RI Non-Traditional Apprenticeship Incentive

The BIG LIFT Citywide Storefront Improvement Grant Program provides Brownsville, Texas small businesses with reimbursement grants of up to $30,000 to fund exterior property improvements. Administered by the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC), the program is designed to improve the visual appearance of commercial buildings throughout the city, support locally owned small businesses with fewer than 20 employees, and extend the economic development benefits of BCIC's downtown-focused BIG Property Improvement Grant into commercial corridors and neighborhoods citywide. The program operates on a reimbursement basis: approved applicants must fund their projects upfront and are reimbursed upon satisfactory project completion and submission of required documentation. Applications open by City Council District on a rotating basis, with each district opening for a defined window each year. Businesses located within the boundaries of the original BIG Program (Historic Downtown) must apply under the BIG Program guidelines rather than BIG LIFT, and no business may receive funding from both programs for the same property.

The Workforce Training Fund Program provides Massachusetts businesses with funding to train current and newly hired employees. Administered by Commonwealth Corporation, the goal of this program is to strengthen business productivity, competitiveness, and the state's pipeline of skilled workers. The program offers four grant pathways tailored to different training needs: the Express Program, which provides fast, smaller-scale grants for just-in-time training using a pre-approved directory of training options and no waiting period between awards; the General Program, which funds larger, customized, strategic training initiatives for employers of any size who work with training vendors of their choice; the General Program ESOL Bridge Grant, which allows organizations that have completed (or are completing) a General Program grant supporting English language learners to continue ESOL training through the standard one-year waiting period; and the Technical Assistance Grant, offered on a limited basis to expand training opportunities for employees.

The Downtown St. Louis Pop-Up Retail Program provides aspiring and existing business owners with grants of up to $15,000 to activate short-term pop-up retail shops in vacant storefronts in the Downtown and Downtown West neighborhoods of St. Louis. Administered by Greater St. Louis, Inc. with support from the St. Louis Development Corporation, the program is designed to reduce barriers to entry for business owners while increasing street vibrancy, safety, and economic health through active storefronts, with the broader goal of fostering business development and potential permanent tenancy in these locations. The grant covers up to six months of expenses associated with the pop-up activation, including monthly rent, utilities, labor, maintenance of the space during occupancy, and general liability insurance. Eligible applicants include prospective tenants considering opening a pop-up location in Downtown or Downtown West, as well as current tenants in those neighborhoods considering opening a second location as a pop-up. All applicants must have the consent of their current or prospective landlord, and Greater St. Louis, Inc. may help identify a suitable space and willing property owner for applicants who have not yet secured one. Successful applicants are expected to propose concepts that appeal to a diverse customer base, complement surrounding businesses, and provide memorable experiences for customers and passersby.

One-time microgrants up to $500 to help women start or grow business

NAACP, in conjunction with Medium Rare and The Shark Group, has launched applications for the fourth annual NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant in celebration of Black Entrepreneurs Day. The NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant aims to empower Black entrepreneurs and businesses through funding and resources and has, in previous years, contributed largely to the growth of Black businesses across the nation.