Pay it Forward Grant

VCEDA operates a Renewable Energy Fund to help attract new green jobs and investment to Southwest Virginia's e-Region and to help diversify its economy. Projects eligible for funding from the Renewable Energy Fund include commercial/industrial generation projects using renewable energy sources; manufacture of renewable energy products and components; and workforce development and training projects to prepare the region’s workforce for renewable energy jobs. Funding is available as low-interest loans and/or grants for real estate acquisition, building construction, equipment purchases, and other physical improvements adding value to real estate, including associated soft costs. Grants are available to assist with workforce development and training, including tuition reimbursement, internships, and training equipment.

The Program supports the growth of very small meat and poultry processors in the Commonwealth. It does this by offering grants. The grants cover costs associated with opening a new processing operation or the expansion of a current operation. The grants can also be used to cover the costs of getting a USDA Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) inspection. Grants are limited to no more than $100,000 per applicant.

The Supply Chain Optimization Program is designed to help Virginia businesses looking to improve their supply chain processes to pursue exporting initiatives. Eligible companies can apply for up to $10,000 in reimbursement for expenses associated with supply chain enhancement. Companies also receive expert guidance on supply chain mapping, transportation, import compliance, and more.

The Seattle Back to Business Program provides Seattle small businesses with reimbursement grants to recover from vandalism and property damage and to invest in preventive security measures. Administered by the Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED) , the program builds on the original Storefront Repair Fund (which ran from 2022 to 2024) and consolidates two. The first grant pathway is the Storefront Repair Fund, which reimburses up to $3,000 per incident for the cost of repairing storefront property damage such as broken doors, locks, fences, gates, signs, and windows; businesses may apply for up to three separate incidents that occurred on or after July 1, 2024. The second is the Storefront Security Fund, which provides a one-time reimbursement of up to $6,000 to fund preventive security improvements such as window or door reinforcement, locks, signs, security window film, and shatterproof glass; applicants must first complete a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) security assessment with a certified expert, and only purchases made after that assessment qualify. Both grants operate as reimbursements, meaning eligible expenses must be paid before applying. To qualify, businesses must be independently owned and non-chain, located within Seattle city limits, have no more than 50 full-time equivalent employees and no more than three locations, generate between $1,000 and $7 million in annual net revenue, and have been in operation for at least 12 months. Priority is given to small businesses owned by people of color, women-owned businesses, and businesses located in highly distressed census tracts. Graffiti removal, security cameras, and loss of stolen goods are not eligible expenses under either fund.

The Maryland Technology Internship Program (MTIP) helps Maryland retain top tech talent by increasing the number of paid technical internships offered in the state. Administered by UMBC and funded by the State of Maryland, the program offers financial assistance to small businesses, start-ups, non-profits and state and local agencies, to hire more interns. The Maryland Technology Internship Program can reimburse employers for up to 50% of an intern’s wage, up to $5,500 annually per intern ($3,000 for the first semester and $2,500 for subsequent semester).