WI Entrepreneurial Training Program

Montgomery County’s Economic Development/Government Equity (ED/GE) Grant Program, is designed to benefit companies that create and retain local jobs by investing in their growth in Montgomery County. The competitive program distributes grant funds twice a year (spring and fall) to finance permanent improvement projects (new building construction, renovation, power upgrades, plumbing, parking, etc.) Projects are evaluated by a committee of public and private representatives that evaluate the number and quality of the jobs created, the capital investment, as well as the impact each project has on the community.

The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant provides small businesses across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands with $10,000 grants distributed monthly, with 10 businesses selected each month. Administered by LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation), a national nonprofit that serves as the program's independent grant administrator, the grant is part of Verizon's broader commitment to equip one million small businesses with the tools and resources they need to thrive in today's digital economy. Since 2021, the program has funded more than 1,500 unique small businesses. What makes this grant distinctive is its education-first structure: applicants must first register on the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform (a free resource hub offering business courses, virtual events, and in-person workshops on topics such as marketing, AI, intellectual property, and social media) and complete any combination of two eligible courses or events to unlock the grant application. Once submitted, a single application remains under consideration for every monthly selection cycle throughout the year, meaning applicants only need to apply once to be considered across all remaining rounds. To be eligible, applicants must operate a for-profit small business (nonprofits are not eligible) based in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, be at least 18 years of age, and be able to provide business and financial verification documentation if selected as a finalist. LISC uses a multi-step selection process that combines an anonymous drawing (to ensure every applicant has an equal chance), an algorithm that balances awards across industries and geographies, an in-depth review of community impact and proposed use of funds, and financial and legal verification of finalists. Priority is given to first-time applicants and to businesses located in under-resourced, low-to-moderate income communities that may not have access to flexible, affordable capital. The application is available in both English and Spanish, and grant funds do not need to be repaid.

SMILE Health is a collaboration between CareQuest Innovation Partners and MATTER to advance emerging startups by curating connections to investors and customers, sharpening their value propositions, and supporting diverse founders. Accepted members will receive a $2,500 non-dilutive stipend as a part of their membership

Small businesses can apply for up to $50,000 to reimburse costs for building improvements or purchasing new furniture, fixtures, and equipment through the Small Business Improvement Grant. The program has awarded close to $13 million to over 500 New Jersey businesses since February. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted. Current processing time is 8 months from the application date.

The Philadelphia Small Business Catalyst Fund provides Philadelphia-based small businesses with grants of up to $50,000 to accelerate growth and expansion. Administered by the City of Philadelphia's Department of Commerce, the program combines funding with strategic guidance and is awarded based on demonstrated need, growth potential, and economic impact across the city. Eligible applicants are businesses that generated under $2 million in revenue in the prior year, are located in Philadelphia, registered and licensed with the city, and current on city taxes (or operating under an approved tax payment agreement). Applicants must demonstrate a clear expansion plan, contribution to local economic impact such as strengthening Philadelphia neighborhoods or creating jobs, and resilience and innovation despite challenges accessing traditional funding. Grant funds may be used for most capital and operating expenses, but cannot be used for routine operating costs (such as rent, payroll, past-due bills, or debt payments) or real estate acquisition.