Path to Prosperity Business Competition

The city of Mesa has a Business Export Assistance Program that reimburses qualified Mesa-based businesses for up to 50% of expenses related to starting or increasing international exports. To qualify, you need to be headquartered in Mesa and have no more than $25 million in annual sales.

The Cedar Rapids City Manager’s Sustainability Grant provides Cedar Rapids, Iowa nonprofits, businesses, and community groups with grants ranging from $500 to $10,000 per project to implement community-driven sustainability projects that benefit the public. Administered by the City of Cedar Rapids and recently launched in October 2026, the program is designed to support community-led efforts that advance sustainability, economic vitality, health, and environmental resilience, aligning with both the city’s Community Climate Action Plan (adopted in September 2021 with a goal of making Cedar Rapids carbon-free, resilient, and accessible by 2050) and the EnvisionCR comprehensive plan. Eligible projects must take place within Cedar Rapids, provide a public benefit, and support the city’s broader sustainability goals. Example project types include electric vehicle charging stations, nature-based spaces and playgrounds, waste-reduction efforts, active transportation projects, energy conservation initiatives, public art and beautification, mini forest planting, and other projects that enhance outdoor spaces or reduce environmental impact. Grants are intended for one-year projects, though extensions may be approved with appropriate justification. Successful applicants are also expected to prioritize local spending in executing their project. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community groups. Applications are evaluated across five criteria: feasibility, innovation, budget, community engagement, and alignment with city priorities. Applications are submitted through the city’s online grant portal, which also hosts the full set of program guidelines, scoring criteria, and application requirements.

The Commercial Development Authority (CDA) of the City of Jacksonville, Alabama, in its continuing effort to support the development of commercial business in Jacksonville, has created a Business Development Grant Program for business owners and tenants. The Business Development Grant Program will continue the process of creating an atmosphere conducive to conducting business in Jacksonville while attracting new commercial development. The following outlines the details of Jacksonville’s Business Development Grant Program. Business Development Grants are awarded by the CDA to encourage entrepreneurship, investment, and business success in the City of Jacksonville for new, expanding, and transitioning businesses. Grants are contingent on the availability of funding. Businesses must be located within the City of Jacksonville and meet the eligibility requirements.

The Business Equity Initiative Fund assists women business owners, particularly low- to moderate-income people, with access to capital and funding support not available through traditional loans. We seek to develop and support entrepreneurship and expand the capacity of these businesses in Muskegon County and in alignment with the Community Foundation of Muskegon County’s strategic objective of fostering a dynamic local economy.

Maryland's Winery and Vineyard Economic Development Grant Program provides financial assistance to individuals and corporations to establish a new winery or vineyard in the State or complete capital improvements at an existing winery or vineyard. Commerce will provide a grant to an individual or corporation for 25% of “qualified capital expenses.”