Proposal to allocate thousands of dollars in additional grant money to help small businesses
Small business grant programs remain one of the best ways that local communities and government agencies can support the economy. There are many ways these programs can help small businesses, from improving downtown storefronts to creating new jobs. Below, explore several programs currently supporting businesses and communities across the United States.
Evanston Small Business Recovery Program
Evanston, Illinois Housing and Community Development Commission recently Recommended Investing more funding in the grant program for local businesses. The recommendation includes allocating $75,000 in federal funds to the Small Business Recovery Program, a grant program that supports businesses negatively impacted by the pandemic. The program received 75 eligible applications during the initial application period, including a total of $600,000 in requested funds. Of those original applicants, 34 did not receive grants. So the additional funds recommended by the committee would help the city award grants to seven to 10 more businesses.
Oakland County Main Street Grant Program
The Oakland County Main Street Grant Program in Michigan is an offer $2,500 in technology and digital support grants that businesses can use to purchase various software, equipment, or related projects. To qualify, businesses must be located in communities where Michigan State University Federal Credit Union operates, have been in business for less than ten years, and be willing to provide matching funds. The deadline to apply is August 4.
New Ulm Small Business Grant Program
New Ulm, Minnesota is plan New York City is planning to launch another round of its small business grant program. But the city’s economic development agency is considering making some changes to the program in the future. For example, the program initially offered five grants of $10,000 each, but this year it awarded 14 businesses $7,500 grants. Officials are also considering narrowing the scope of the grant program to include specific types of businesses, such as restaurants, retail and child care. Those updates have not yet been approved, but the agency is studying the changes and will provide updates in the coming weeks.
Arizona Rural Energy Program Grant Writing Help Center for America
Arizona is an offer New grant writing assistance program for small businesses looking to receive funding through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Local First Arizona is facilitating a new grant writing assistance center, which aims to help small businesses and tribal communities in Arizona access these federal funds. REAP has more than $30 million available to help rural businesses and communities install solar energy systems and increase energy efficiency.
Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Grants
The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is Partnership In partnership with the Duke Energy Foundation and Blue North to provide grants to minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses across the region. The Duke Energy Foundation and Blue North are each providing $25,000, and the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Foundation is facilitating the program with $50,000. Eligible businesses can apply for $1,000 to $10,000 to complete a variety of projects, from beautification to talent acquisition. To qualify, businesses must have 50 or fewer employees and be a Duke Energy small business customer located in Boone, Campbell, or Kenton counties. The deadline to apply is Oct. 1.
SBA Cybersecurity Pilot Program for Small Businesses
The United States Small Business Administration is to provide $3 million in new funding for a small business cybersecurity pilot program. The program gives money to government agencies rather than directly to small businesses. But those agencies can then use the money to provide training, consulting and other cybersecurity services specifically designed for startups and small businesses. The application period for state and territory government agencies runs from now until Aug. 2.
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