Maine Technology Institute - Innovation Funding

The Athens Downtown Development Authority (ADDA) Janey Mae Cooley Memorial Façade Grant Program is intended to stimulate investment in the revitalization and preservation of building exteriors in Athens’ historic downtown area, the heart of the Athens Historic District and a source of pride for our community. Matching funds are made available for eligible improvements to business facades that are easily visible and in public rights-of-way, such as those that face a public street or a parking area. Improvements must preserve the individual character of each building with its unique features, historic appearance and significance, as well as make a contribution and impact to the appeal of the downtown area.

The Commercial Real Estate Acquisition Loan (CREAL) Program provides Philadelphia small business owners with a grant of up to $35,000 for closing costs alongside a mortgage loan of up to $350,000 to purchase commercial property in low- and moderate-income areas. Administered by the City of Philadelphia's Department of Commerce in partnership with the Women's Opportunities Resource Center (WORC), the program is designed to promote asset ownership and help business owners build generational wealth by transitioning from leasing to owning their commercial space. Eligible properties must be located on an approved commercial corridor, and technical assistance is provided throughout the purchase process — both before and after acquisition. The program prioritizes applicants who are unlikely to access traditional lending due to financial barriers. To qualify, applicants must be a business owner with a low-to-moderate income (or own a business located in a low-to-moderate income community), have a credit score of 550 or higher, be registered and licensed with the City of Philadelphia, and be current on city business taxes.

The Certifiably Green Denver Mini Grant provides Denver small businesses and nonprofits with up to $10,000 in upfront funding for sustainability projects that reduce environmental impact and lower operational costs. Administered by the City and County of Denver's Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency through its Certifiably Green Denver program, the grant supports a wide range of projects including energy-efficient appliances and equipment, renewable energy investments, water conservation upgrades, waste reduction initiatives, sustainable transportation amenities like bike racks, and employee sustainability training. Eligible applicants must meet U.S. Small Business Administration size standards, hold an active TIN or EIN, be registered with the State of Colorado, and operate from a physical brick-and-mortar location in the City and County of Denver. Home-based businesses and food trucks are not eligible. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with awards made monthly, and preference is given to businesses located in a Denver Neighborhood Equity and Stabilization (NEST) neighborhood. Since 2022, the program has awarded over $750,000 to more than 100 small businesses.

The Restaurant Business Development Program is designed to support restaurant owners like you by offering comprehensive business development assistance valued at $15,000. This program ensures your business is financially sustainable, operationally sound, and advancing towards your next culinary endeavor. Cohorts will receive six months of intentional consultations followed up with educational training service, continuous training and services, extend to support you with procedures that will help you process and maintain your business.

The city of Salem offers a matching grant program in the Riverfront Downtown area to businesses that need help financing construction or renovation projects. Companies can get up to 50% of their eligible project costs covered, up to $300,000.