NC Catalyst Building Resiliency Micro-Grant

The LiftFund Disaster Relief Program provides small businesses recovering from natural disasters with a combination of grants, 0% interest loans, and hands-on technical assistance to help them rebuild and reopen quickly. Administered by LiftFund — a San Antonio-based nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that has supported disaster recovery efforts since Hurricane Katrina — the program operates through individual sub-programs created in response to specific disasters, each developed in partnership with local foundations, donors, and community organizations. Because each sub-program is uniquely designed around the conditions and needs of an affected region, the specific grant amounts, loan terms, eligibility criteria, and funding pathways vary by disaster, but each program is typically built around the same core components: direct grant funding to help cover rebuilding expenses, replacement costs for damaged equipment, and general operating expenses; 0% interest loans with flexible terms, waived origination fees, and flexible collateral requirements to bridge gaps that grants alone cannot cover; and technical assistance such as one-on-one coaching, workshops, and help navigating the application process. Applicants are generally evaluated on both physical damage and economic injury caused by the disaster, and businesses that did not sustain direct property damage may still qualify if they experienced a measurable decline in revenue. Recent active sub-programs have served businesses in Kerr County and San Angelo, Texas, as well as the broader Hill Country region. Interested business owners should check LiftFund's Special Programs page for the disaster relief programs currently accepting applications.

The Rooted In Growth Grant awards four U.S.-based hair care businesses with $50,000 each in flexible grant funding, plus access to a founder-focused mentorship program, networking opportunities with industry leaders, and brand visibility across amika's and Fifteen Percent Pledge's marketing channels. Presented by amika, a professional haircare brand, in partnership with the Fifteen Percent Pledge (a racial equity and economic justice nonprofit that calls on major retailers and corporations to commit at least 15 percent of their shelf space, sales revenue, and annual spend to Black-owned businesses), the program is built to back the next generation of underrepresented professional haircare founders with capital and structured support. The program is aimed at founders from communities that have historically been overlooked by traditional funding streams. Eligible underserved founders include (but are not limited to) those from Black, African, or African American, AAPI, Hispanic, Latino, Latina, or Latinx, or LGBTQIA+ backgrounds, as well as parents with earned income below the poverty level, first-generation immigrants, and women. Founders from any background traditionally overlooked by traditional funding may apply regardless of race. Acceptance of the grant carries a commitment to fully participate in amika's Rooted In Growth mentorship and networking program, which spans several months and includes an in-person kickoff event at amika HQ in New York City, virtual mentorship sessions three times per month, and participation in a major industry trade show. Travel and accommodations for in-person events are covered by amika. To qualify, applicants must operate in the hair care space (tools, wigs, color, extensions, or products), currently sell a CPG product, be U.S.-based with annual revenue under $2.5 million, and be at least 51 percent owned by underserved founders. Applicants must currently sell to or aspire to expand into professional distribution channels such as salon distributors or direct-to-stylist. Additional requirements include a clear mission of inclusivity and community impact, products that reflect inclusive values and consumer needs, and readiness to share their story and engage in the mentorship and brand-building components of the program. Applications are reviewed by a joint committee composed of members from the Fifteen Percent Pledge and amika, and finalists are selected based on the strength of the founder's story, mission, and purpose, business viability and opportunity for growth, clear demonstration of community impact and inclusive values, and readiness for brand amplification and storytelling.

The Workplace Accessibility Grant offers financial assistance to local businesses making necessary workplace modifications for employees with disabilities. Grant funds can be used for physical modifications (e.g., ramps, accessible restrooms), assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers, ergonomic keyboards), flexible work arrangements (e.g., telework technology), and communication tools (e.g., Braille materials).

The Invest Atlanta Small Business Improvement Grant provides Atlanta small businesses and commercial property owners with grants of up to $50,000 to fund interior and exterior improvements to their commercial property. Administered by Invest Atlanta, the program is funded through Tax Allocation District (TAD) revenue and is geographically targeted to seven specific Atlanta TADs: Campbellton Road, Hollowell-ML King, Metropolitan Parkway, Perry Bolton, Eastside, Westside, and Stadium Neighborhoods. Funded improvements typically include building repairs, infrastructure upgrades, interior renovations, accessibility enhancements, signage, lighting, painting, and other capital improvements that strengthen long-term business sustainability. To qualify, the property or business must be located within one of the seven eligible TADs, the project must be less than 15,000 square feet, and a minimum of 25% of grant funds must be used for exterior improvements. Funding priority is given to locally owned businesses that support job creation, neighborhood revitalization, and equitable economic development. Applicants are encouraged to first contact Invest Atlanta to confirm property eligibility before being granted access to the formal application.

The Rhode Island Lift Program is a strategic investment initiative designed to fuel the growth and successful capital raise of high-impact life sciences companies in Rhode Island. This competitive program provides a non-dilutive funding boost to companies that have finalized or recently closed a funding round. By offering this last infusion of capital, the program helps high-potential life sciences ventures scale their operations, drive innovation, and strengthen their impact on the state’s economy, industry growth, and patient outcomes. Through this support, Rhode Island continues to position itself as a leader in life sciences advancement and commercialization.