STRAUSS Trades Business Booster

The Manufacturing Innovation Fund Voucher Program (MVP) provides CT companies with access to capital to help them obtain new equipment and the expertise they need to become more efficient, productive, and competitive. Eligible companies can apply for a grant up to $100,000 to conduct a new project. First-time applicants are required to provide a cash match of 2:1 and repeat applicants 3:1. That means, First time applicants provide 67% of the total proposed project cost and repeat applicants provide 75% of the proposed project cost. The program is administered by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology with funding provided through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development's Manufacturing Innovation Fund.

The MDOT Small Business Grant Program provides direct grants of up to $50,000 to small businesses located along Maryland's Purple Line light rail corridor that are impacted by construction. Administered by the Maryland Department of Transportation, the program is designed to help offset the operational impact of construction-related closures and detours on businesses within one-quarter mile of the existing or future Purple Line tracks. The program runs from 2025 through 2028 with $1 million awarded each year across up to three application rounds, and is a successor to the earlier Purple Line Construction Zone Grant Program. Grant funds may be used for a wide range of business expenses, including payroll and healthcare benefits, contract labor, working capital, rent or mortgage payments, supplier payments, machinery and equipment, and utilities. In addition to direct grants, the program may also provide marketing funding and other business support for corridor businesses. Awards are competitive and prioritized based on a business's proximity to the most significant construction impacts.

HSBIR provides matching grants to help companies further develop new products that solve critical issues for the nation. Applicants must have received Federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) /Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants or contracts to qualify for the state matching grant program. The HSBIR program provides up to 50% match for companies receiving SBIR/STTR awards. Companies may apply also for reimbursement for grant writing costs for their initial Federal grant application (Phase 0). The Hawaiʻi SBIR matching grant program is the longest state funded SBIR matching program in the United States. Initially the grant program only funded companies that received Phase I grants but in 2016, the program was expanded to help companies who are moving their advanced technology products from research into the market. Hawaiʻi’s SBIR Phase II and Phase III winners are creating the best technology solutions in the nation.

The Job Creation Fund provides financial incentives to new and expanding businesses that meet certain job creation and capital investment targets. Companies deemed eligible to participate may receive up to $1 million for creating or retaining high-paying jobs and for constructing or renovating facilities or making other property improvements. In some cases, companies may receive awards of up to $2 million.

The Greater Dallas County Development Alliance has officially opened applications for the next round of its Small Business Grant Fund, which provides monetary support to small businesses in the Dallas County area. The grant program, which launched last year, aims to fund applicants looking for financial assistance in key growth areas such as furniture and fixtures, technology, marketing, and professional development. A total of $20,000 in funding is available, and applications are open from April 1 through May 31. Last year, five small businesses representing a range of industries were awarded funding through the program.