The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge

The Building Improvement Grant is an annual, competitive, reimbursable grant available for businesses in the downtown and East Main Street qualifying area to make improvements to the front of their buildings. Based on annual appropriation from City Council, the grant program is announced in July of each year with applications due in September. Applications are reviewed and scored with grantees announced in late September of each year. There are two categories of improvements: façade or landscaping, offering up to $5,000 in funding.

The primary goal of the PACE Grant Program is to promote economic development by encouraging proper exterior historic rehabilitation and preservation to both residential and commercial properties located within the City of Madison. This program provides eligible private-property owners with funds to aid in their rehabilitation or preservation projects.

The Fast Track Job Training Assistance Program provides grants to new and expanding companies to support the training of new full-time employees. The amount of funding is based on the number of positions a business creates, the amount of capital it invests, and the compensation it pays its new employees.

The Philadelphia Small Business Catalyst Fund provides Philadelphia-based small businesses with grants of up to $50,000 to accelerate growth and expansion. Administered by the City of Philadelphia's Department of Commerce, the program combines funding with strategic guidance and is awarded based on demonstrated need, growth potential, and economic impact across the city. Eligible applicants are businesses that generated under $2 million in revenue in the prior year, are located in Philadelphia, registered and licensed with the city, and current on city taxes (or operating under an approved tax payment agreement). Applicants must demonstrate a clear expansion plan, contribution to local economic impact such as strengthening Philadelphia neighborhoods or creating jobs, and resilience and innovation despite challenges accessing traditional funding. Grant funds may be used for most capital and operating expenses, but cannot be used for routine operating costs (such as rent, payroll, past-due bills, or debt payments) or real estate acquisition.

The Commercial Façade Building Materials Grant Program provides funding to enhance and revitalize the aesthetics of Green Bay’s commercial districts. It aims to address deteriorating property conditions and encourage enhancements by providing a financial incentive for businesses to invest in their property. The Program is funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) provided by the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is managed and administered by the City of Green Bay’s Community & Economic Development Department.