Newport News Façade Improvement Grant

The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) provides reimbursement grant funding for permanent building improvements and repairs across the city. Offered by the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) to tenants and owners of industrial and commercial properties, SBIF grants are funded by Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenues in designated TIF districts citywide. Program participants can receive grants to cover between 30 percent and 90 percent of the cost of remodeling work, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grant, which is administered by SomerCor on the City’s behalf, does not have to be repaid.

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).

Through the GOED’s Workforce Development Program, companies can access money to help train new and existing employees that require additional skills as the result of company growth. The program can fund up to 50% of eligible training expenses to companies that meet certain wage and benefit criteria. The funds are awarded on a reimbursement basis.

The Additive Voucher Program (AVP) provides companies with a matching grant to assist with the acquisition of Additive Manufacturing technology. Eligible companies can apply for a grant up to $20,000 for Additive Manufacturing Hardware, Software, and related third-party integration services. Funding is awarded on a first-come first-served basis. The program is administered by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology with funding provided through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development's Manufacturing Innovation Fund.

The Agriculture Enhancement and Diversification Program Grants were created to broaden the state’s production of a wider array of farming products. To be eligible, grantees must be over the age of 21 and a legal resident of Oklahoma. The Product Development and Research Grant or Loans may be used to fund research, studies, or cover test market and product development costs associated with creating or expanding an agricultural business to bring a new product to market. Research must be new and original, meaning no prior studies can have been completed before. Funded research must result in a salable product in the end. Grants are up to $10,000, with awards over $2,500 having matching or in-kind requirements.