ZenBusiness Grant

A grant and technical assistance program with different components for new and existing small retail and food related businesses located primarily in the greater Hartford region. Grant awardees must have participated in a corresponding technical assistance program. ReSET is prioritizing businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, and those located in distressed municipalities in the greater Hartford region, as well as entrepreneurs living in or serving the greater Hartford area who are interested in developing and scaling a food business, including food products and services. Between 36 and 45 grants will be awarded each year over the five-year span of the program. Grants range from $500 to $2,000.

A skilled workforce is essential to accelerating our economic recovery. The Chicagoland Chamber is committed to helping the region’s companies equip their employees with the skills needed to grow, thrive, and succeed. Since 2019, more than 93 companies have participated in this program, resulting in 3,325 employees expanding their skill sets. Whether you work with one of our training providers, have an existing trainer you like to work with, or conduct internal training using company staff, you may be eligible to receive a 50% reimbursement through this program.

The Rooted In Growth Grant awards four U.S.-based hair care businesses with $50,000 each in flexible grant funding, plus access to a founder-focused mentorship program, networking opportunities with industry leaders, and brand visibility across amika's and Fifteen Percent Pledge's marketing channels. Presented by amika, a professional haircare brand, in partnership with the Fifteen Percent Pledge (a racial equity and economic justice nonprofit that calls on major retailers and corporations to commit at least 15 percent of their shelf space, sales revenue, and annual spend to Black-owned businesses), the program is built to back the next generation of underrepresented professional haircare founders with capital and structured support. The program is aimed at founders from communities that have historically been overlooked by traditional funding streams. Eligible underserved founders include (but are not limited to) those from Black, African, or African American, AAPI, Hispanic, Latino, Latina, or Latinx, or LGBTQIA+ backgrounds, as well as parents with earned income below the poverty level, first-generation immigrants, and women. Founders from any background traditionally overlooked by traditional funding may apply regardless of race. Acceptance of the grant carries a commitment to fully participate in amika's Rooted In Growth mentorship and networking program, which spans several months and includes an in-person kickoff event at amika HQ in New York City, virtual mentorship sessions three times per month, and participation in a major industry trade show. Travel and accommodations for in-person events are covered by amika. To qualify, applicants must operate in the hair care space (tools, wigs, color, extensions, or products), currently sell a CPG product, be U.S.-based with annual revenue under $2.5 million, and be at least 51 percent owned by underserved founders. Applicants must currently sell to or aspire to expand into professional distribution channels such as salon distributors or direct-to-stylist. Additional requirements include a clear mission of inclusivity and community impact, products that reflect inclusive values and consumer needs, and readiness to share their story and engage in the mentorship and brand-building components of the program. Applications are reviewed by a joint committee composed of members from the Fifteen Percent Pledge and amika, and finalists are selected based on the strength of the founder's story, mission, and purpose, business viability and opportunity for growth, clear demonstration of community impact and inclusive values, and readiness for brand amplification and storytelling.

Work Immersion is an internship support program available to Rhode Island employers. It is designed to boost the employment prospects of new and returning workers (i.e., eligible students and unemployed or underemployed adults) through meaningful paid work experiences. It provides a 50% or 75% reimbursement for wages paid to eligible participants. All Rhode Island employers who meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the program guide may apply.

The Caddo Parish IDB Small Business Economic Development Grant Program (EDGP) provides small businesses in Caddo Parish, Louisiana with performance-based gap funding grants of up to 25 percent of total project cost to help close the financing gap between the amount a business has already secured and the total cost of a qualifying project. Administered by the Caddo Parish Industrial Development Board (Caddo IDB), a nonprofit corporation authorized under Louisiana state law, the program is designed to leverage IDB funds to attract private sector investment and support job growth in Caddo Parish. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that but for the EDGP grant, the project would not or could not proceed, and that the project meets the Louisiana constitutional tests for public funding (public purpose, non-gratuitous expenditure, and a demonstrable expectation of receiving at least equivalent value in exchange for the grant). The EDGP is open to a range of project categories, including expansion of a company already operating in Caddo Parish, expansion of a company not currently operating in the parish, relocation of an out-of-state company, retention of an existing Caddo Parish company, start-ups, and other qualifying projects. To be considered, a project must meet at least one of three minimum requirements: create at least five direct full-time permanent jobs paying at least $15 per hour, provide at least $50,000 of capital investment in Caddo Parish, or address an unmet need in Caddo Parish as demonstrated by a current third-party market study conducted by an approved vendor. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an application meets the broader constitutional test, which the IDB evaluates separately after the baseline criteria are confirmed. Applications are accepted year-round and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to available funding. The process begins with a Pre-Application that is reviewed by the IDB’s Underwriting Committee, which meets monthly. If a project appears likely to meet both the minimum requirements and the constitutional test, the applicant is invited to submit the full Application with required documentation within 10 business days. Required documentation includes a preliminary project budget, cash flow pro-forma with debt service obligations, list of capital assets, three operator or developer references, three years of reported financial statements, the previous year’s tax return, a credit report, proof of funds (or proof of funds contingent on receiving the EDGP award), and an underwriting review conducted by the Louisiana Department of Economic Development or an approved partner. Applicants that do not meet this underwriting review requirement must instead provide an economic impact and feasibility study prepared by an approved third-party provider. If the Underwriting Committee recommends approval, the full Caddo IDB considers the project at a subsequent monthly meeting, and approved applicants enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement outlining their compliance and reporting obligations.