The Merchants Fund Emergency Grant

TRANSFORM is actively anticapitalist and antiracist, continually working to identify and dismantle oppressive systems of power. Funding shouldn’t be the reason you sacrifice your business idea or your professional development. We offer growth-focused wealth redistribution grants of $1,000 to anticapitalist businesses led by social impact focused individuals. In addition to funding, grantees participate in a customized year-long growth-based mentorship program, which includes access to pro bono services from a roster of experts in branding, coaching, skill-based learning, marketing, and more. The TRANSFORM Business Grant is designed to support individuals in systemically marginalized groups who are making social impact and demonstrate financial need. This includes, but is not limited to, BIPOC individuals, individuals who have a disability, formerly incarcerated individuals, and queer, trans, and nonbinary folks.

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 Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant awards $10,000 grants to small businesses across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Run by Verizon in partnership with LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation), a national nonprofit that serves as the program's grant administrator, the program selects 10 small businesses each month from June through December to receive funding. To unlock the grant application, applicants must first register on the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform — a free resource hub that offers business courses, virtual events, and in-person workshops — and complete any combination of two eligible courses or events. Once submitted, an application remains under consideration for the rest of the year, so applicants only need to apply once to be considered for every monthly selection cycle.

Compete for a $50,000 prize in the 12th annual Veteran Shark Tank on December 8, 2025, in Philadelphia. To qualify, your business must be under three years old, veteran-owned (at least 50%), and have a clean legal record. Use the prize to enhance your business. Submit your application by October 1, 2025, including a brief video pitch and a PowerPoint presentation outlining your business plan.

The Charlotte Business Matching Grants program provides commercial property owners and businesses in Charlotte with matching reimbursement grants of up to $90,000 to improve building appearance, enhance safety, and upgrade interior spaces. Administered by the City of Charlotte's Economic Development Department, the program is offered through three grant pathways covering exterior renovations, interior upgrades, and security improvements. Across all three tracks, the city reimburses 50% of eligible project costs up to the maximum grant award, with reimbursement issued after project completion, inspection, and submission of paid receipts. Eligible applicants include owners or tenants of for-profit commercial buildings located within the eligible geography, as well as national or regional chains headquartered in the Charlotte MSA. Vacant buildings may also qualify if the project is intended to attract eligible tenants. The Façade Improvement Grant provides up to $90,000 for commercial property owners and tenants renovating building exteriors and bringing signs, landscaping, and parking into compliance with city code. Eligible improvements include approved architectural façade renovations, signage and parking upgrades, landscaping, and infrastructure improvements in the public right-of-way, with an additional reimbursement of up to $3,000 available for architectural fees. The Interior Upfit Improvement Grant provides up to $30,000 to support renovations that enhance the functionality and code compliance of interior commercial spaces. Eligible improvements include HVAC, fire suppression, plumbing, and electrical systems; flooring, lighting, and wall reconfiguration; and interior restrooms and utility upgrades. The Security Improvement Grant provides up to $5,000 for a single business or up to $20,000 for shopping centers with three or more tenants to fund physical security upgrades. Eligible improvements include security lighting, cameras, fencing, locking devices, security windows, alarm systems, ironwork, and trees and shrubbery.