Maryland Technology Internship Program

The Charles J. Strosacker Small Business Capacity-Building Grant provides Midland County, Michigan small businesses with grants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 to invest in professional development, coaching, or equipment, technology, and facility improvements that strengthen business capacity. Administered by the Midland Business Alliance and funded through the Charles J. Strosacker Foundation, the program is competitive: submission of an application does not guarantee funding, and awards are determined based on program criteria, the strength of the proposed project, and available resources. Applicants must contribute at least one-third (33 percent) of the total project cost, and funded projects must be completed within six months of award, with a brief impact report submitted within 60 days of completion. Grant funding is available across two categories. Professional Development and Coaching Support covers financial coaching (financial planning, budgeting, cash flow management, and profitability analysis), marketing and merchandising coaching (brand development, digital marketing strategy, and merchandising), business process optimization (streamlining operations, improving efficiency, and adopting best practices), Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) coaching (implementation or integration of EOS to improve business structure, team alignment, and operational efficiency), and talent engagement support to strengthen employee attraction, engagement, and retention. Equipment, Technology, and Facility Investments cover equipment purchases needed to improve services, operations, or production capacity, renovations, remodeling, or repairs directly tied to operational growth, accessibility improvements to meet ADA requirements, interior and exterior enhancements that fundamentally improve customer experience and competitiveness, and technology and digital transformation projects (adopting new business technologies to improve productivity and customer experience). Requests for equipment or facility work must be accompanied by documentation of cost and appropriately credentialed contractor bids where applicable. To qualify, applicants must operate a business headquartered in Midland County with 25 or fewer employees, be able to contribute at least 33 percent of the total project cost, and commit to completing the proposed project within six months of award. As part of the application, businesses must submit their most recent Profit and Loss Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement, along with contractor or vendor bids, quotes, or proposals for the proposed work. Applicants are also asked to describe the challenge or need their business is currently facing, the expected outcomes of the project (such as increased revenue, cost savings, job retention or creation, improved customer experience, improved accessibility, or adoption of new technology), and how the benefits of the investment will continue beyond the grant period.

A matching grant program to support small, locally-owned, and operated businesses in the City of Virginia Beach. Façade improvement grants (FIG) are reimbursements for significant exterior improvements for small, locally owned, and operated businesses located in any commercial or industrial-zoned area within the City of Virginia Beach. Funding is not an entitlement and is available on a competitive, first-come, first-served basis until funds for the fiscal year are awarded. The program will match small business owners', or those who lease to small businesses, investments up to $10,000,for exterior building, site, and outdoor dining improvements. Grants are performance-based and will be authorized by VBDA after successful completion and evaluation of the improvements. Paid invoices and receipts must be submitted.

Montgomery County’s Economic Development/Government Equity (ED/GE) Grant Program, is designed to benefit companies that create and retain local jobs by investing in their growth in Montgomery County. The competitive program distributes grant funds twice a year (spring and fall) to finance permanent improvement projects (new building construction, renovation, power upgrades, plumbing, parking, etc.) Projects are evaluated by a committee of public and private representatives that evaluate the number and quality of the jobs created, the capital investment, as well as the impact each project has on the community.

The IWT program is a matching grant program that offers financial reimbursement to manufacturing companies for providing up-skill training to their employees. The goals are: - To support advanced manufacturing and innovative companies in their efforts to train incumbent workers in the appropriate skills to meet current and emerging market needs. - To bring technological innovation to the market and help manufacturing companies leap ahead in productivity and efficiency by enhancing the skills of their current workforce. - To grow sales revenue and increase profitability. The program will reimburse up to $50,000 of training costs annually. Companies may submit multiple reimbursement applications so long as the aggregate amount does not exceed $50,000 in any given calendar year. There is no minimum grant amount that will be awarded to qualified applicants. The maximum amount of lifetime assistance provided to any one company by this program is limited to $100,000. In order for a company to apply for reimbursement, they must meet all of eligibility criteria for the program. As an example, an applicant who can evidence having spent a total of $30,000 in training costs over the course of one year will be eligible for a potential grant of $15,000 ($15,000 grant + $15,000 company match).

The Summit City Entrepreneur and Enterprise District created the SEED Business Grant to help businesses with operating equipment, interior enhancements, selected improvements, and professional services. The program provides funding of up to $5,000 to eligible businesses. The Grant assists those business owners to promote reinvestment, strengthen Fort Wayne's commercial activity, and enhance economic vitality in the SEED District.