SCRA Academic Startup Grant

The New Jersey Clean Tech Research and Development (R&D) Voucher Program provides early-stage New Jersey based clean technology companies with vouchers of up to $40,000 to subsidize access to research and development equipment, facilities, and makerspaces at participating "core facilities" across the state. Administered by the New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) in collaboration with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), the program is designed to accelerate development and innovation of clean technologies, helping companies transform research stage discoveries into commercially viable technologies that attract industry and investor interest. Eligible target areas include chemicals and advanced materials, energy distribution and storage, energy efficiency, energy generation, green buildings, transportation, waste processing, and water and agriculture. Funds are paid directly to participating core facilities (which include New Jersey based colleges and universities, federal labs, NJEDA approved Strategic Innovation Centers, and approved nonprofit organizations) rather than to the business itself, and may be used for access to labs, equipment, makerspaces, and technology centers, use of facility equipment and technicians for testing and development, training to prepare for independent use of equipment, access to datasets at participating facilities, and supplies and consumables needed to operate that equipment. Applicants can apply for multiple CSIT vouchers up to a combined cap of $40,000 in any 12-month period. To qualify, applicants must be a for-profit company authorized and in good standing to conduct business in New Jersey (nonprofits are not eligible), have no more than 50 full-time-equivalent workers, have at least one full-time worker, conduct 50 percent or more of cumulative work hours in New Jersey, generate less than or equal to $5 million in prior calendar year sales revenue (excluding grant revenue), and hold a current NJ Tax Clearance Certificate listing CSIT. Approved projects must fall within Technology Readiness Levels 1 through 7 (from basic research through full-scale prototype demonstration in a relevant environment). Manufacturing of products for sale or commercial use and real estate rental expenses are not eligible. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis as long as program funds remain available, and applicants must secure a written letter of support, agreed scope of work, and agreed budget from a participating core facility before their application is complete.

The SafetyWorks Training Grant provides Massachusetts-based employers with up to $25,000 in funding for employee training that prevents or addresses workplace injuries and illness. Also known as the Workplace Safety Grant, the program is administered by the Office of Safety within the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) and supports a wide range of hands-on, in-person safety training topics, including emergency response and first aid, workplace violence prevention and de-escalation, fire and electrical safety, fall protection, hazardous materials handling, confined space and rescue, and regulatory compliance, among others. The grant operates as a reimbursement program: training must be pre-approved and conducted under a signed contract before any costs become eligible, and all training must be delivered by Massachusetts-based trainers. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but training and funding must occur during announced funding cycles.

The Kauaʻi Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant (SBEEG) provides Kauaʻi small businesses with rebates covering the labor costs associated with energy efficiency upgrades at their commercial facilities. Administered by the Kauaʻi Economic Development Board (KEDB) in partnership with the County of Kauaʻi's Office of Economic Development and the Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC), the grant operates alongside KIUC's Commercial Retrofit Program, with KEDB funding labor costs and KIUC's program covering a percentage of materials costs for the same eligible projects. Together, the two programs are designed to reduce the upfront financial barrier that small businesses face when retrofitting their facilities for energy efficiency. Eligible upgrades include air conditioning, motors, lighting controls, and refrigeration. To qualify, a business must be classified under KIUC Rate Schedule J or G. Grant amounts vary based on the scope of the project, with prior awards ranging from a few hundred dollars to roughly $9,000 per business depending on the upgrade. The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested businesses begin the process by submitting an interest form to KIUC, after which KIUC conducts an energy audit at the business, identifies eligible retrofits, and recommends materials costs it can cover. The business then solicits a contractor quote for installation work, which KEDB reviews to determine the grant amount before the business signs a grant agreement and proceeds with installation. KIUC conducts a final site visit upon completion, after which the business receives its rebate from KEDB.

The Non-Traditional Apprenticeship Incentive Program provides employers with an incentive payment of $1,000 per non-trade apprentice hired and registered after the completion of the required probationary period. Employers are eligible for up to $5,000 in monetary incentives per calendar year and may collect no more than $1,000 for each unique apprentice. NOTE: Non-traditional apprenticeships are apprenticeships that are registered with the Department of Labor and Training that are outside of the construction trades. The required probationary period is a standard that established as part of the apprenticeship approval process and will vary based on the apprenticeship model.

The City of Taylor Downtown Business Grants provide small businesses in Downtown Taylor, Texas with a suite of grant programs designed to support existing storefronts, activate outdoor spaces, drive collaborative events, and attract new businesses to the district. Administered by the City of Taylor's Downtown Department and Main Street Program, the grants are part of a broader $500,000 investment in downtown Taylor that also includes streetscape improvements to Heritage Square Park, new bike racks and trash cans, street resurfacing, and restoration of the city's historic wood brick roadway. Eligibility is limited to businesses located within the downtown Taylor district. The program is offered through four distinct grant tracks tailored to different types of investment. -The Front Porch Package Grant helps existing downtown businesses pay for storefront-facing items and improvements such as rocking chairs, floral displays, signs, and other exterior investments that enhance the character and inviting appearance of downtown Taylor. -The Stay-A-While Grant funds the installation of outdoor seating and gathering spaces at downtown businesses, encouraging visitors to linger, socialize, and spend more time in the district. -The Multi-Business Event Grant supports collaborative events involving multiple downtown businesses, funding joint activations and shared promotions that draw visitors to the district and drive foot traffic across participating storefronts. -The Economic Development Recruitment Grant provides matching reimbursements of up to $50,000 to help attract new retail, restaurant, and entertainment businesses to downtown Taylor. Grant funds are designed to offset build-out costs such as HVAC, plumbing, and permitting, with a total program pool of $100,000 available.