Path to Prosperity Business Competition

The Cybersecurity Adoption Program (CAP) is designed to support Connecticut manufacturing companies seeking Cyber Security assessments and CMMC Certification. The goal is to help companies striving to meet federal cybersecurity requirements. Up to $10K can used for a Cyber Assessment with the balance allocated to remediation. Eligible companies can apply for grant funding up to $35,000 in total to assist with cyber security assessments and CMMC adoption. Participating companies must pay half the cost. 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.

North Carolina’s Customized Training Program is the state’s premier workforce development initiative, helping businesses build and sustain a highly skilled, competitive workforce. The program, now branded as NCEdge, offers businesses workforce development strategies that align with a company’s unique needs and goals. NCEdge supports new, expanding, and existing businesses, providing flexible, up-to-date training solutions valid for up to three years. The cost of the training is covered by the state of North Carolina through the North Carolina Community College System. With 58 community colleges across North Carolina, NCEdge ensures businesses in all 100 counties have access to high-quality training resources.

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 Charlotte Business Matching Grants program provides commercial property owners and businesses in Charlotte with matching reimbursement grants of up to $90,000 to improve building appearance, enhance safety, and upgrade interior spaces. Administered by the City of Charlotte's Economic Development Department, the program is offered through three grant pathways covering exterior renovations, interior upgrades, and security improvements. Across all three tracks, the city reimburses 50% of eligible project costs up to the maximum grant award, with reimbursement issued after project completion, inspection, and submission of paid receipts. Eligible applicants include owners or tenants of for-profit commercial buildings located within the eligible geography, as well as national or regional chains headquartered in the Charlotte MSA. Vacant buildings may also qualify if the project is intended to attract eligible tenants. The Façade Improvement Grant provides up to $90,000 for commercial property owners and tenants renovating building exteriors and bringing signs, landscaping, and parking into compliance with city code. Eligible improvements include approved architectural façade renovations, signage and parking upgrades, landscaping, and infrastructure improvements in the public right-of-way, with an additional reimbursement of up to $3,000 available for architectural fees. The Interior Upfit Improvement Grant provides up to $30,000 to support renovations that enhance the functionality and code compliance of interior commercial spaces. Eligible improvements include HVAC, fire suppression, plumbing, and electrical systems; flooring, lighting, and wall reconfiguration; and interior restrooms and utility upgrades. The Security Improvement Grant provides up to $5,000 for a single business or up to $20,000 for shopping centers with three or more tenants to fund physical security upgrades. Eligible improvements include security lighting, cameras, fencing, locking devices, security windows, alarm systems, ironwork, and trees and shrubbery.

Innovation Grants can fund projects that address local workforce development needs. Projects may provide skills training to individuals and/or assist individuals with connecting to careers. Applications are reviewed quarterly by the WDC Grant Review Committee.