Rapid City AI MicroGrant

DHCD provides funding to highly qualified community-based non-profit organizations to develop storefront façade improvement projects in low/moderate income retail/commercial areas in the District of Columbia. Typically, a project is comprised of between ten and twenty-five, preferably concentrated within a few blocks, storefronts selected by the participating non-profit. Qualified business and/or commercial property owners within the targeted area receive matching grants for general repairs/maintenance and for the installation of doors, windows, signs, storefront systems, awnings, and lighting. The non-profit organization provides the business and/or property owners with professional design and construction services throughout the storefront renovation.

Level Up LB is a program designed to propel small businesses towards success and sustainability. This initiative offers entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to connect with essential support resources and undergo comprehensive workshops aimed at crafting new business and marketing plans. Upon completion of the program, participants become eligible to apply for $10,000 grants, empowering them to expand their business capacity and enhance resilience.

Since 2023, The HBCU Founders Initiative (HBCUFI) and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), a philanthropic organization that funds scholarships for Black students and 37 HBCUs, have partnered together to host the Better Futures pitch competition. Better Futures is a national showcase of the entrepreneurial excellence booming out of the nation's 100+ HBCUs. The competition features startups led by HBCU students and alumni from the HBCUFI network who are building innovative solutions and creating better futures. The Better Futures pitch competition has traditionally been held at the National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, D.C. with $25,000 in prizes distributed across the top three winners annually.

The Skills Enhancement Fund (SEF) provides assistance to businesses to support training and upgrading skills of employees required to support new capital investment. The grant may be provided to reimburse a portion (typically 50%) of eligible training costs over a period of two full calendar years from the commencement of the project. Grants from the Skills Enhancement Fund must lead to post-secondary credentials, a nationally-recognized industry credential, or specialized company training for both new hires and existing workers, and an increase in wages for existing employees.

The Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator (CEA) Grant provides creative entrepreneurs in southwestern Pennsylvania with $2,000 in funding plus small business consulting services to help start or grow a for-profit creative business. Administered by the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council the grant serves applicants in Allegheny, Beaver, Greene, and Washington counties who work in creative fields including marketing, architecture, visual arts and crafts, design, film and media, digital games, music and entertainment, and publishing. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old, reside in one of the four covered counties, generate less than $200,000 in gross revenue from the creative business, and not have received CEA funding in the past three years. Before applying, applicants must schedule a free consultation and business plan review with one of the program's designated Referral Coordinators, who help applicants develop the approved business plan required as part of the application. Nonprofits are not eligible.