M&F Bank Empowering Growth Small Business Grant

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.

The Outta Excuses Small Business Empowerment Grant is designed to support small business owners by providing crucial financial assistance and strategic coaching. This initiative aims to help entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses effectively. This is a $3,000 grant, issued once per quarter. Additionally, all entrants will automatically be considered for a $10,000 annual grant issued in September. This grant has a $15 application fee.

The Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region has a $10,000 grant program for small businesses in southeastern Connecticut that need help with professional business services, equipment purchases, and inventory. Eligible businesses must have been in business for at least one year, have an annual revenue between $35,000 and $1.5 million, and be in good standing with the CT Department of Revenue Services.

The Bend Small Business Assistance Grant Program provides Bend, Oregon small businesses with grants to strengthen operations, invest in employees, improve services, adapt to changing conditions, and invest in climate-smart projects. Administered by the City of Bend's Economic Development Department, the current program cycle offers a total of $130,000 to be distributed among qualifying businesses, allocated across two tracks: $100,000 for economic development projects and $30,000 for climate and sustainability projects. Individual grant amounts are determined based on project scope, funding requests, and available program funds. Eligible projects fall across six broad categories: Business Growth and Customer Engagement (such as website updates, online sales tools, marketing and outreach, customer service enhancements, and multilingual communication materials), Employee Development (workforce training, professional certifications, leadership development, and employee retention tools), Operations and Technology (technology upgrades, cybersecurity improvements, financial system improvements, business planning and consulting, and HR or compliance support), Business Resilience (business continuity planning, risk reduction projects, supply chain improvements, and economic or environmental preparedness), Planning and Innovation (market research, feasibility studies, strategic planning, and product or service testing), and Climate and Sustainability Projects (energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy planning, waste reduction initiatives, transportation improvements, and environmental tracking and reporting tools). Eligible uses of grant funds include professional services and consultants, employee time dedicated to the project, equipment, tools, and technology, training and certifications, marketing and communications, translation services, project supplies, technical studies and assessments, and environmental planning and support services. To qualify, businesses must be registered in Oregon, hold a current City of Bend business registration, employ 50 or fewer people, operate within the City of Bend, and propose a project that benefits business operations in Bend and supports program goals. Applications are reviewed by City staff for eligibility and completeness, then evaluated by either the Bend Economic Development Advisory Board (for economic development projects) or the Environment and Climate Committee (for climate and sustainability projects). Staff develop funding recommendations, and the City Manager makes final award decisions. Applications are scored across five categories: Project Impact (42 points), Business Capacity and Readiness (12 points), Feasibility (12 points), Alignment with Program Goals (12 points), and Equity and Accessibility (12 points), for a total of 100 possible points. Grant recipients are required to provide project updates every six months for two years following award. Businesses applying for climate-related projects are encouraged to first explore incentives available through utility and energy-efficiency programs (including Energy Trust of Oregon and Central Electric Cooperative) and explain in the application how those opportunities were considered before requesting grant funding.

The Vibrancy Initiative is a collection of grant programs designed to support revitalization efforts that create jobs, reduce blight, and preserve and improve structures in Toledo, OH. The program includes three separate grants, all available on the same timeframe. Facade Improvement Grant Program The Facade Improvement Grant program helps property owners transform the facade of commercial, industrial, and mixed-use buildings by providing a 50% matching grant to reimburse expenses incurred during a comprehensive facade improvement. Planning Grant Program The Planning Grant Program provides financial support to small businesses and property owners seeking to activate ground-floor commercial spaces for occupancy by a new business – particularly in historically significant legacy commercial corridors. White Box Grant Program The White Box Grant program helps property owners bring vacant first-floor commercial spaces up to current code to create a functional "white box" space ready for customization and occupancy by a business.