The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge

This micro-grant program from Start.Pivot.Grow is open to businesses that have been in operation for at least two years, employ one-two people and generate annual revenue of at least $50,000. Grants of $2,500 are offered each quarter and applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

The Raleigh Impact Partner Grant awards $20,000 grants to entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and small businesses in Raleigh for innovative pilot projects that promote environmental resilience and sustainable, community-based solutions. Administered by the City of Raleigh's Strategy and Innovation department, the program is designed to fuel economic opportunity through sustainable innovation and support new ideas that improve Raleigh's business ecosystem. Awardees receive grant funding along with technical support, citywide visibility, and connections to local networks that help accelerate the impact of their projects. The grant prioritizes proposals across a range of focus areas, including climate resilience and environmental protection; repair, reuse, and zero-waste models; clean energy and sustainable infrastructure; and sustainable business practices and community well-being. Topics of particular interest include reducing urban heat islands, flood mitigation, low-emission transportation, energy savings and battery storage, e-waste reduction, the circular economy, sustainable jobs and skill-building, and the integration of sustainability into health and wellness.

The MIOSHA Workplace Improvement to Safety and Health (MIWISH) Grant awards Michigan employers a dollar-for-dollar matching grant of up to $5,000 to purchase safety and health-related equipment and equipment-related training. Administered by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) under the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, the program is designed to create safer, healthier workplaces and reduce the risk of injury and illness to Michigan workers. Eligible expenses include equipment such as eyewash stations, fall protection systems, machine guarding, lockout/tagout systems, noise monitoring equipment, and lifting equipment for small nursing care facilities, along with related training on the use of that equipment. To qualify, employers must have 250 or fewer employees company-wide, fall under MIOSHA jurisdiction, complete a site-specific evaluation justifying the equipment purchase, and demonstrate the knowledge and commitment to fully implement the project. The grant period begins annually on October 1, with awards made on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is exhausted. The program operates on a reimbursement basis, and grants are limited to one award per company. Preference is given to employers in high-hazard industries identified in the current MIOSHA Strategic Plan and to applications aligned with current MIOSHA emphasis programs.

The Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region has a $25,000 grant program for small businesses in southeastern Connecticut that need help with professional business services and equipment purchases. Eligible businesses must have been in business for at least four years, have an annual revenue between $1.5 million and $5 million, have at least five full-time employees, and be in good standing with the CT Department of Revenue Services.

The Advancing Skills, Capabilities, and Expertise for New Development (ASCEND) grant will reimburse Texas employers for training that addresses demand for rapidly evolving skills and local workforce conditions. Each grantee may receive up to $500,000 or a maximum reimbursement of $4,000 per trainee. Funds can be used for work-based learning programs, on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and classroom or virtual instruction.