Nebraska Innovation Fund Prototype Grants

The Fairfield Commercial Revitalization Grant (CRG) provides Fairfield, Ohio building owners and small business owners with matching grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to fund exterior improvements to commercial properties. Administered by the Fairfield Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) with staffing support from the City of Fairfield's Development Services Department, the program is designed to strengthen the economic vitality of the city's commercial business districts by improving the appearance of storefronts and other commercial properties. Grantees are required to provide at least 20 percent matching funds. To be eligible, applicants must operate a for-profit small business with 25 or fewer employees, use the property for a commercial purpose (such as retail, restaurant, or office space), be current on taxes, and be in compliance with all relevant codes. Eligible improvements include exterior work such as façade repairs, cleaning, and painting, replacement of obsolete signage, storefronts, awnings, doors, and windows, landscaping and site improvements, and associated design and engineering costs. Funds cannot be used for interior improvements, roof repairs or replacement, additions or new construction, machinery or equipment, minor routine maintenance, or improvements already underway. The application process requires interested applicants to obtain two cost estimates for planned improvements and to complete a pre-application meeting before submitting a formal funding application.

Elevate Vermont gives matching grants to Vermont-based companies that have received a Phase I or II award from the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants. The maximum grant is $50,000. Companies can use the funds to support market research, develop new sales materials, and offset marketing expenses.

The Bozeman Professional Women Small Business and Professional Development Grants provide women in Montana with grants ranging from $500 to $3,500 to support business development or further their professional education. Administered by Bozeman Professional Women (BPW), a nonprofit organization that has been supporting women entrepreneurs and professionals across Montana since 2010, the program is designed to enable women in the development of their businesses or education and grow the number of women entrepreneurs in the state. Since the program began, BPW has awarded over $75,000 to women business owners across Montana. Grants may be used to purchase equipment or other materials for business start-up or development, or to fund educational and professional development opportunities. To qualify, applicants must be a woman and a Montana resident who is either a small business owner or a business professional seeking grant funding for business or professional growth. Business applicants must have a business that has been operational and registered in Montana for at least one year prior to application and is in good standing with the Montana Secretary of State. Grants are intended for projects not otherwise eligible for aid and cannot be used for religious purposes, veterans' or fraternal organizations, general endowments, or fundraising. The funded project or program must not have already been purchased or funded prior to applying, and must be completed within six months of receipt of funds. Finalists are required to participate in a personal interview with the BPW Grant Committee as part of the selection process.

SBIR Assistance micro-grants are aimed at technology and research-based Wisconsin businesses, who intend to apply for SBIR/STTR federal funds. The business‘ SAM registration and SBIR submission must have a WI address. The grants cover reimbursement of costs up to $5000.00, incurred by a business in hiring an independent, approved third-party to assist in the development of federal Phase 1 SBIR/STTR research and development proposal.

The El Monte Small Business Grant Program offers grants of up to $10,000 with the goal of helping eligible local businesses strengthen their operations, invest in growth and continue serving the community. Eligible businesses are required to be in El Monte, have been operating for at least six months and be in good standing with the city. Funding will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and previous grant recipients are not eligible to apply again.