Pathway to Opportunity Pitch Contest

This program provides grants of up to $10,000 to small businesses damaged by a fire that is no fault of their own. Grants to eligible businesses are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, based on fund availability.

The Downtown Houston+ Property Improvement Grants offer property owners, businesses, and developers in Downtown Houston multiple funding opportunities to revitalize buildings, activate storefronts, and enhance street-level vibrancy. Administered by Downtown Houston+ in partnership with the Houston Downtown Management District and the Downtown Redevelopment Authority, the program currently includes four grant pathways tailored to different types of improvements: the Thrive Storefront Grant Program, which offers 1:2 matching grants of up to $50,000 to fund ground-level storefront improvements that increase retail activity and street-level vibrancy; the Facade Improvement Grant, which provides up to $250,000 to help property owners and tenants within the TIRZ #3 boundaries revitalize building facades; the Alfresco Grant, which provides up to $10,000 for non-permanent outdoor furnishings such as seating, umbrellas, and planters, with an additional $5,000 available for permanent fixtures like awnings and lighting; and the Fresh Start Market Grant, which works with existing grocery-offering businesses to enhance fresh food offerings, staff training, and physical improvements to their space. All grant applications are evaluated against the Downtown Houston+ Design Standards, and awards are subject to available budget and organizational priorities.

Property owners in the Uptown Area of Kenosha can apply for the new Uptown Area Facade Grant and the Uptown Area Business Recruitment and Retention Grant, two initiatives designed to revitalize the corridor and encourage continued investment in the neighborhood. The facade grant program will provide up to $10,000 in reimbursable funding for exterior building improvements. The grants will cover up to 50 percent of eligible project costs and can be used for upgrades such as new windows and doors, awnings, signage, lighting, landscaping, fencing, siding, masonry work, and architectural services. The Redevelopment Authority of the City of Kenosha has allocated $50,000 for the program. A second program, the Uptown Area Business Recruitment and Retention Grant, will offer up to $5,000 in reimbursable funding to support operational improvements for businesses in the area. The grant will cover up to 75 percent of eligible costs and may be used for purchases such as new inventory, equipment, marketing efforts, or technology upgrades intended to improve the customer experience.

The City of Framingham is accepting applications for its Microenterprise Assistance Program. The Microenterprise Assistance Program will provide ten one-time grants of $7,200 to eligible businesses. All start-up businesses and existing businesses must be physically located in Framingham and will be required to submit a business plan when applying for a Microenterprise grant. Funds can be used for payroll expenses, leases, business mortgages, or purchasing new equipment to expand business offerings.

WorkInvestNH is a job training grant available to businesses in or willing to relocate to New Hampshire that provide comprehensive job training for their workers. Eligible companies can receive matching funds (up to $70,000) to cover on-site training, basic skills training, technical skills training, quality improvements and safety training, management and supervision training, and English as a second language training.