WI SBIR/STTR Assistance Micro-grant

The Innovation Voucher program is part of Rhode Island Commerce’s Innovation Initiatives Portfolio created to support Rhode Island’s small businesses and entrepreneurs. The Innovation Voucher funds strategic investments in local businesses that catalyze growth through research and development (R&D) innovation. There are two types of vouchers in this program, both for $5,000 to $75,000. Knowledge Provider Voucher: The Knowledge Provider Voucher helps small businesses tap the expertise and resources of local research institutions such as colleges, universities and hospitals (“knowledge providers”) to advance innovation and business growth. With a Knowledge Provider Voucher, the R&D needed by a small business is executed by the knowledge provider. Manufacturing Voucher: Rhode Island manufacturers can access funding for internal research and development through the Manufacturing Voucher. This voucher supports specific R&D projects that Rhode Island manufacturers need to advance or reinvent their product offerings and remain competitive within their industry.

A matching grant program to support small, locally-owned, and operated businesses in the City of Virginia Beach. Façade improvement grants (FIG) are reimbursements for significant exterior improvements for small, locally owned, and operated businesses located in any commercial or industrial-zoned area within the City of Virginia Beach. Funding is not an entitlement and is available on a competitive, first-come, first-served basis until funds for the fiscal year are awarded. The program will match small business owners', or those who lease to small businesses, investments up to $10,000,for exterior building, site, and outdoor dining improvements. Grants are performance-based and will be authorized by VBDA after successful completion and evaluation of the improvements. Paid invoices and receipts must be submitted.

Purpose: The Underground Storage Tank (UST) Cleanup Fund's mission is to (1) establish a mechanism to meet Financial Responsibility requirements for owners and operators of petroleum USTs, and (2) reimburse eligible corrective action costs incurred in the cleanup of contamination resulting from the unauthorized release of petroleum from USTs. Description: The UST Cleanup Fund provides a means for petroleum UST owners and operators to meet the federal and state requirements of maintaining financial responsibility to pay for damages arising from unauthorized releases from their petroleum USTs. The Fund assists a large number of small businesses and individuals by providing reimbursement for expenses associated with the cleanup of leaking USTs.

The Backing Small Businesses grant program, supported by American Express, provides support to locally significant small businesses with community reach. The program provides grants of $10,000 to fund projects that promote sustainable growth, enhance long-term resilience, and increase local impact.

Purpose: To provide cost share funding to applicants that apply for and receive one of the following: An award under an eligible federal Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) and meet the requirements of this solicitation, or Follow-on funding from the U.S. DOE to continue research from PON-14-308, GFO-18-902, or this GFO and the proposed project meets the requirements of this solicitation. Description: The purpose of this solicitation is to provide cost share funding to applicants that apply for and receive one of the following: An award under an eligible federal Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) and meet the requirements of this solicitation, or Follow-on funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to continue research from a previously awarded federal grant that also received Energy Commission federal cost share funding under PON-14-308, GFO-18-902, or this GFO and the proposed project meets the requirements of this solicitation.