Pathway to Opportunity Pitch Contest

The Houston Texans Small Business Boost provides selected Greater Houston small businesses with a $5,000 grant along with marketing and promotional support designed to raise the winner's visibility across the city. Created in 2020 as a partnership between the Houston Texans and Amegy Bank, the program recognizes independently owned, for-profit businesses based primarily in the Greater Houston area. In addition to the cash grant, winners receive a feature on HoustonTexans.com (including a dedicated web article and a social media post announcing the win), access to event opportunities through Amegy Bank, and a commemorative plaque presented by the Texans and Amegy. Businesses are nominated for the award, and multiple winners are selected each year.

Revitalize Harlingen is a small business facade improvement matching grant program offered by the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) to enhance storefronts, attract more customers, retain and expand jobs, and stimulate economic activity in Harlingen. The program provides up to $10,000 in matching funds for each pre-approved project. No funds are provided upfront. Eligible pre-approved projects must be completed by August 31, 2026. The matching reimbursement payment is provided when the project is completed, subject to the terms of the grant and final approval from the HEDC Board of Directors. Program eligibility is discretionary and may be discontinued by the HEDC Board of Directors or Harlingen City Commission at any time. The HEDC is now accepting Pre-Approval Applications for Round Four of Revitalize Harlingen. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds have been encumbered or spent.

The Invest DSM Commercial Grant Program provides Des Moines commercial property owners and small businesses with matching grants of up to $50,000 to fund deferred maintenance, repairs, code compliance upgrades, and facade improvements. Administered by Invest DSM, a nonprofit partnership between the City of Des Moines and Polk County focused on revitalizing select Des Moines neighborhoods, the program is available to property owners and business owners (whether they own or lease their space) located within one of Invest DSM's designated Special Investment Districts. The grant operates as a dollar-for-dollar match covering half of project expenses up to $50,000 per retail bay, with an additional matching grant of up to $10,000 available to cover pre-development costs such as architectural drawings, project feasibility studies, environmental studies, and interior or window display design assistance. For external aesthetic improvements like signage, window displays, and facade work, applicants who collaborate with one of Invest DSM's artists on a custom design can receive 70 percent of those costs covered. Eligible uses include facade, signage, and awning updates, roof, window, and door replacement or repair, major systems and code compliance upgrades, public art such as murals, exterior site improvements like patios, concrete work, landscaping, and parking lot repaving, and energy-efficiency upgrades including solar and wind installation. Applicants must be current on all municipal and county dues, fees, and taxes. In addition to grant funds, recipients also receive one-on-one consultation, advice, and technical support from Invest DSM specialists throughout the entire project.

The Virginia Global Business Internship Program reimburses companies up to $6,000 for a talented university student to perform a ten-week summer internship at a Virginia company. Students will further the company’s export capacity and make progress on its international business expansion strategies. Eligible companies have at least five employees and operate in Virginia.

The KC Small Business Grant provides established small businesses in Kansas City, Kansas with a one-time grant of up to $10,000 to help offset expenses that support expanded daily operations and business growth. Administered by the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City's Department of Economic Development, the program is designed to stimulate economic growth, attract new investment, and strengthen neighborhood vitality by supporting existing businesses that are primed for expansion. To be eligible, a business must be located in Kansas City, KS, have fewer than 25 employees, and have been operating for at least one year. Grant funds may be used for renovation costs (such as sheetrock, flooring, and painting), façade improvements, inventory, equipment, and marketing (including webpages and signage). Certain business types are ineligible, including home-based businesses, liquor stores, payday loan businesses, hookah and vape shops, and new businesses operating less than one year.