Royal Credit Union Small Business Grant

The LaunchLNK Grant awards six early-stage scalable startups building their businesses in Lincoln, Nebraska with a $20,000 non-dilutive cash grant, plus more than $15,000 in in-kind services and benefits. Administered by StartupLNK in partnership with Select Lincoln, the program is designed to help promising startups establish and grow their companies in Lincoln by combining meaningful capital with the connections and support needed to move from early-stage to fully operational business. Beyond the cash grant, recipients receive four additional forms of support: introductions to potential sources of additional capital through StartupLNK's Midwest investor relationships; connections to mentors and to local and regional corporations that may become early customers or partners; access to professional services (legal, accounting, marketing, and other business needs) at little or no cost through corporate and service provider partnerships; and inclusion in the LaunchLNK alumni network, which has supported dozens of Lincoln-area startups since the program launched. Grant funds are distributed as the company meets milestones defined jointly with the LaunchLNK Program Manager. Applications are open to all industries and types of companies, with a clear goal and vision for business growth required. Applicants are prioritized based on the grant's potential economic impact in Lincoln, meaning reviewers look for companies where the funding could spur revenue and job creation and attract additional capital investment. Standout applications tend to demonstrate a clear use of funds tied to a specific next milestone, and founders actively contributing to the Lincoln business or innovation community receive additional consideration. The selection process includes an initial application review, screening calls, and interviews with a selection committee that ultimately selects the six recipients from a pool of 50 to 100 applications each cycle. Previous applicants who were not selected are welcome to reapply, as long as they have not already been awarded a LaunchLNK grant.

The Soddy-Daisy Business Façade Improvement Grant provides small businesses in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee with 50/50 matching reimbursement grants of up to $10,000 per project to fund improvements to the appearance, accessibility, and functionality of commercial buildings. Administered by the City of Soddy-Daisy, the program is designed to attract customers and potential tenants, encourage reinvestment, and strengthen the city's commercial corridors. The city allocates $50,000 in total funding to the program each fiscal year, and projects are accepted and approved on a first-come, first-served basis until all available funds are allocated. Businesses may receive funding for one project per funding cycle, and applicants are typically notified of a funding decision within two weeks of submission. Eligible improvements include masonry work (such as exterior brick or wall repair), window and door repair or replacement, painting and siding, cornice repair or replacement, storefront enhancements, aesthetic detailing, new construction that expands an existing structure, new landscaping, outdoor seating areas, awnings and canopies, visible roof façade improvements, lighting enhancements, ADA accessibility improvements, architectural façade renovations and design fees, engineering and design services, access control and parking renovations tied to code compliance, and new signage. Interior-only renovations, general maintenance projects (such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical work, roof leaks, or rotten boards), routine landscaping maintenance, temporary signage, staff salaries, insurance-covered repairs, and work completed before grant approval are not eligible. To qualify, the property must be located within Soddy-Daisy city limits and zoned for commercial use, and both leased and owner-occupied businesses may apply (for leased businesses, the property owner must approve and sign the application and enter into the grant agreement directly with the City). Businesses and buildings must meet current building inspection and code compliance requirements at the time of application, all real property taxes must be paid in full, and the business must hold an active Soddy-Daisy business license. Industrial and residential properties, adult-oriented businesses, new construction on vacant lots, businesses operating from residential property, single business tenants within a multi-tenant building (with regard to façade work), and businesses or properties owned by City employees or officials are not eligible. Grants operate on a reimbursement basis: applicants must complete their approved project, pay all eligible costs, have the completed work reviewed and accepted by the City, and submit itemized receipts, canceled checks, and other required documentation before reimbursement is issued. Applicants must contribute an amount equal to the grant request (for example, a $10,000 grant request requires at least $10,000 in matching contribution for a total project cost of $20,000 or more), and volunteer labor and "sweat equity" cannot be counted toward the match.

The Going PRO Talent Fund (Talent Fund) makes awards to Michigan employers to assist in training, developing and retaining current and newly hired employees. Training funded by the Talent Fund must be short-term and fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer. Training must lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by industry.

The CO-100 is an annual small business recognition program administered by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, open to for-profit U.S. businesses with fewer than 250 employees and under $20 million in annual revenue. 100 businesses are selected as honorees across 10 categories including Growth Accelerators, Community Champions, Tech Innovators, and others. From those 100, 10 Top Honorees are chosen, and one is named America's Top Small Business of the Year. The grand prize winner receives $25,000 cash. Each of the 10 Top Honorees receives $2,000 cash. The remaining 90 honorees receive a one-year U.S. Chamber of Commerce membership (valued at $250). Applicants compete across up to five categories and are judged in three rounds on open-ended questions, multiple choice assessments, and digital presence.

Santander's Cultivate Small Business program helps early-stage entrepreneurs in the food industry, with a focus on historically underserved businesses. Through this program, business owners participate in a 12-week virtual education curriculum that includes mentorship and networking. Business owners also receive up to $20,000 in capital grants. To qualify, you must have been in business for at least one year, have between one and 10 full-time employees and have generated between $25,000 and $1 million in revenue in the past year.