WBDC Launch Pad Grant Program

In order to foster job creation and economic development in West Virginia, and stimulate SBIR and STTR results across the State, the West Virginia Legislature initiated the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Investment (EII) Fund. This money is earmarked to provide a monetary award when a business successfully submits a federal SBIR or STTR proposal and receives a Phase I or Phase II award. The amount of the State matching funds awarded is dependent on the existing balance in the EII Fund at the time of application and is typically not a 100% match. There are two award periods during the year for submitting SBIR/STTR Phase I or II matching fund applications: January and July. No preference will be given to the order in which applications are received. Closed Phase I or II SBIR/STTR projects are not eligible for matching funds. In addition to these Phase I and Phase II award periods, businesses can also apply for a Phase 0 award upon submitting a Phase I SBIR or STTR proposal. These Phase 0 awards are distributed as a $2,500 grant and can be applied for during any month of the year.

Women of color entrepreneurs with early-stage businesses that generate less than $50,000 in annual revenue may be eligible for the Waves of Change Grant. Described primarily as a "service-based grant," in which experts will donate their time and services to help recipients grow their business, the grant may also offer a stipend to cover operating costs for one year. Our grant program kicks off in December, and we’ll start diving into the creative work in January. We plan to give you everything you need to launch your business or new brand by June, but we'll always leave wiggle room — because life happens!

Minnesota's main training grant option, the Partnership program, focuses on providing training for both new and existing employees of participating businesses throughout the state. Minnesota participating businesses must partner with an accredited Minnesota educational institution. Grants of up to $400,000 are awarded to the educational institution to develop and deliver custom training specific to business needs. A cash or in-kind contribution from the participating business must match the grant funds on at least a one-to-one basis. Funds may be used for training-related costs such as curriculum development, instruction, training materials and supplies, training equipment, and instructor travel. Requests for wage subsidies and tuition reimbursement are not eligible. However, wages paid to employees during training may be counted towards the required matching contribution.

Work Immersion is an internship support program available to Rhode Island employers. It is designed to boost the employment prospects of new and returning workers (i.e., eligible students and unemployed or underemployed adults) through meaningful paid work experiences. It provides a 50% or 75% reimbursement for wages paid to eligible participants. All Rhode Island employers who meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the program guide may apply.

The WorkClean: Diesel Modernization Program provides funding for both diesel-to-diesel and diesel-to-electric projects designed to improve air quality, especially in areas that do not meet the national air quality standards. Older, low-quality diesel vehicles and equipment operating in the State contribute heavily to air pollution, negatively affecting the health of our residents, particularly in overburdened communities. Diesel engines emit a complex mixture of air pollutants, comprised of both solid and gaseous material. The visible emissions you can see in diesel exhaust are known as particulate matter. These include many carbon particles (also called soot), as well as gases that become visible as they cool. Diesel particulate matter (diesel PM) has been identified as having the potential to cause cancer, as well as many other adverse health effects. In addition to particulate matter, emissions from diesel-fueled engines include over 40 other cancer-causing substances. The Bureau of Mobile Sources’ Diesel Modernization Program is primarily a diesel replacement program. This program utilizes State and Federal funding to replace both marine engines and non-road diesel vehicles – anything from ferry vessels to backhoe loaders and bulldozers. Contingent upon open solicitations, the program also works with both municipalities and private entities to electrify on-road diesel vehicles, such as school buses, garbage trucks, and port equipment.