Pay it Forward Grant

The Sharon Economic Development Grant Fund provides grant funding to startup and existing businesses operating within the City of Sharon, Pennsylvania to help de-risk and accelerate operations, fuel growth, and support the revitalization of the city's downtown. Administered by the Shenango LaunchBox (Penn State Shenango's entrepreneurial support program) on behalf of a partnership between the City of Sharon, Penn State Shenango, and the Community Foundation of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio, the fund draws from a $2 million endowment created in 2022 (with funds contributed by the City of Sharon's American Rescue Plan dollars and a matching investment by Penn State University), and awards approximately $100,000 in grants to Sharon businesses each year. Individual grant amounts vary based on each business's pitch and the recommendation of the Grant Selection Committee, with recent rounds awarding multiple businesses through a single annual cycle. Priority is given to businesses that align with the City of Sharon's Main Street Model, contribute to the revitalization of the State Street Downtown Improvement District, generate new jobs, and drive travel and tourism to Sharon. To qualify, applicants must have a business presence within the 16146 zip code (City of Sharon). The application process is multi-stage: applicants first submit a Letter of Intent on a rolling basis, then participate in a review and feedback round, complete a pitch coaching session with the Shenango LaunchBox team, and ultimately deliver a 5-minute pitch with Q&A to the Sharon Economic Development Grant Committee, which makes the final funding decision. In addition to grant funding, applicants benefit from free consulting services, pitch coaching, and access to broader Shenango LaunchBox programming, with some past recipients also receiving free legal advice from Penn State Law's Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic and business plan support from the Gannon Small Business Development Center.

The Rooted In Growth Grant awards four U.S.-based hair care businesses with $50,000 each in flexible grant funding, plus access to a founder-focused mentorship program, networking opportunities with industry leaders, and brand visibility across amika's and Fifteen Percent Pledge's marketing channels. Presented by amika, a professional haircare brand, in partnership with the Fifteen Percent Pledge (a racial equity and economic justice nonprofit that calls on major retailers and corporations to commit at least 15 percent of their shelf space, sales revenue, and annual spend to Black-owned businesses), the program is built to back the next generation of underrepresented professional haircare founders with capital and structured support. The program is aimed at founders from communities that have historically been overlooked by traditional funding streams. Eligible underserved founders include (but are not limited to) those from Black, African, or African American, AAPI, Hispanic, Latino, Latina, or Latinx, or LGBTQIA+ backgrounds, as well as parents with earned income below the poverty level, first-generation immigrants, and women. Founders from any background traditionally overlooked by traditional funding may apply regardless of race. Acceptance of the grant carries a commitment to fully participate in amika's Rooted In Growth mentorship and networking program, which spans several months and includes an in-person kickoff event at amika HQ in New York City, virtual mentorship sessions three times per month, and participation in a major industry trade show. Travel and accommodations for in-person events are covered by amika. To qualify, applicants must operate in the hair care space (tools, wigs, color, extensions, or products), currently sell a CPG product, be U.S.-based with annual revenue under $2.5 million, and be at least 51 percent owned by underserved founders. Applicants must currently sell to or aspire to expand into professional distribution channels such as salon distributors or direct-to-stylist. Additional requirements include a clear mission of inclusivity and community impact, products that reflect inclusive values and consumer needs, and readiness to share their story and engage in the mentorship and brand-building components of the program. Applications are reviewed by a joint committee composed of members from the Fifteen Percent Pledge and amika, and finalists are selected based on the strength of the founder's story, mission, and purpose, business viability and opportunity for growth, clear demonstration of community impact and inclusive values, and readiness for brand amplification and storytelling.

The City of Salem offers a matching grant program in the Fairview Urban Renewal Area (URA) to support businesses in constructing new buildings, adding to existing structures, or investing in permanent manufacturing equipment and related building improvements. This program is designed to encourage economic growth and enhance business operations within the district. By providing financial support, the program helps reduce the cost burden of construction and equipment investments, making it easier for businesses to grow. For property owners and business tenants, this program offers an opportunity to modernize facilities and improve productivity, benefiting both individual businesses and the community as a whole.

The Harvest to Market Grant provides local food and farm enterprises in eligible rural counties of Kansas and western Missouri with grants of $5,000 to $25,000 to strengthen their post-harvest and go-to-market capacity. Administered by the Heartland Regional Food Business Coalition, the program is supported by a grant from the Patterson Family Foundation and is designed to help local food businesses serve local and regional markets more effectively. Priority is given to investments in processing equipment, distribution equipment, logistics systems, and marketing, with additional consideration for projects that involve multiple farm or food businesses such as pooling products to fulfill larger orders. Eligible applicants include retail food sales outlets, producers, farmers, ranchers, food and farm cooperatives, value-added processors, aggregation and distribution businesses, food hubs, farmers markets, tribal food and farm enterprises, and food and farm business enterprises including school food service. To qualify, businesses must generally have fewer than 50 employees, less than $2 million in annual gross revenue, and a business address within the eligible Patterson Family Foundation catchment area. Nonprofits are not eligible. Grant funds may be used for website and online store development, marketing, feasibility studies, packaging, equipment, alterations of existing buildings or facilities, construction, personnel costs for staff working directly on the project, post-harvest processing (such as washing, cooling, and packing), and further meat processing after slaughter and initial processing. Funds cannot be used for agricultural production inputs like seeds or feed, animal slaughter or initial meat processing steps, building or land acquisition, ongoing operating costs such as rent and utilities, public education or training projects, or basic research and development. The grant operates on a reimbursement basis, with no matching funds required, and projects must be completed within 6 months of the contract start date.

ACCELERATE is focused on solutions that have shown progress in improving access, equity, and integration of oral health or overall health, including for underserved populations. As part of ACCELERATE, companies may receive: -Up to $100,000 in non-dilutive funds, which must be matched directly or in-kind by an industry partner -Support to scope the project and drive toward outcomes -Data and analytics support, including claims analysis, outcomes design, ROI modeling, and more -Networking at closed-door and industry events with our ecosystem of partners -Follow-on support after successful pilots, such as further partnership or investment