Virginia Jobs Investment Program

The DC Commercial Property Acquisition Fund (CPAF) provides down payment assistance grants of up to $300,000 (or 25% of the sale price, whichever is less) to DC-based businesses looking to acquire commercial property in the District. Funded by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) in partnership with the Council of the District of Columbia and administered by City First Enterprises, the program is designed to help businesses maintain and expand their operations by transitioning into owned commercial space rather than continuing to lease. Recipients must agree to own and occupy the property for at least seven years, ensuring long-term investment in the District's commercial corridors. The fund represents a strategic $1.5 million investment to support business stability and physical growth across DC.

The Soddy-Daisy Business Façade Improvement Grant provides small businesses in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee with 50/50 matching reimbursement grants of up to $10,000 per project to fund improvements to the appearance, accessibility, and functionality of commercial buildings. Administered by the City of Soddy-Daisy, the program is designed to attract customers and potential tenants, encourage reinvestment, and strengthen the city's commercial corridors. The city allocates $50,000 in total funding to the program each fiscal year, and projects are accepted and approved on a first-come, first-served basis until all available funds are allocated. Businesses may receive funding for one project per funding cycle, and applicants are typically notified of a funding decision within two weeks of submission. Eligible improvements include masonry work (such as exterior brick or wall repair), window and door repair or replacement, painting and siding, cornice repair or replacement, storefront enhancements, aesthetic detailing, new construction that expands an existing structure, new landscaping, outdoor seating areas, awnings and canopies, visible roof façade improvements, lighting enhancements, ADA accessibility improvements, architectural façade renovations and design fees, engineering and design services, access control and parking renovations tied to code compliance, and new signage. Interior-only renovations, general maintenance projects (such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical work, roof leaks, or rotten boards), routine landscaping maintenance, temporary signage, staff salaries, insurance-covered repairs, and work completed before grant approval are not eligible. To qualify, the property must be located within Soddy-Daisy city limits and zoned for commercial use, and both leased and owner-occupied businesses may apply (for leased businesses, the property owner must approve and sign the application and enter into the grant agreement directly with the City). Businesses and buildings must meet current building inspection and code compliance requirements at the time of application, all real property taxes must be paid in full, and the business must hold an active Soddy-Daisy business license. Industrial and residential properties, adult-oriented businesses, new construction on vacant lots, businesses operating from residential property, single business tenants within a multi-tenant building (with regard to façade work), and businesses or properties owned by City employees or officials are not eligible. Grants operate on a reimbursement basis: applicants must complete their approved project, pay all eligible costs, have the completed work reviewed and accepted by the City, and submit itemized receipts, canceled checks, and other required documentation before reimbursement is issued. Applicants must contribute an amount equal to the grant request (for example, a $10,000 grant request requires at least $10,000 in matching contribution for a total project cost of $20,000 or more), and volunteer labor and "sweat equity" cannot be counted toward the match.

Topeka and Shawnee County’s Small Business Incentives Program provides matching grants to local businesses to help with marketing costs, construction, equipment purchases, and more. Eligible businesses can get grants from $1,000 up to $20,000 depending on their project needs and matching investment. To qualify, businesses must be located in the City of Topeka or Shawnee County, have at least one but no more than 100 full-time employees, and demonstrate that their project will contribute to the economy.

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is offering a jobs program that refunds employers up to 10% of an employee’s net benefit rate for up to 10 years. Applicants in target industries must commit to creating 10 new direct jobs. New jobs are roles in qualifying industries that did not exist in the state in the prior six months. Employer compensation begins at 7% and increases to 10% once all 10 of the new roles are hired.

NC IDEA offers two grant programs to startups in North Carolina: IDEA Micro Grants and IDEA Seed Grants. NC IDEA MICRO: Through small, project-based grants, NC IDEA MICRO awards $10K in funding to startups actively moving their companies forward by validating assumptions and developing a business model. We have found that funding, paired with mentorship and guidance, early in a company’s lifecycle, can make a significant impact on future success. NC IDEA SEED: NC IDEA SEED offers early stage companies the critical funding they need to scale faster. Our $50K grants are awarded to innovative startups with a proven concept — even if they are not yet profitable. The funds, along with mentorship and guidance, push companies forward and reduce risk associated with growing startups.