NJ It Pays to Plug In Grant

The New Mexico Small Business Assistance (NMSBA) Program provides New Mexico small businesses facing technical challenges access to the unique expertise and capabilities of Los Alamos and Sandia national laboratories. At no cost to the business, small businesses can seek assistance from lab scientists and engineers to solve challenges and overcome barriers to company success. Since 2000, the two national laboratories have provided $80.6 million in technical assistance to 3,267 businesses enabling 11,116 jobs to be created and retained across the state’s 33 counties.

The City of Bloomington is now accepting applications for the 2026 Solar, Energy Efficiency, and Lighting (SEEL) Grant Program. The program offers up to $25,000 in grant funding and technical assistance to local small businesses and nonprofits. The goal is to help organizations improve building efficiency, install solar panels or add battery storage. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, schools, early childhood centers, healthcare facilities, grocery stores, multifamily residential complexes and small businesses with fewer than 500 full-time employees. Organizations must own a facility within city limits, but renters can apply with documented agreement from the property owner.

The Maryland Technology Internship Program (MTIP) helps Maryland retain top tech talent by increasing the number of paid technical internships offered in the state. Administered by UMBC and funded by the State of Maryland, the program offers financial assistance to small businesses, start-ups, non-profits and state and local agencies, to hire more interns. The Maryland Technology Internship Program can reimburse employers for up to 50% of an intern’s wage, up to $5,500 annually per intern ($3,000 for the first semester and $2,500 for subsequent semester).

Citizens Financial Group Inc. has opened submissions for its ninth annual Small Business Community Champion Award, giving small businesses the opportunity to win $10,000 each. Winners also receive a year of professional development and networking through the Luminary program, which provides business owners with coaching, peer connections and access to resources designed to help grow and strengthen their companies. The contest is open exclusively to Citizens Business Banking customers and applications are due by 5 p.m. on Feb. 10.

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is partnering to offer Entrepreneurial Training Program reimbursement of up to 75% of the $1,000 course fee. The course is designed to help early-stage startups vet their ideas and learn how to develop an investment-ready business plan. Grant recipients must comply with requirements that include meeting attendance standards and completing a business plan within six months of starting the program.