Montana Incumbent Worker Training Program

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 Guaranteed Work Force Program provides funds for West Virginia employers to cover the costs of training, retraining, and upgrading worker skills at all levels of an organization. Both new and tenured employee training is eligible. Awards are limited to $2,000 per trainee, and overall funding is based on average starting wages, location, number of employees, and the number of trainees.

Level Up LB is a program designed to propel small businesses towards success and sustainability. This initiative offers entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to connect with essential support resources and undergo comprehensive workshops aimed at crafting new business and marketing plans. Upon completion of the program, participants become eligible to apply for $10,000 grants, empowering them to expand their business capacity and enhance resilience.

The Virginia Global Business Internship Program reimburses companies up to $6,000 for a talented university student to perform a ten-week summer internship at a Virginia company. Students will further the company’s export capacity and make progress on its international business expansion strategies. Eligible companies have at least five employees and operate in Virginia.

The Shawnee Forward Business Growth Grant provides Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma small businesses with 50/50 matching reimbursement grants of up to $20,000 to help fund expansion projects that create new full-time jobs. Administered by Shawnee Forward, the community and economic development organization serving Shawnee and Pottawatomie County, the program is funded through Shawnee Forward investment earnings and partner support. Its purpose is to encourage capital investment that strengthens existing businesses, expands operations, and grows the local economy. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until annual funding is exhausted. Eligible projects include building renovations or expansions, machinery, equipment, or technology purchases, infrastructure improvements, training tied to new jobs, and professional services directly related to the project. Grant funds are limited to approved capital investments and may not be used for payroll, rent, utilities, inventory, working capital, or other operating expenses. Grants may be combined with other funding sources, provided there is no duplication of reimbursement. Expenses incurred before grant approval are not eligible. To qualify, applicants must be a for-profit business located in Pottawatomie County with 50 or fewer full-time employees (both startups and existing businesses are eligible), demonstrate the financial capacity to complete the project, and be current on taxes, licenses, and insurance. The project must create net new full-time jobs before reimbursement is issued. Businesses are limited to one grant. The application process requires a completed application, a project narrative and timeline, a project budget with quotes, and matching funds documentation. Applications are reviewed and scored by Shawnee Forward staff and recommended to the Board for approval, after which a grant agreement is executed. Reimbursement is issued only after the project is completed, documentation is submitted, and eligible expenses and job creation are verified.