Kitty Fund Mompreneur Business Grant

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 Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC), one of the largest business plan competitions in the country, is designed to advance innovation and technology commercialization opportunities in Arizona by assisting early-stage ventures to scale. All applicants receive feedback on their business plan from experienced entrepreneurial judges. AIC semifinalists and finalists who do not become AIC awardees gain access to Venture Raise, a 12-week hybrid accelerator that will prepare startups for funding. AIC awardees receive a minimum $50,000 of non-dilutive funding and three months of customized support with an ACA Entrepreneur-in-Residence.

The Community & Worker Economic Transition Office will manage the Michigan Supplier Conversion Grant Program, which has allocated $31.8 million through federal funding and state support to help small- and mid-sized automotive manufacturers shift from producing parts, components or materials for internal combustion engine vehicles to materials needed in the electric vehicle supply chain. Eligible manufacturers may use these funds to offset costs associated with fixed assets, machinery and equipment, technology and training to support the transition of new production for electric vehicles or components. Eligible applicants must be domestic entities located in Michigan that are currently manufacturing products, components or materials for internal combustion engine vehicles. Companies must either have fewer than 1,500 employees or be operating a facility with 500 or fewer employees on the site where the retooling project will take place.

HSBIR provides matching grants to help companies further develop new products that solve critical issues for the nation. Applicants must have received Federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) /Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants or contracts to qualify for the state matching grant program. The HSBIR program provides up to 50% match for companies receiving SBIR/STTR awards. Companies may apply also for reimbursement for grant writing costs for their initial Federal grant application (Phase 0). The Hawaiʻi SBIR matching grant program is the longest state funded SBIR matching program in the United States. Initially the grant program only funded companies that received Phase I grants but in 2016, the program was expanded to help companies who are moving their advanced technology products from research into the market. Hawaiʻi’s SBIR Phase II and Phase III winners are creating the best technology solutions in the nation.