Nantucket Rock Solid Grants

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to implement a capital grant program to support reproductive health care facilities in Illinois that are experiencing increased demand for their services. Following the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v Wade in 2022, Illinois clinics have seen an influx of out-of-state patients, resulting in limited capacity and stress to reproductive health care service providers. To address the need to maintain and expand access to care, the Illinois Reproductive Health Facilities Capital Grant Program will help abortion providers in Illinois address their needs for capital investment. Grant funds may be used to invest in facility construction or durable equipment.

The Wilkes EDC Entrepreneur Grant Program offers funds to support Existing Business Expansions and those planning to Start a Business in Wilkes County, where businesses have the potential to win up $6,000! Applicants submit a simple business plan and a financial summary that outline how the grant funds will be used to grow or launch their business. Additionally, you’ll create a 3-minute pitch video explaining your request. Grant recipients can receive up to $6,000 through the Entrepreneur Grant Program. Funds will be available for withdrawal within one year of the award date. To access the grant, recipients must provide receipts or documentation of purchased items or services approved by the program’s judging panel. Once reviewed and approved by Wilkes EDC, the funds will be released.

The Start Garden 100 is Michigan's largest open business competition, awarding a total of up to $500,000 in combined grant, loan, and startup capital across 100 finalists and 10 grand prize winners. Administered by Start Garden — a Grand Rapids-based accelerator focused on equitable entrepreneur-driven economic development — the competition is open to anyone in Michigan with a business idea, including aspiring entrepreneurs and existing businesses exploring a new opportunity. Applicants submit a 100-second video pitch to enter, and 100 finalists are selected to each receive a $1,000 no-strings-attached cash grant to begin preparing for the program's Demo Day event in downtown Grand Rapids. At Demo Day, ten grand prize winners are each awarded an additional $20,000 cash grant from Start Garden, and through a partnership with Northern Initiatives — a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that has supported Michigan small businesses for over 30 years — each of those ten winners is also offered an optional pre-approved $20,000 loan, bringing the maximum potential capital per winner to $40,000. While the specific blend of grant, loan, and additional capital partner funding varies depending on each winner's business and chosen pathway, the overall program represents one of the most significant pools of accessible startup funding available in the state. A separate high school category for students under 18 awards $1,000 each to five selected finalists, with an additional $5,000 going to a high school winner chosen on Demo Day. Beyond funding, finalists receive two months of mentorship and refinement support from Start Garden's leadership team and partners, along with visibility through the Demo Day platform and ongoing connections within Michigan's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

LA District 1 is offering a one-time grant to support longstanding small businesses and sidewalk vendors. This funding helps cover urgent costs, strengthen operations, and support long-term business stability during challenging times.

The Famous Amos Ingredients for Success (IFS) Entrepreneurs Initiative is an annual national award program launched by Ferrero North America in 2020. IFS creates pathways for early-stage Black business owners to thrive by providing $150,000 in capital awards, mentorship, networking, and educational resources. Honoring Wally Amos’ legacy and the “Famously You” ethos, this initiative celebrates the qualities that make each business owner unique and fosters long-term success for their businesses. Black small business owners are invited to apply by submitting a short video pitch. Entries are judged by a panel of renowned Black entrepreneurs, and 10 finalists are selected to compete in the next round. Ultimately, three winners will each be awarded $50,000 and access to mentorship, educational resources, and networking opportunities.