Rapid City AI MicroGrant

The Arkansas Workforce Development Grants provide Arkansas employers with reimbursement grants of up to $250,000 to fund training programs that develop the state's workforce, reduce gaps in worker skills, and support customized technical training. Administered by the Arkansas Office of Skills Development (OSD), the program makes strategic investments in Arkansas's workforce by helping local businesses provide cutting-edge, customized employee training. The umbrella program is currently offered through four grant pathways, each designed for different training needs and business circumstances. The Grow Our Own Grant is available to Arkansas businesses with 250 or fewer employees and reimburses up to 75 percent of allowable training expenses, with maximum funding of $250,000 per quarter. The grant is designed to help small and mid-sized Arkansas employers develop and upskill their existing workforce. The Customized Technical Grant supports highly technical training that is specific to or customized for a particular industry, skill, or type of equipment. This grant reimburses up to 75 percent of allowable training expenses, with maximum funding of $250,000 per fiscal year. The Skills Gap Grant addresses the growing gap between employer workforce needs and the skills of the current workforce, and is designed to target critical skill gaps across a particular region or industry rather than any one individual business. Because awards are not typically granted to individual businesses, funding levels are determined on a case-by-case basis rather than pre-set caps. The Professional Development Grant reimburses basic professional or academic training to help equip employees for success, including skills such as leadership, conflict resolution, and Microsoft Office. This grant reimburses companies for up to 50 percent of allowable training expenses, with maximum funding of $50,000 per fiscal year.

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.

This training program helps Iowa businesses fund customized training for current employees. The program is designed to foster the growth and competitiveness of Iowa’s business and industry by ensuring that Iowa’s workforce has the skills and expertise to compete with any workforce outside the state of Iowa. The grant covers basic adult education, job-related instruction (or on-the-job training), skills assessments, testing and evaluation of employees, and travel reimbursement. Each of Iowa’s community colleges assists businesses with the development of training plans that are funded by forgivable loans. The maximum award is $25,000 for each project at a business site. A business site may be approved for multiple projects-with maximum funding over three years not to exceed $100,000. A cash match is required for projects exceeding $4,999.

Property owners in the Uptown Area of Kenosha can apply for the new Uptown Area Facade Grant and the Uptown Area Business Recruitment and Retention Grant, two initiatives designed to revitalize the corridor and encourage continued investment in the neighborhood. The facade grant program will provide up to $10,000 in reimbursable funding for exterior building improvements. The grants will cover up to 50 percent of eligible project costs and can be used for upgrades such as new windows and doors, awnings, signage, lighting, landscaping, fencing, siding, masonry work, and architectural services. The Redevelopment Authority of the City of Kenosha has allocated $50,000 for the program. A second program, the Uptown Area Business Recruitment and Retention Grant, will offer up to $5,000 in reimbursable funding to support operational improvements for businesses in the area. The grant will cover up to 75 percent of eligible costs and may be used for purchases such as new inventory, equipment, marketing efforts, or technology upgrades intended to improve the customer experience.

The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT) offers annual Farmer Resilience Grants to projects that have a positive social, environmental, and economic impact in their community. Farmers can earn between $2,000 and $5,000 for their projects.