MD Economic Development Opportunities Program Fund (Sunny Day)

The Path to Prosperity Business Competition is an annual business development competition for businesses with a positive economic, environmental, and community impact on Southeast Alaska. Businesses are judged based on their feasibility and their contributions to community development. The competition includes an in-person training called Entrepreneur Camp (formerly titled Boot Camp). This competition awards $20,000 each to two winning businesses annually. Program awards can be used for consulting, technical assistance, and long-term capital expenditures. One of the two awards will be designated for a STEM- and/or TEK-related business.

The BMO Celebrating Women grant program was launched as a way to ensure that women-owned businesses received the resources and attention they needed to thrive. Since its inaugural year, the grant has supported a multitude of women-owned businesses across Canada, and within various sectors and industries. The BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program is open to small businesses that are at least 51% women-owned. Additional eligibility requirements include that your business must have been in operation for at least two years, and your annual revenue cannot exceed $5 million. Fifteen female entrepreneurs will receive $10,000 grants.

As your company grows and develops, so will your demand for a larger well-trained workforce. Expanding your workforce can be costly, but through the help of WorkOne, you can reduce the cost of hiring and training new employees. WorkOne will reimburse employers up to 50% of new employee wages for on-the-job training. THIS IS NOT A TAX CREDIT. It is an actual check sent to your company for a portion of the trainees’ wages during the training period of up to six months. The training must pay at least $13.50 per hour.

The South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) Member Companies may apply for a variety of non-dilutive grants, each with its own eligibility and review criteria. The objective of the Startup Grant is to provide early-stage funding to startups to support one or more critical milestones towards commercialization and to advance the company’s pursuit of follow-on funding. Startup Grants provide funding up to $25,000.

Minnesota's main training grant option, the Partnership program, focuses on providing training for both new and existing employees of participating businesses throughout the state. Minnesota participating businesses must partner with an accredited Minnesota educational institution. Grants of up to $400,000 are awarded to the educational institution to develop and deliver custom training specific to business needs. A cash or in-kind contribution from the participating business must match the grant funds on at least a one-to-one basis. Funds may be used for training-related costs such as curriculum development, instruction, training materials and supplies, training equipment, and instructor travel. Requests for wage subsidies and tuition reimbursement are not eligible. However, wages paid to employees during training may be counted towards the required matching contribution.