LA Small Business Launch Grants

Aitkin County has two grant opportunities designed to support local businesses. The first opportunity is the Aitkin County Business Development & Recreation Grant Program, which supports projects that enhance tourism, recreation and small business development. Grants range from $100 to $2,000, with a required 1:1 local match and are available to businesses and nonprofit organizations located in or serving Aitkin County. Eligible projects include tourism and recreation events, business attraction efforts and initiatives that promote sustained visitor growth. The second opportunity, the Aitkin County Business Revitalization Grant Program, focuses on supporting for-profit businesses to improve the exterior appearance of their properties. Revitalization grants range from $1,000 to $5,000, also requiring a 1:1 match. Eligible improvements include exterior building upgrades, new or replacement signage and awnings and outdoor aesthetic enhancements. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are depleted, with projects evaluated on creativity, visual impact and community benefit.

The Arkansas Workforce Development Grants provide Arkansas employers with reimbursement grants of up to $250,000 to fund training programs that develop the state's workforce, reduce gaps in worker skills, and support customized technical training. Administered by the Arkansas Office of Skills Development (OSD), the program makes strategic investments in Arkansas's workforce by helping local businesses provide cutting-edge, customized employee training. The umbrella program is currently offered through four grant pathways, each designed for different training needs and business circumstances. The Grow Our Own Grant is available to Arkansas businesses with 250 or fewer employees and reimburses up to 75 percent of allowable training expenses, with maximum funding of $250,000 per quarter. The grant is designed to help small and mid-sized Arkansas employers develop and upskill their existing workforce. The Customized Technical Grant supports highly technical training that is specific to or customized for a particular industry, skill, or type of equipment. This grant reimburses up to 75 percent of allowable training expenses, with maximum funding of $250,000 per fiscal year. The Skills Gap Grant addresses the growing gap between employer workforce needs and the skills of the current workforce, and is designed to target critical skill gaps across a particular region or industry rather than any one individual business. Because awards are not typically granted to individual businesses, funding levels are determined on a case-by-case basis rather than pre-set caps. The Professional Development Grant reimburses basic professional or academic training to help equip employees for success, including skills such as leadership, conflict resolution, and Microsoft Office. This grant reimburses companies for up to 50 percent of allowable training expenses, with maximum funding of $50,000 per fiscal year.

VIPC’s venture capital program, Virginia Venture Partners (VVP), supports entrepreneurs and founding teams building transformative companies in Virginia. VVP invests in technology, cybersecurity, life sciences, energy, and aerospace startups through grants, pre-seed, and seed-stage funding, providing the critical support needed to fuel company growth and success. The Launch Grant is a $50,000 grant opportunity for the next generation of transformative companies at the earliest stage of formation. Companies must meet the eligibility criteria outlined. A 1:1 non-dilutive capital or in-kind match is required.

The Agriculture Enhancement and Diversification Program Grants were created to broaden the state’s production of a wider array of farming products. To be eligible, grantees must be over the age of 21 and a legal resident of Oklahoma. The Product Development and Research Grant or Loans may be used to fund research, studies, or cover test market and product development costs associated with creating or expanding an agricultural business to bring a new product to market. Research must be new and original, meaning no prior studies can have been completed before. Funded research must result in a salable product in the end. Grants are up to $10,000, with awards over $2,500 having matching or in-kind requirements.

The Storefront Opportunity Grant provides a grant between $50,000 - $100,000 to eligible businesses to help offset the cost of their first year of operations. Interested business owners will need to submit an application with a newly signed executed lease on or before Friday, May 29th, 2026.