ZenBusiness Grant

The Confidence Collective is structured to select 250 women entrepreneurs who will receive access to business coaching, skill-building resources, networking opportunities, and a peer community. Of those 250 participants, 20 will be awarded $20,000 grants intended to support business development and growth. The 250 selected participants will be announced in the coming months, with grant recipients named in fall 2026.

The Manufacturing Innovation Fund Voucher Program (MVP) provides CT companies with access to capital to help them obtain new equipment and the expertise they need to become more efficient, productive, and competitive. Eligible companies can apply for a grant up to $100,000 to conduct a new project. First-time applicants are required to provide a cash match of 2:1 and repeat applicants 3:1. That means, First time applicants provide 67% of the total proposed project cost and repeat applicants provide 75% of the proposed project cost. The program is administered by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology with funding provided through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development's Manufacturing Innovation Fund.

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.

The Rural Employment Development Incentive grant is designed to promote job creation in rural Utah. A business entity can receive up to $250,000 per year, and up to $6,000 per job created. New roles can be online or in a satellite or hub office, but must be physically located in the same county as the business. Eligible sites are either rural towns or cities with populations under 10,000 in Webster, Davis, Utah, or Washington counties.

The Wyoming Department of Agriculture has opened a limited grant window for agricultural businesses to apply for a grant to extend the growing season of specialty crops. The purpose is to fund research projects that extend Wyoming’s short growing season, with the results to be shared with other producers.