Warrior Rising Business Showers

The Business Grant Program provides site enhancement grants and economic development grants to businesses via a competitive application review process. -Business grant applications open annually in January for a six week application window -Grants are awarded in amounts up to $10,000 -Applications in excess of $10,000 may be considered for projects that provide exceptional benefit

The Rhode Island Business Attraction Program serves as a strategic recruitment initiative aimed at life sciences companies exploring their first presence in Rhode Island. This highly competitive program is designed to attract out-of-state, international, and newly established companies that align with the Rhode Island Life Science Hub’s (RILSH) mission of fostering economic growth through the strategic expansion of this sector. By offering targeted support and resources, the program seeks to integrate high-potential companies into the state’s thriving life sciences ecosystem, fostering innovation, collaboration, and economic development. Through this initiative, Rhode Island strengthens its position as a premier hub for cutting-edge research, biotech advancements, and commercialization opportunities.

The Attraction Development Grant Program supports the creation of new or enhancing sustainable, market-driven travel experiences in Kansas. Its goal is to attract new visitors, influence travel decisions, and generate economic benefits through new jobs, capital investment, increased revenue, and higher visitation.

The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is a national SBA program to help small businesses enter or expand into international markets. Funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and administered at the state level, this program provides direct reimbursement for the costs associated with "going global." Most states offer reimbursement grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 per year (though some states offer more) to offset export-related expenses. If your business currently makes any exports, or is looking to start exporting internationally, this is a fantastic program to explore. Please note that while this is a national program, the grants themselves are administered at the state level. The grant page that we have linked to provides a directory of the individual state websites where you can apply. Just click through to your state’s page to find specific details and eligibility criteria for your business.

The SBA Patriot Pitch Competition awards a $1 million cash prize pool to small businesses across the United States as part of the Freedom 250 celebration of 250 years of American free enterprise. Administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) with prize funding donated by Clover Network, Inc., the competition is a national pitch contest designed to spotlight small businesses driving innovation, job creation, and economic growth. Eligibility is limited to small businesses that have utilized qualifying SBA capital products (including 7(a) loans, PPP loans, 504 loans, microloans, and certain disaster loans), that meet the SBA's definition of a small business, and that have at least $100,000 of annual revenue. Individual applicants and team members must be U.S. citizens at least 18 years of age at the time of submission. Submissions are evaluated across four stages of judging panels that assess each business on factors such as innovation, demonstrated growth, job creation, and domestic production, with the top ten semifinalists narrowed down to five finalists who pitch live before judges and a national audience at a finals event in Washington, D.C. In addition to the cash prize, the finals feature a supplier matchmaking expo connecting small businesses with larger corporate buyers and government contracting opportunities, alongside networking with investors, industry leaders, and policymakers. Finalists are responsible for their own travel costs to the live competition.