VCEDA Workforce Development Fund

The Philadelphia Boost Your Business Program provides selected Philadelphia small businesses with a $50,000 forgivable loan to help them grow, obtain new City contracts, increase revenue, and create jobs. Twenty businesses are selected per funding round. While structured as a loan rather than a direct grant, the loan is forgiven once the business meets its stated growth goals, effectively functioning as a grant for qualifying businesses. Administered by the City of Philadelphia's Department of Commerce in partnership with the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC), the program is specifically designed to support business owners who face unique barriers in accessing critical funding and resources to help their businesses grow. In addition to the funding, selected businesses receive ongoing business support assistance throughout the loan period to help them execute their growth plan and meet the forgiveness milestones. Businesses seeking City contracts are strongly encouraged to apply. To qualify, applicants must be located in Philadelphia, have annual revenue of $350,000 or more, be in operation for at least two years, hold an active Philadelphia Commercial Activity License (CAL), be independently owned (franchises are eligible only if independently owned), and have all required federal, state, and local licenses and permits to legally operate. Businesses must also be in compliance with all local, state, and federal taxes (or be on an approved payment plan). Applicants are required to submit a clear budget and growth plan showing how the funding will lead to increased contracts, revenue, or employees, and each application is evaluated based on the impact and feasibility of that growth plan.

​​​​​​​​​​A flexible and broad-based program, Advantage Maryland (also known as MEDAAF) funds conditional grants, loans and investments to assist economic development initiatives. Uses include business attraction and retention, infrastructure support, brownfield redevelopment, arts and entertainment districts, daycare, revolving loan funds and local strategic planning. Projects must be within Priority Funding Areas and eligible industry sectors. Awards are made on a competitive basis.

The Relocation Grant supports companies relocating to South Carolina by reimbursing them for moving costs. Businesses can get up to $50,000 to use on moving equipment, employee relocation costs, and upfitting facilities. To qualify for the grant, the business has to demonstrate strong technology job growth prospects in South Carolina and have a minimum of five employees located in the state after the relocation.

The City of Appleton offers multiple grant programs for businesses: The Business Recruitment Grant offers $1,000 boost grants to businesses that need a little extra capital to move downtown or open a new business there. The Façade Improvement Grant offers grants to businesses that need assistance in enhancing their exterior aesthetics. Businesses can receive between $2,500 and $5,000 to use on minor improvements (such as painting and lighting) or facade renovations (like window upgrades).

The Henderson Matching Grant Programs provide Henderson, Texas businesses with 50/50 matching grants of up to $50,000 to fund exterior property improvements that enhance curb appeal and strengthen the city's commercial landscape. Administered by the Henderson Texas Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the program is offered through two tracks: the Small Business Matching Grant, which provides 50/50 matching grants of up to $10,000 to small businesses investing in exterior improvements to their properties; and the Industrial Business Matching Grant, which provides 50/50 matching grants of up to $50,000 to property owners undertaking larger-scale façade transformations. Funded improvements typically include signage, fresh paint, landscaping, parking lot upgrades, awnings, façade enhancements, and other exterior renovations that improve the appearance and functionality of commercial properties. All projects must receive prior approval before work begins, and grant funds are disbursed as a reimbursement upon project completion and receipt submission. The program is part of the Henderson EDC's broader mission to support local business reinvestment and community revitalization.