Milwaukee Building Bridges Grant

The Awesome Foundation awards $1,000 grants each month to individuals and groups for various projects. With 84 independently run chapters, members contribute to a micro-funding pool supporting these grants. While funding is not limited to businesses, many startups and small businesses have benefited from the monthly grants. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

The Community Investment Fund provides Franklin County, Maine businesses, nonprofits, and individual entrepreneurs with grants of $5,000 to $15,000 to launch and grow projects that benefit the local community. Administered by the Greater Franklin Development Council (GFDC), the fund fills a gap identified by GFDC after evaluating what funding options are actually available to small operators in Franklin County (many block grants go to towns, county TIF dollars are restricted to unorganized territories, and innovation funding often requires a patentable product, leaving small operators without an accessible source of early stage capital). The fund is made possible through GFDC's funding accord with the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) transmission line, which reinvests a share of the transmission line's negotiated community benefits back into local businesses, organizations, and jobs across Franklin County. Projects must advance at least one of six focus areas: workforce development (training, credentialing, apprenticeships, recruitment and retention efforts), business expansion or creation (equipment, buildout, new product lines, new locations, new hires), organizational programming (new or expanded programs that serve county residents), entrepreneurial support (coaching, shared space, startup services, technical assistance), community development (projects that make the county a better place to live and work), or services for low-income residents (direct services that reduce cost, remove barriers, or expand access). Two themes run through all funded projects: innovative programming and job creation. To qualify, applicants must be a for-profit business operating in Franklin County, a nonprofit organization serving Franklin County, or an individual entrepreneur or resident with a project that meets the fund's purpose, with proof of Franklin County residency or operation required. A documented funding match is required for all applications, and applications with a higher match percentage score higher (personal funds, in-kind contributions, and other grants all count as match). Projects must run 12 months or fewer, with recipients required to submit a progress report at six months and a final report at twelve months. Applications include a project summary of 100 words, an alignment narrative of 300 words, and an impact and measurement narrative of 300 words, along with attachments including a project budget, letters of support, proof of Franklin County residency, and documentation of matching funds. Applicants are also expected to describe a defined return on investment (with estimates of margin, sales, volume, people served, or jobs created) and to name real risks and barriers to project success.

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.

The cost of moving can be a significant barrier to relocating for work, often deterring individuals from pursuing new job opportunities. Expenses associated with relocation, such as hiring movers, transportation, temporary housing, and even utility connection fees, can add up quickly. Employers that offer relocation assistance can provide it either in advance or upon arrival, depending on company policies and the nature of the relocation package. Some employers offer upfront assistance, covering expenses like moving services, travel costs, and temporary housing directly, or providing a lump sum payment to help cover costs before the move. This approach is particularly helpful for employees who need financial support to manage the immediate expenses of relocation. Relocation assistance can be a highly effective tool for employers to fill in-demand jobs, especially in industries facing talent shortages. By offering financial support to cover moving expenses, companies can widen their candidate pool to include qualified workers who may otherwise be unable or unwilling to relocate due to the high costs associated with moving. Under this program, Employers can access up to $5,000 of matching funds for each candidate the business is eligible for. A 1:1 match is required. An additional $500 per candidate is available if the applicant is identified in the Find the Good Life Candidate Marketplace. The additional $500 for candidates identified through the Marketplace is not subject to match.

The SBIG program provides a meaningful return on investment from the Commonwealth to encourage individuals or special purpose entities (created for the purpose of investing in small businesses) to make cash investments in Virginia’s small businesses for working capital, growth, and expansion. SBIG grants are awarded to eligible Investors that have invested in eligible small businesses. They are not grants awarded to the small business that received the investment.