Larimer County Training Grant

Connecticut manufacturers of all sizes and industries can leverage our internship program to strengthen their teams and build a pipeline of future talent. Companies with fewer than 300 employees can apply for a matching wage subsidy grant, covering up to $14,000 for four qualified interns during the summer of 2026.

The Start Garden 100 is Michigan's largest open business competition, awarding a total of up to $500,000 in combined grant, loan, and startup capital across 100 finalists and 10 grand prize winners. Administered by Start Garden — a Grand Rapids-based accelerator focused on equitable entrepreneur-driven economic development — the competition is open to anyone in Michigan with a business idea, including aspiring entrepreneurs and existing businesses exploring a new opportunity. Applicants submit a 100-second video pitch to enter, and 100 finalists are selected to each receive a $1,000 no-strings-attached cash grant to begin preparing for the program's Demo Day event in downtown Grand Rapids. At Demo Day, ten grand prize winners are each awarded an additional $20,000 cash grant from Start Garden, and through a partnership with Northern Initiatives — a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that has supported Michigan small businesses for over 30 years — each of those ten winners is also offered an optional pre-approved $20,000 loan, bringing the maximum potential capital per winner to $40,000. While the specific blend of grant, loan, and additional capital partner funding varies depending on each winner's business and chosen pathway, the overall program represents one of the most significant pools of accessible startup funding available in the state. A separate high school category for students under 18 awards $1,000 each to five selected finalists, with an additional $5,000 going to a high school winner chosen on Demo Day. Beyond funding, finalists receive two months of mentorship and refinement support from Start Garden's leadership team and partners, along with visibility through the Demo Day platform and ongoing connections within Michigan's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The Inclusive Beauty Fund will award 12 grants of $25,000 each to beauty businesses and entrepreneurs across the United States–including extension artists, braiders, aestheticians, barbers, salon owners, suite owners, students, and stylists. The grants will be administered in partnership with the NAACP's Economic Empowerment Fund and Hispanic Federation through Deed, a leading social impact platform. Open to all, the goal of the program is to support all members of the beauty industry with a focus small business growth and increasing overall economic opportunity.

The Shawnee Forward Business Growth Grant provides Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma small businesses with 50/50 matching reimbursement grants of up to $20,000 to help fund expansion projects that create new full-time jobs. Administered by Shawnee Forward, the community and economic development organization serving Shawnee and Pottawatomie County, the program is funded through Shawnee Forward investment earnings and partner support. Its purpose is to encourage capital investment that strengthens existing businesses, expands operations, and grows the local economy. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until annual funding is exhausted. Eligible projects include building renovations or expansions, machinery, equipment, or technology purchases, infrastructure improvements, training tied to new jobs, and professional services directly related to the project. Grant funds are limited to approved capital investments and may not be used for payroll, rent, utilities, inventory, working capital, or other operating expenses. Grants may be combined with other funding sources, provided there is no duplication of reimbursement. Expenses incurred before grant approval are not eligible. To qualify, applicants must be a for-profit business located in Pottawatomie County with 50 or fewer full-time employees (both startups and existing businesses are eligible), demonstrate the financial capacity to complete the project, and be current on taxes, licenses, and insurance. The project must create net new full-time jobs before reimbursement is issued. Businesses are limited to one grant. The application process requires a completed application, a project narrative and timeline, a project budget with quotes, and matching funds documentation. Applications are reviewed and scored by Shawnee Forward staff and recommended to the Board for approval, after which a grant agreement is executed. Reimbursement is issued only after the project is completed, documentation is submitted, and eligible expenses and job creation are verified.

SelectFlorida offers a variety of trade grants through the Florida Export Diversification & Expansion program to help qualified companies start exporting for the first time or diversify into new overseas markets. Grants are offered for marketing plans, website localization, market development and trade shows.