KY Grant-in-Aid Program

In order to foster job creation and economic development in West Virginia, and stimulate SBIR and STTR results across the State, the West Virginia Legislature initiated the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Investment (EII) Fund. This money is earmarked to provide a monetary award when a business successfully submits a federal SBIR or STTR proposal and receives a Phase I or Phase II award. The amount of the State matching funds awarded is dependent on the existing balance in the EII Fund at the time of application and is typically not a 100% match. There are two award periods during the year for submitting SBIR/STTR Phase I or II matching fund applications: January and July. No preference will be given to the order in which applications are received. Closed Phase I or II SBIR/STTR projects are not eligible for matching funds. In addition to these Phase I and Phase II award periods, businesses can also apply for a Phase 0 award upon submitting a Phase I SBIR or STTR proposal. These Phase 0 awards are distributed as a $2,500 grant and can be applied for during any month of the year.

KY Innovation offers comprehensive programs to help companies apply for, win and match federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants and contracts. The SBIR/STTR programs are known as America's Seed Fund for good reason. They provide a vital source of non-dilutive capital in the form of federal grants and contracts for promising technologies, while allowing innovators to maintain intellectual property and positioning them well to receive private follow on funding. KY Innovation can be a key partner in helping you compete. Innovators that receive SBIR or STTR awards can benefit from additional funding to bridge the gap between Phase I and Phase II, as well as to speed up the commercialization process. The Kentucky SBIR/STTR Matching Funds Award Program is a non-dilutive, reimbursable grant, awarded on a competitive basis. The grant will match up to $100,000 for a Phase I project, and up to $150,000 for a phase two project. Applicants must be recipients of a SBIR/STTR award, a for-profit company, and based in, or willing to re-locate to, Kentucky.

This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) will support research towards understanding and mitigating the deleterious effects of acute exposure to Ultra-Potent Synthetic (UPS) opioids (e.g., fentanyl, carfentanil, nitazenes) and their combinations (fentanyl and xylazine). This NOFO will also support research on the persistent and/or delayed pathophysiological effects after acute exposure to such agents.

The Vibrant Places program supports local businesses that invest in improvements to their exterior appearance, including facades, landscaping, signage, and windows. The goal of the program is to enhance the vibrancy and improve the physical appearance of our commercial, industrial and mixed-use buildings. Grants range from $1,500-$50K based on business location and project scope. Maximum grant amount: $30K-$50K, depending on the location of the business. Businesses are required to contribute matching funds toward the total project cost. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis. Businesses must cover expenses upfront and request reimbursement after project completion. Not all project components may qualify for reimbursement.

The Southern Smoke Foundation's Emergency Relief Program provides emergency funding to the owners and employees of restaurants and bars facing unforeseen circumstances that cannot be covered by insurance. To qualify, you must be experiencing an unforeseen crisis and currently be employed within the food and beverage industry, working at least 30 hours per week for a minimum of six months.