YippityDoo Big Idea Grant

The Delaware Site Readiness Fund promotes economic growth and stability by investing in the development or improvement of commercial and industrial sites to attract job-creating businesses. The Fund provides grants, loans or other economic assistance to qualified businesses or local governments that invest in constructing, renovating or improving infrastructure for sites that will attract new businesses or expand existing businesses within the State. Qualified applicants must demonstrate a public utility advantage to the citizens of Delaware.

The City of Chicago helps support business and neighborhood vitality through Community Development Grant (CDG) awards. CDGs use proceeds from the 2024 Housing and Development Bond and other funding sources to support a variety of eligible, business-related investments in construction and real estate development. Small grants up to $250,000 are intended to support eligible commercial, mixed-use and light manufacturing projects. Grants provide funding for up to 75% of total eligible project costs involving new construction, rehabilitation or both. Priority is given to projects with strong local impacts that leverage local talents, capacities and institutions and contribute to community vitality. Private and non-profit developers, property owners and businesses are eligible to apply.

The BGV Pitch program flips the traditional pitch experience on its head: we coach entrepreneurs, host a live crowdfunded pitch competition, and connect you to community and professionals to support you on your journey. We democratize funding by allowing the audience to vote with their dollars using our Raisify platform for the founders whose pitch they favor. Each founder has 3 minutes to pitch, followed by a 2-minute Q&A with the audience. Winners will receive cash prizes ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, access to the BGV Connect Incubator, and a network of business owners and investors.

The Athens Downtown Development Authority (ADDA) Janey Mae Cooley Memorial Façade Grant Program is intended to stimulate investment in the revitalization and preservation of building exteriors in Athens’ historic downtown area, the heart of the Athens Historic District and a source of pride for our community. Matching funds are made available for eligible improvements to business facades that are easily visible and in public rights-of-way, such as those that face a public street or a parking area. Improvements must preserve the individual character of each building with its unique features, historic appearance and significance, as well as make a contribution and impact to the appeal of the downtown area.

Each year, we select 50 women entrepreneurs for a yearlong program designed to grow their businesses through workshops, coaching sessions, network-building, and financial resources. The program ends with a company presentation and in-person experience. In addition to educational resources and networking opportunities, the fellowship awards a $5,000 grant to each participant and access to 0%-interest Kiva loans.