PayPal Small Business Awards

This Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement (NOFO) solicits resource grant applications for projects that will provide accurate, useful, usable, and understandable health information to populations that experience health disparities and their health care providers. This NOFO supports the development of resources that can be used to improve health and well-being and that lead to reductions in health disparities. Access to accurate, useful, usable, and understandable health information is an important factor when managing health and health care. Proposed projects should harness the capabilities of information technology and medical or health libraries to disseminate clear, evidence-based health-related information in formats used by individuals and their health care providers. Proposed projects should emphasize the development and deployment of new information resources or services, or expand and improve an existing resource or service, to meet the needs of populations experiencing health disparities and to promote health access for all.

The Commercial Real Estate Acquisition Loan (CREAL) Program provides Philadelphia small business owners with a grant of up to $35,000 for closing costs alongside a mortgage loan of up to $350,000 to purchase commercial property in low- and moderate-income areas. Administered by the City of Philadelphia's Department of Commerce in partnership with the Women's Opportunities Resource Center (WORC), the program is designed to promote asset ownership and help business owners build generational wealth by transitioning from leasing to owning their commercial space. Eligible properties must be located on an approved commercial corridor, and technical assistance is provided throughout the purchase process — both before and after acquisition. The program prioritizes applicants who are unlikely to access traditional lending due to financial barriers. To qualify, applicants must be a business owner with a low-to-moderate income (or own a business located in a low-to-moderate income community), have a credit score of 550 or higher, be registered and licensed with the City of Philadelphia, and be current on city business taxes.

A grant and technical assistance program with different components for new and existing small retail and food related businesses located primarily in the greater Hartford region. Grant awardees must have participated in a corresponding technical assistance program. ReSET is prioritizing businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, and those located in distressed municipalities in the greater Hartford region, as well as entrepreneurs living in or serving the greater Hartford area who are interested in developing and scaling a food business, including food products and services. Between 36 and 45 grants will be awarded each year over the five-year span of the program. Grants range from $500 to $2,000.

The MIOSHA Workplace Improvement to Safety and Health (MIWISH) Grant awards Michigan employers a dollar-for-dollar matching grant of up to $5,000 to purchase safety and health-related equipment and equipment-related training. Administered by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) under the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, the program is designed to create safer, healthier workplaces and reduce the risk of injury and illness to Michigan workers. Eligible expenses include equipment such as eyewash stations, fall protection systems, machine guarding, lockout/tagout systems, noise monitoring equipment, and lifting equipment for small nursing care facilities, along with related training on the use of that equipment. To qualify, employers must have 250 or fewer employees company-wide, fall under MIOSHA jurisdiction, complete a site-specific evaluation justifying the equipment purchase, and demonstrate the knowledge and commitment to fully implement the project. The grant period begins annually on October 1, with awards made on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is exhausted. The program operates on a reimbursement basis, and grants are limited to one award per company. Preference is given to employers in high-hazard industries identified in the current MIOSHA Strategic Plan and to applications aligned with current MIOSHA emphasis programs.

The Merchants Fund Stabilization Grant provides Philadelphia small businesses with up to $10,000 in funding to help stabilize in the face of adversity, take advantage of an opportunity to grow, or increase profitability. Administered by The Merchants Fund, the program is offered twice a year, with cycles opening in the spring (March 15 – April 15) and fall (September 15 – October 15). The grant prioritizes support for business owners and communities that have experienced historical and systemic disinvestment or inequitable access to capital. To be eligible, businesses must be independently owned and operated, located in Philadelphia, generate annual revenue between $50,000 and $750,000, and demonstrate financial need for the grant. Certain business types are ineligible, including financial and lending businesses, real estate development businesses, child care centers, home health aid companies, insurance companies, and private membership-restricted clubs.