WBDC Launch Pad Grant Program

The Main Street Acquisition Support Grant product is a pilot product under the Main Street Recovery Fund that will offer a grant of up to $50,000 to reimburse an eligible NJ small business for closing costs related to a New Jersey commercial property that the business purchased to operate from.

This program gives grants to businesses in Salem’s Riverfront Downtown area to improve their building safety and security to address homelessness. Companies can get up to $30,000 to use on security fencing/gates, exterior building lighting or security systems, trash/recycling enclosures, landscaping, interior lighting for storefronts, and building entrance improvements/

The Batavia Microenterprise Assistance Program (MAP) provides Batavia, New York microenterprises with grants ranging from $5,000 to $35,000 to support the creation or expansion of small businesses with five or fewer employees. Administered by the Batavia Development Corporation (BDC) on behalf of the City of Batavia and funded through New York State Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars, the program is designed to help small business owners invest in their operations while creating employment opportunities for low-to-moderate income individuals in the city. Grant funds may be used for machinery, equipment, furnishings, fixtures, inventory, operating costs, and other working capital expenses, but cannot be used for construction, renovations, leasehold improvements, or demolition. Eligible applicants must operate or plan to operate within the City of Batavia, have five or fewer employees (including the owner), and may be structured as a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, LLC, or other legal business form. Because the program is funded with federal CDBG dollars, all grants must meet a national objective: applicants must either be owned by a low-to-moderate income individual or create at least one full-time-equivalent job available to low-to-moderate income persons. Additional program requirements include a 10% equity contribution by the business, completion of an entrepreneurial training course through Brockport SBDC or Niagara SBDC before receiving funds, submission of a complete business plan, and a commitment to continue operating in Batavia for at least 12 months following grant closing. Nonprofit organizations are not eligible.

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.

Through the GOED’s Workforce Development Program, companies can access money to help train new and existing employees that require additional skills as the result of company growth. The program can fund up to 50% of eligible training expenses to companies that meet certain wage and benefit criteria. The funds are awarded on a reimbursement basis.