Sky's The Limit Entrepreneur Grants

The Rural Jump-Start Program is a collaborative effort by the state, local governments, Institutes of Higher Education (IHE), and economic development organizations (EDO) to incentivize new businesses to start in or move to rural, economically distressed counties in Colorado, which are referred to as Rural Jump-Start zones, and hire new employees. Rural Jump-Start began in 2016 as a tax incentive program for businesses located in a Rural Jump-Start zone, and in 2021 a grant program was created. If you are a business interested in participating in this program, please review all program qualifications, discussed in greater detail under the Business Eligibility section below, before applying.

The Local Small Business Expanded Repair/Restore Grant Program provides Portland small businesses with reimbursement grants of up to $25,000 to repair damage caused by break-ins and vandalism, install preventive security improvements, and offset rising insurance costs. Administered by Prosper Portland (the city's economic development agency) the program is designed to help affected businesses remain open and operational while contributing to a healthier street environment across the city. Eligible expenses include exterior repairs such as window and door replacement, graffiti removal, signage repair, gate repair, security system replacement, and exterior lighting; interior repairs (up to $2,500) such as door replacement, counter repair, and furniture/equipment replacement; security and prevention improvements such as cameras, alarm systems, scissor gates, overhead doors, and safes; and increases in business insurance premiums (up to $5,000). To qualify, businesses must hold a current City of Portland business license and Oregon state business registration, operate a customer-facing ground-floor small business or food cart within Portland, have 50 or fewer employees, and maintain consistent hours of operation. Property owners who do not operate the storefront business themselves, businesses in non-commercially-zoned spaces, landlords and property managers, and cannabis-specific businesses are not eligible. Ineligible expenses include inventory replacement, security personnel, mural repainting, lost sales or wages, and any damages already covered by a successful insurance claim. Grants are issued on a reimbursement basis for eligible repairs or improvements completed up to 90 days prior to the application date.

The Affordable Commercial Tenanting (ACT) Grant provides Portland property owners and small business owners with reimbursement grants of up to $300,000 to fund tenant improvements, space related soft costs, and permitting support needed to ready a commercial space for opening. Administered by Prosper Portland, the city's economic development agency, the program is designed to facilitate access to affordable commercial space and support inclusive small business growth by helping local entrepreneurs move into ground floor storefronts at a lower cost. The grant is currently available for properties located within the Interstate Corridor and Gateway Regional Center Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Districts, though the program may expand to other areas of the city in the future. To qualify, the property owner must agree to provide the small business with a minimum three year lease that includes at least one of the following: a lease rate 10 to 25 percent below market, a period of rent abatement, or capped rent escalations during the affordable rate period. The property must be ground floor and zoned for commercial or mixed use. Eligible business owners must demonstrate at least two years of business experience and meet criteria related to displacement, limited access to capital, first generation business ownership, or location within a low income census tract. Funds may be used for hard costs to ready the space (such as standard finishes, signage, landscaping, lighting, and security upgrades), up to $25,000 for soft costs like design and permitting fees, and up to $25,000 for predevelopment work. Operating expenses, inventory, and non permanent fixtures are not eligible. Property management companies, mobile businesses, e-commerce businesses, and cannabis businesses are not eligible to apply.

The Summit City Entrepreneur and Enterprise District created the SEED Business Grant to help businesses with operating equipment, interior enhancements, selected improvements, and professional services. The program provides funding of up to $5,000 to eligible businesses. The Grant assists those business owners to promote reinvestment, strengthen Fort Wayne's commercial activity, and enhance economic vitality in the SEED District.

The Allstate Main Street Grants Program awards $20,000 grants to 100 selected small business owners across the United States to invest in tools, growth strategies, and resources that strengthen their business operations. Presented by Allstate in partnership with Hello Alice, the program represents a $2 million annual commitment to supporting local businesses that power American Main Streets. Up to 250 entrepreneurs are first accepted into a 12-week virtual Boost Camp accelerator that focuses on marketing, finance, operations, and growth, providing weekly content, peer connections, and strategic planning tools to help business owners build stronger, more resilient operations. From that cohort, 100 participants are selected to receive the $20,000 grant. Eligible applicants must be the leading executive of a for-profit business registered and located in one of the fifty U.S. states, D.C., or Puerto Rico, be at least 18 years old (19 in Alabama and Nebraska), have generated at least $25,000 in revenue in the prior year, have a demonstrated need for funding and business coaching, and be willing to participate in the Boost Camp program. Businesses that participated in a Hello Alice Boost Camp in the prior 12 months are not eligible. Acceptance into the Boost Camp does not guarantee grant funding.