Waco Corridor Beautification Incentive Grants

The Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC), one of the largest business plan competitions in the country, is designed to advance innovation and technology commercialization opportunities in Arizona by assisting early-stage ventures to scale. All applicants receive feedback on their business plan from experienced entrepreneurial judges. AIC semifinalists and finalists who do not become AIC awardees gain access to Venture Raise, a 12-week hybrid accelerator that will prepare startups for funding. AIC awardees receive a minimum $50,000 of non-dilutive funding and three months of customized support with an ACA Entrepreneur-in-Residence.

The Certifiably Green Denver Mini Grant provides Denver small businesses and nonprofits with up to $10,000 in upfront funding for sustainability projects that reduce environmental impact and lower operational costs. Administered by the City and County of Denver's Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency through its Certifiably Green Denver program, the grant supports a wide range of projects including energy-efficient appliances and equipment, renewable energy investments, water conservation upgrades, waste reduction initiatives, sustainable transportation amenities like bike racks, and employee sustainability training. Eligible applicants must meet U.S. Small Business Administration size standards, hold an active TIN or EIN, be registered with the State of Colorado, and operate from a physical brick-and-mortar location in the City and County of Denver. Home-based businesses and food trucks are not eligible. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with awards made monthly, and preference is given to businesses located in a Denver Neighborhood Equity and Stabilization (NEST) neighborhood. Since 2022, the program has awarded over $750,000 to more than 100 small businesses.

WBDC, in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), offers grants of up to $25,000 to qualified child care businesses in Connecticut through its Child Care Business Opportunity Fund. Designed to help licensed and aspiring child care businesses grow, the Opportunity Fund has grant programs targeting different stages of business, from start-ups to those ready to expand.

Main Street Iowa offers the Open 4 Business program to encourage business development in designated Main Street districts. The Open 4 Business contest launched in 2015, is an opportunity for businesses located within the Main Street district, to compete for a chance to win grant funds to assist with a business development or expansion project that will help you grow your business. Businesses will be required to complete an online application and submit a short video (3-minute maximum time limit) outlining your business idea and how it will benefit the local economic climate in our community. A 25% cash match is required. Businesses must have been in operation for at least 1 year to apply. The grant funds are administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa program.

The Opportunity Council Districts Program, an incentive-based initiative focused on encouraging growth in retail-stagnant areas within City Council Districts 3 and 5. The program will provide funding for property improvements to help businesses expand and attract new investment in Athenas, Alabama. Eligible small businesses can apply for incentive awards of up to $20,000 for one-time, permanent upgrades. The funding is split evenly, with $100,000 allocated to each district.