North Miami Economic Development Small Business Grant

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce and its divisions, including the Biloxi, Gulfport, Long Beach, and Pass Christian Chambers of Commerce, are now accepting applications for their respective Small Business Development Grant programs. Grants, starting at a minimum of $500, will be awarded to Chamber members selected by a judging committee. Elligible businesses include any members of The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce with fewer than 50 employees.

The Prosperity Investment Program (PIP) provides Portland businesses and commercial property owners with reimbursable matching grants of up to $75,000 to fund tenant improvements and small to large scale building improvements. Administered by Prosper Portland, the program covers up to 75 percent of approved project hard and soft costs, with the grantee responsible for the remaining 25 percent match. PIP is designed to support business competitiveness and property redevelopment in order to increase access to quality employment, foster wealth creation through business ownership, and build healthy, vibrant commercial corridors. Eligible hard costs include signage, lighting, storefront improvements, mechanical systems, tenant improvements, roofs, sidewalks, parking lots, landscaping, and other permanent fixtures. Eligible soft costs (capped at $25,000) include architectural, engineering, environmental, market, or financial analysis services associated with physical construction. To qualify, properties must be located within one of Portland's eligible Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Districts (Central Eastside, Gateway Regional Center, Interstate Corridor, Lents Town Center, Old Town, or North Macadam), be zoned for commercial, mixed use, employment, industrial, or multi-dwelling use, and have all property taxes and debt payments current. Each TIF district has its own action plan priorities that guide grant review, ranging from preserving industrial maker space and retail activation in Central Eastside to supporting historic preservation and retail vibrancy in Old Town. National franchises, locally owned franchises with more than three locations, nonprofits (except those located in Old Town), businesses that exclude minors during business hours, and any work completed before a grant agreement is executed are not eligible. A grant recipient or property may only receive one PIP grant every five years.

The Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture believes that investing in arts and culture builds community and enhances the quality of life for residents. The agency offers various opportunities, including funding and professional development, designed to support the work of arts organizations, artists and educators who provide quality arts programming, activities and experiences to residents, neighborhoods and communities.

The Opportunity Council Districts Program, an incentive-based initiative focused on encouraging growth in retail-stagnant areas within City Council Districts 3 and 5. The program will provide funding for property improvements to help businesses expand and attract new investment in Athenas, Alabama. Eligible small businesses can apply for incentive awards of up to $20,000 for one-time, permanent upgrades. The funding is split evenly, with $100,000 allocated to each district.

Dayton Community Development Corporation offers grants for small businesses that focus on the Downtown District of Dayton. To qualify for these programs, businesses must be within designated locations in the city. The Dayton Downtown Improvement Grant provides up to $25,000, as a 50% match for activities such as interior renovations, signage, landscaping and improvement to the building and parking lot. Along the same lines, the Dayton Small Business Grant offers funding up to $7,500 for exterior projects and also $7,500 for interior projects — on a 50% match basis.