Lifting up Small Businesses in Woodbridge

The Bozeman Professional Women Small Business and Professional Development Grants provide women in Montana with grants ranging from $500 to $3,500 to support business development or further their professional education. Administered by Bozeman Professional Women (BPW), a nonprofit organization that has been supporting women entrepreneurs and professionals across Montana since 2010, the program is designed to enable women in the development of their businesses or education and grow the number of women entrepreneurs in the state. Since the program began, BPW has awarded over $75,000 to women business owners across Montana. Grants may be used to purchase equipment or other materials for business start-up or development, or to fund educational and professional development opportunities. To qualify, applicants must be a woman and a Montana resident who is either a small business owner or a business professional seeking grant funding for business or professional growth. Business applicants must have a business that has been operational and registered in Montana for at least one year prior to application and is in good standing with the Montana Secretary of State. Grants are intended for projects not otherwise eligible for aid and cannot be used for religious purposes, veterans' or fraternal organizations, general endowments, or fundraising. The funded project or program must not have already been purchased or funded prior to applying, and must be completed within six months of receipt of funds. Finalists are required to participate in a personal interview with the BPW Grant Committee as part of the selection process.

​​​​​​​​​​A flexible and broad-based program, Advantage Maryland (also known as MEDAAF) funds conditional grants, loans and investments to assist economic development initiatives. Uses include business attraction and retention, infrastructure support, brownfield redevelopment, arts and entertainment districts, daycare, revolving loan funds and local strategic planning. Projects must be within Priority Funding Areas and eligible industry sectors. Awards are made on a competitive basis.

The intent of the DTO Retail Program is to activate spaces within the downtown Orlando Community Redevelopment Area and establish the area within Downtown Orlando as a retail destination, to attract locals and visitors to visit downtown Orlando as well as attract new retail and encourage expansion of existing retail by reimbursing costs associated with interior buildout and rent of a newly leased property.

For over 30 years, the Vermont Training Program (VTP) has partnered with employers of all sizes and training providers to prepare Vermont's employees for the jobs of tomorrow. VTP provides performance-based workforce grants for pre-employment training, training for new hires, and training for incumbent workers. This training can either be on-site or offered through an outside provider. VTP grants may cover up to 50% of the training cost. The program also works with eligible employers to introduce manufacturers and other regionally significant employers to Vermont students at every level. Employers who provide work-based learning programs or activities developed in partnership with a school or educational program may apply to VTP for a grant to offset the costs of providing these programs. This work supports several different types of training, but the most requested programs are for advanced manufacturing skills like Lean Technology, Computer-Aided Design, and Computer Numerical Control machining. Supervisory and management training are also popular.

Businesses in Tampa, Florida can apply for the CRA Commercial grant to improve their properties, including performing internal or external expansions and renovations. To qualify for one of these grants, your business must be located in a designated CRA area. To apply for one of these Florida business grants, you must schedule a pre-application meeting with CRA staff. You can request an appointment by calling the Tampa CRA or submitting an online request.