National Pride Grant for LGBTQIA+ Small Businesses

NC IDEA offers two grant programs to startups in North Carolina: IDEA Micro Grants and IDEA Seed Grants. NC IDEA MICRO: Through small, project-based grants, NC IDEA MICRO awards $10K in funding to startups actively moving their companies forward by validating assumptions and developing a business model. We have found that funding, paired with mentorship and guidance, early in a company’s lifecycle, can make a significant impact on future success. NC IDEA SEED: NC IDEA SEED offers early stage companies the critical funding they need to scale faster. Our $50K grants are awarded to innovative startups with a proven concept — even if they are not yet profitable. The funds, along with mentorship and guidance, push companies forward and reduce risk associated with growing startups.

The Detroit Legacy Business Project provides financial and technical assistance to small businesses that have operated continuously in Detroit for 30 or more years and have meaningfully contributed to the city's cultural identity through their products, services, and community engagement. Administered by the City of Detroit in partnership with the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), the program offers tiered grant funding designed to help longstanding businesses make capital improvements, modernize operations, and remain rooted in their neighborhoods. Awards include $50,000 citywide grants, $15,000 district grants (with two awarded in each of Detroit's seven City Council districts per round), and microgrants of $2,500 and $5,000 disbursed at staff discretion to cover smaller projects with a streamlined application process. Grant funds may be used for product inventory, equipment and machinery, furniture and fixtures, software subscriptions, building repairs and renovations, façade and exterior beautification, and professional services such as branding, marketing, financial, legal, and architectural support. Eligible applicants must be independently owned and operated, headquartered in Detroit, open to the public, and able to document at least 30 years of continuous operation in the city.

The Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown awards a $100,000 grand prize cash grant plus a package of in-kind services to one independent retail entrepreneur to help open a brick-and-mortar storefront in Detroit, Hamtramck, or Highland Park. Administered by TechTown Detroit and sponsored by Comerica Bank, the contest is built around the concept of "crowd entrepreneurship," giving Detroit residents an active role in the city's redevelopment by voting for their favorite finalists in successive elimination rounds. The application process narrows applicants down from the full pool to a Top 25, Top 10, and Top 4, with public voting playing a major role in determining the eventual winner during a live "Hatch Off" event. The contest is focused exclusively on independent brick-and-mortar retail concepts, including stores, bars, restaurants, studios, gyms, and other retail-driven businesses, and is intended to revitalize commercial corridors, activate vacant spaces, and spur further community investment. Food trucks and franchise stores are not eligible, though social enterprises and L3Cs may apply if they have a strong retail component. Beyond the grand prize, finalists gain significant visibility with thousands of potential customers and funders, plus access to the Hatch Detroit alumni network, which provides ongoing technical support and additional spot grant funding opportunities.

The Small Business Incentive Program offers up to $5,000 for Santa Ana Businesses with 5 or less employees (including the owners) during the first three years in business. Funds are granted as a reimbursement for eligible business expenses. Businesses must be able to provide proof (receipts) for those expenses.

The Tribal Tourism Small Business Grant provides up to $10,000 in funding, with no match required, to startup or expanding Native American-owned tourism businesses in Montana. Administered by the Montana Department of Commerce as part of its Indian Country Financial Assistance programs, the grant is available to enrolled citizens (aged 18 or older) of Montana's 12 federally recognized tribes, with approximately 24 awards distributed each fiscal year. Applicants apply under one of five business categories: Native American Made in Montana retail sales products; hosted accommodations or experiences such as vacation rentals or tours; licensed hunting and fishing outfitting or guiding; licensed food, beverage, or grocery businesses such as food trucks; or other operational businesses that supply or serve tribal tourism in Montana.