded.

The Famous Amos Ingredients for Success (IFS) Entrepreneurs Initiative is an annual national award program launched by Ferrero North America in 2020. IFS creates pathways for early-stage Black business owners to thrive by providing $150,000 in capital awards, mentorship, networking, and educational resources. Honoring Wally Amos’ legacy and the “Famously You” ethos, this initiative celebrates the qualities that make each business owner unique and fosters long-term success for their businesses. Black small business owners are invited to apply by submitting a short video pitch. Entries are judged by a panel of renowned Black entrepreneurs, and 10 finalists are selected to compete in the next round. Ultimately, three winners will each be awarded $50,000 and access to mentorship, educational resources, and networking opportunities.

The updated MOVE grant program helps businesses that are signing their first commercial lease or expanding their existing lease by at least 500 square feet in office space in Montgomery County. All MOVE grant awards will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis based on the date of receipt of submitting all required documentation and subject to the availability of funding. This grant is restricted to businesses located in Montgomery County, Alabama.

The Job Creation Fund provides financial incentives to new and expanding businesses that meet certain job creation and capital investment targets. Companies deemed eligible to participate may receive up to $1 million for creating or retaining high-paying jobs and for constructing or renovating facilities or making other property improvements. In some cases, companies may receive awards of up to $2 million.

Purpose: The purpose of this solicitation is to provide cost share funding for eligible projects (see Section II.C. of GFO-22-903) to applicants that apply for and receive an award under an eligible federal Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). Description: Before applying, applicants are encouraged to check Eligibility Requirements in Section II. of this solicitation. As new eligible cost share opportunities are released, the CEC will revise this document with corresponding information on how to apply for cost share for that funding opportunity. Information on currently eligible funding opportunities can be found in the Eligible Federal Funding Opportunities section of the Eligibility Requirements (Section II.A.). The CEC will provide cost share only to applicants that are applying for a FOA or follow-on funding from DOE as described above.