Racine County Matching Grant

Awarded activities will facilitate the translation of novel recording and modulation technologies that can be used to treat and/or diagnose central nervous system (CNS) diseases and disorders and to better understand the human CNS, from proof of concept up to the stage of readiness for first in human (FIH) studies. Technologies may incorporate any signal modality (e.g., electrical, optical, magnetic, acoustic) or a combination thereof. Diverse team-based applications that integrate appropriate domains of expertise are encouraged.

This funding opportunity aims to support the development of in vivo high-resolution structural and functional imaging technologies for the living human inner ear. Proposed projects should focus on improving the resolution of current imaging techniques or developing new imaging techniques that can visualize inner ear structures in vivo with significantly greater detail and accuracy than currently possible. Both structural and functional aspects, including visualizing dynamic elements are important to development of new and improved techniques. Projects may also focus on developing new imaging probes or contrast agents that can enhance visualization of the inner ear structures. Ultimately, research supported in response to this RFA is to encourage technologies that allow, for example, structures such as hair cells, otoliths, membranes, ions, and vasculature to be viewed in detail in awake patients in a clinical setting using non-invasive techniques. To achieve this goal, a multi-disciplinary team approach that takes advantage of the expertise of each team member is highly encouraged. Studies in humans and intermediate studies in animals, but not non-mammalian species, may be proposed to develop or advance the needed technology. Any intermediate studies must articulate a clear path of the proposed methodology to application in awake humans or define the limitations and the usefulness in anesthetized humans.

The SBA Patriot Pitch Competition awards a $1 million cash prize pool to small businesses across the United States as part of the Freedom 250 celebration of 250 years of American free enterprise. Administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) with prize funding donated by Clover Network, Inc., the competition is a national pitch contest designed to spotlight small businesses driving innovation, job creation, and economic growth. Eligibility is limited to small businesses that have utilized qualifying SBA capital products (including 7(a) loans, PPP loans, 504 loans, microloans, and certain disaster loans), that meet the SBA's definition of a small business, and that have at least $100,000 of annual revenue. Individual applicants and team members must be U.S. citizens at least 18 years of age at the time of submission. Submissions are evaluated across four stages of judging panels that assess each business on factors such as innovation, demonstrated growth, job creation, and domestic production, with the top ten semifinalists narrowed down to five finalists who pitch live before judges and a national audience at a finals event in Washington, D.C. In addition to the cash prize, the finals feature a supplier matchmaking expo connecting small businesses with larger corporate buyers and government contracting opportunities, alongside networking with investors, industry leaders, and policymakers. Finalists are responsible for their own travel costs to the live competition.

The Novato Tenant Improvement Grant Program provides Novato, California business owners and commercial property owners with matching reimbursement grants covering up to 50 percent of eligible costs for improvements to commercial buildings, with a focus on exterior façades, signage, and other publicly visible enhancements. Projects with a total cost of under $10,000 may be fully funded at the discretion of the Selection Review Panel. Administered by the City of Novato's Economic Development Department, the program was recently expanded from a downtown-only pilot to a citywide initiative. Grants are paired with guidance from the Marin Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which is designed to ensure that investments not only improve a property's appearance but also strengthen the underlying business. Eligible project expenses prioritize exterior improvements, including exterior façade upgrades, signage and lighting, windows and doors, transparency improvements, ADA accessibility upgrades, exterior painting and surface restoration, landscaping or frontage improvements, and historic preservation elements. Permit fees are also eligible for reimbursement. All proposed projects must comply with City of Novato design standards, and the City may require additional or changed work to align projects with these standards. Priority is given to projects that support the City's broader economic development goals, enhance the appearance of retail corridors or preserve historical features, add long-term value to the property, are ready and feasible to execute, and advance equity or meet an economic need for a small business owner or first-time entrepreneur (such as those from underserved corridors or facing financial barriers). To qualify, applicants must be a business owner or commercial property owner with an active business tenant located within Novato city limits, hold a current Novato business license, be proposing improvements to an active commercial property, have no pending code violations on the property, and not have received a Tenant Improvement Grant within the past two years. Non-property-owner applicants must provide a letter from the property owner acknowledging the applicant's participation and consenting to the improvements. All contractors hired must be licensed, and the grantee (or their contractor) must provide proof of minimum insurance requirements, including listing the City as an additional insured. Applicants are required to obtain all necessary permits before construction begins. The application process includes an initial eligibility check, a mandatory SBDC consultation to review the applicant's financials and business plan, submission of a detailed design proposal, review by a City Selection Review Panel, and final approval and reimbursement upon project completion and City inspection. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis until all program funds are allocated, and grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Main Street Revitalization Program is designed to encourage economic vitality and growth of a business district within Long Island. This program offers financial incentive awards for customers undertaking renovation or expansion projects to startup or grow their business. Applicants may qualify for maximum award ranging from $5000 to $100,000 based on construction investment.