Orphan Site Cleanup Fund

The Commercial Corridor Storefront Activation (CCSA) program is helping to revitalize 12 South and West Side business corridors through targeted improvements to underutilized and vacant commercial spaces. Led by the Department of Planning and Development (DPD), the $30.5 million program is offering grants that fund up to 75% of eligible project costs for qualifying small businesses and property owners. In addition to funding for storefront improvements, each corridor has a partner agency and technical service providers to assist with business-related tasks such as marketing, accounting and business planning, as well as project-specific tasks that include design and permitting.

The Newark Alliance Small Business Support Pilot Program (SBSP) provides Newark, New Jersey small retail businesses with a combination of grant funding and product purchase commitments totaling up to $75,000 to help open, relocate, or establish operations in downtown Newark. Administered by Newark Alliance, a nonprofit focused on Newark's economic vitality, the pilot program is designed to bridge financing gaps that are not always covered by traditional small business financing programs, and to support retail businesses filling storefronts in Newark's downtown core. The program is structured around two forms of support. The Facility Fit-Out Subsidy is a grant covering up to 50 percent of eligible retail space fit-out costs (capped at $50,000) for either a new business or an existing business relocating to a new space. The Product Purchase commitment offers up to $25,000 in scheduled purchases of products or services from a business that has not yet opened or has been operating for no more than one year, structured as a decreasing purchase amount each month over a defined period. Newark Alliance has also indicated that the broader program may offer recoverable loans, guaranties, and technical assistance in future cycles. To qualify, applicants must operate a new or existing commercial business with 20 or fewer employees and annual revenue of less than $1 million. Applicants must submit financial statements, profit and loss statements covering the most recent 12 months (if applicable), a 12-month financial projection, and a comprehensive marketing plan with strategic marketing research. Award recipients are required to participate in technical assistance as prescribed in the Grant Agreement furnished in the event of an award.

The Downtown Building Rehabilitation (DBR) Grant provides business owners, Tribal governments, and nonprofits with reimbursement grants of up to $50,000 (or one-third of total project cost, whichever is lower) to finance code-compliant construction and remodeling projects on downtown commercial buildings. Funded by Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR), Minnesota's economic development agency for the Iron Range region, and administered through a partnership with the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA), the program is available to businesses located within IRRR's northeastern Minnesota service area. Eligible buildings must be located on a main street in a downtown area, though applications from other locations in commercial business corridors may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis if additional funds are available. Eligible costs must relate to code compliance and can include general construction, electrical, plumbing, elevator, ADA, mechanical, and sprinkler work, housing rehabilitation, lead and asbestos removal, storefront improvements, and new construction or remodeling in the event of fire or natural disaster. Up to 10 percent of the grant may be used for professional services such as architectural, engineering, or design assistance on code compliance issues. Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed twice per year. A $500 AEOA application fee is required at the initial inspection and processed at project closing. Work cannot begin prior to approval and site inspection, and grant payments are made directly to the awarded contractor or vendor upon completion and final inspection. Applicants are limited to one project per year (additional projects considered case-by-case) and must have property taxes paid and up to date, along with verification from the Minnesota Secretary of State that the organization and any contractors are active and in good standing. Prevailing wage must be paid and certified payroll collected.

The purpose of the GAINS program is to promote the expansion and development of United States Department of Labor (USDOL) approved Registered Apprenticeship programs that drive economic development through skills and educational attainment and create pathways to better-paying careers and advanced credentials. While this NGO describes fourteen (14) sectoral/occupational areas of focus, all occupations that are recognized by US DOL as “apprenticeable” are encouraged to apply. Eligible applicants can request funding up to $12,000 per registered apprentice.

The Reimagine Oregon Economic Opportunity Investment Fund Grant provides Portland based for-profit businesses, nonprofits, and social service organizations with flexible grant funding ranging from $5,000 to $300,000 for standard projects, or $50,000 to $700,000 for large-scale anchor projects. Administered by Prosper Portland and funded through Recreational Cannabis Tax revenue, the program is focused on supporting economic and business development for communities disproportionately impacted by the historical prohibition of cannabis. Funding is awarded through two tracks. Track 1 supports for-profit businesses with grants designed to strengthen and grow existing operations, scale new businesses, and promote entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic growth across Portland. Track 2 supports nonprofit organizations and those operating under a fiscal sponsor with grants focused on building community wealth, promoting economic empowerment, and supporting social enterprises. Each track includes both standard grants and anchor project grants, with anchor projects supporting larger initiatives that act as catalysts for economic growth and community development. Eligible uses of funds are intentionally broad and include strategic investment capital, infrastructure development, business incubators and innovation centers, community-owned business support, job creation and training programs, mixed-use community hubs, employment opportunities, housing development, and property acquisition. To qualify, applicants must be located within the City of Portland, fit one of the eligible organization types (for-profit, nonprofit, or social service org with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor), and demonstrate how their proposal relates to and benefits communities disproportionately affected by cannabis prohibition. Direct political advocacy, personal use, and prior Reimagine Oregon grant recipients are not eligible.