WI Venture Pitch Readiness Micro-Grant

The SafetyWorks Training Grant provides Massachusetts-based employers with up to $25,000 in funding for employee training that prevents or addresses workplace injuries and illness. Also known as the Workplace Safety Grant, the program is administered by the Office of Safety within the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) and supports a wide range of hands-on, in-person safety training topics, including emergency response and first aid, workplace violence prevention and de-escalation, fire and electrical safety, fall protection, hazardous materials handling, confined space and rescue, and regulatory compliance, among others. The grant operates as a reimbursement program: training must be pre-approved and conducted under a signed contract before any costs become eligible, and all training must be delivered by Massachusetts-based trainers. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but training and funding must occur during announced funding cycles.

Purpose: The Pollution Control Tax-Exempt Bond Financing Program facilitates low cost capital through private activity, tax-exempt bonds. The securities pay for acquisition, construction or installation of qualified pollution control, water furnishing, waste disposal, waste recovery facilities and equipment. Tax-exempt bond financing assists qualified borrowers to obtain lower interest rates than are available through conventional loans. Description: CPCFA acts as a conduit issuer in the transaction. The bonds are issued to raise capital for revenue-generating projects where the funds are used by the borrower to make payments to investors. The conduit financing is typically backed by either the borrower's credit or monies pledged to the project by outside investors. If the project fails and goes into default, it is solely the borrower's responsibility to repay the bondholders.

The Business Acceleration Grant supports existing businesses and provides funding assistance that allows for the expansion or improved operation of qualified Englewood businesses. The grant offers up to $10,000 for physical/capital investments that support expanding businesses, improve business operations, or foster business retention. Capital improvements are permanent investments in the building or on the property, which are generally associated with a building permit. Businesses open in Englewood for a minimum of two years are eligible to apply. Businesses that apply for funding assistance must either own their building or if the business is a tenant have a minimum of two years remaining on a lease for eligibility. Successful grant applications should demonstrate that funding will yield an increase in the number of employees at the business or an increase in sales revenues.

The Enthuse Foundation's Annual Pitch Competition is open to female entrepreneurs. Participants pitch their business at an in-person event. One grand-prize winner receives a $15,000 grant. The runner-up gets a $10,000 cash prize.

Salem offers a matching grant program to help finance the construction of a new building, or building additions, for commercial, industrial, or mixed-uses in West Salem Urban Renewal Area (URA). Manufacturing equipment and related building improvements may also be eligible.