Grants and loans

What is it?

MGCC makes loans to small businesses, as small businesses are instrumental to the economic vitality of the Commonwealth. These loans may be creative or flexible to suit the needs of the borrower.

Where do you Apply?

Small Business Lending | Mass Growth Capital Corp.

MassDevelopment Lending Products

What is it?

MassDevelopment offers a range of loans and guarantees to meet the needs of small businesses. Eligible businesses can apply for financing using the links embedded on the website.

Where do you Apply?

MA Real Estate Loans – MA Business Loans | MassDevelopment

Massachusetts has dozens more grants available through the above linked website. These other grants can be heavily specialized and worth checking if they apply to your business.  It is highly competitive with other states.

Other State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 

Massachusetts Government Grants 2022/2023

Michigan

Assisting Communities in Revitalizing Commercial Districts

What is it?
In FY20, Match on Main through MEDC’s Community Development team awarded 30 grants, supporting 307 main street businesses.

Where do you Apply?

Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Early-Stage Funding for Startups

What is it?

The Entrepreneurship & Innovation Program has led to over 1,300 high-tech companies being formed in Michigan, and more than 20,000 new full time equivalent jobs.

Where do you Apply?

Entrepreneurial Resources in Michigan

Business Grants To Help Small Businesses Grow Export Activities

What is it?

In FY20, MEDC’s International Trade Program assisted 530 Michigan companies to increase their export sales to 121 countries.

Where do you Apply?

International Trade services with MEDC | Michigan Business

Providing Economic Relief

What is it?

The MEDC launched 23 economic relief programs since March of last year to provide over $240M in vital economic support to small businesses across all 83 Michigan counties. The programs supported more than 25,000 companies and retained over 200,000 jobs with nearly 75% of support going to restaurants, bars, retailers and other service industry small businesses.

Where do you Apply?

MEDC COVID-19 Response

Other State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 

Michigan Government Grants

Minnesota

Minnesota does not offer small business grants. 

Other State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 

Minnesota Small Business Grants

Mississippi

Capital Access Contract Loan Program

What is it?
The Capital Access Contract Loan Program is designed to increase the availability of financing for businesses with fewer than 50 full-time employees or socially and economically disadvantaged businesses as designated by the U. S. Small Business Act by providing loans to eligible borrowers who have contracts with public entities and who, for various reasons, might have difficulty in obtaining conventional loans.

Where do you Apply?

Capital Access ContractLoan Program

Small Business Loan Guaranty Program (SBLGP)

What is it?

The Small Business Loan Guaranty Program (SBLGP) provides access to capital for small businesses by providing loan guarantees to banks and other small business lenders. The SBLGP encourages lenders to make term loans or provide lines of credit to new or existing small businesses in a difficult credit environment to help with the development, expansion and retention of Mississippi’s small businesses.

Where do you Apply?

Small Business Loan Guaranty Program

Small Business and Existing Forestry Industry Loan Program

What is it?

The Small Business and Existing Forestry Industry Loan Program encourages the extension of conventional financing, and issues letters of credit by private institutions, to qualified enterprises in the state of Mississippi. Through this program, MDA provides low-interest loans to qualified small businesses or existing companies in the forestry industry.

Where do you Apply?

Small Business and Existing Forestry Industry Loan Program

Minority Surety Bond Guaranty Program

What is it?
The Minority Surety Bond Guaranty Program provides socially and economically disadvantaged minority businesses with technical assistance throughout the construction bonding process and provides eligible businesses with a bond guarantee where necessary. The program aims to increase minority participation in construction and building trade contracts with federal, state and local units of government.

Where do you Apply?

Minority Surety Bond Guaranty Program

Minority Business Micro Loan Program

What is it?

The Minority Business Micro Loan Program provides loans to socially and economically disadvantaged minority- and women-owned businesses as designated by the Mississippi Development Authority’s Minority and Small Business Development Division.

Where do you Apply?

Minority Business Micro Loan Program

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Loan Program

What is it?

The Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Loan Program provides loans to socially and economically disadvantaged minority- and women-owned businesses as designated by the Mississippi Development Authority’s Minority and Small Business Development Division.

Where do you Apply?

Minority Business Enterprise Loan Program

Other State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 

Mississippi Government Grants 2022/2023

Missouri

Other State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 

Missouri Small Business Grants 2022/2023

Montana

Other State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 

Montana Government Grants 2022/2023

Nebraska

Other State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 

Nebraska Small Business Grants

Nevada

National Association for the Self Employed (NASE)

What is it?
Apply for a business development grant from the NASE worth up to $4,000!

Where do you Apply?

NASE Membership Options

Other State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 

Nevada Small Business Grants 2022/2023

New Hampshire

Other State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 

New Hampshire Government Grants 2022/2023

New Jersey

Other State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 

New Jersey Government Grants

New Mexico

Small Business Recovery Loan Fund

What is it?
The New Mexico Legislature recently expanded the Small Business Recovery Loan Fund to better help businesses experiencing financial hardship caused by the pandemic. More businesses are now eligible to apply for a loan, the loans have more favorable and flexible terms, and businesses that received a Small Business Recovery Loan in 2020 can refinance for a longer term or a bigger loan. 

Where do you Apply?

Small Business Recovery Loan Fund | New Mexico Finance Authority

Other State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 

New Mexico Government Grants

New York

Business Pandemic Recovery Initiative

What is it?
Grants, Tax Credits, and Technical Assistance Programs for Businesses Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Where do you Apply?

Business Pandemic Recovery Initiative | Empire State Development

New York State Small Business Seed Funding Grant Program

What is it?

$200 million in grant funding to early stage small and micro businesses and for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations impacted by the pandemic.

Where do you Apply?

New York State Seed Funding Grant Program

COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program

What is it?

$250 million in tax credits to provide financial assistance to New York State small businesses burdened with a range of operational costs stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, from structural changes and building upgrades to health-related supplies and materials.

Where do you Apply?

COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program | Empire State Development

Restaurant Resiliency Program

What is it?

The $250 million COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program provides financial assistance to New York State small businesses burdened with a range of operational costs stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, from structural changes and building upgrades to health-related supplies and materials.  The Program offers qualifying businesses relief from the added economic burden by providing tax credits to help reduce the pandemic-related financial impact.   

Small businesses can receive a tax credit of 50% of qualifying expenses up to a maximum of $25,000 in tax credits based on qualifying expenses of $50,000. 

Where do you Apply?

COVID COST SCREENING

COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program

What is it?

$25 million in grant funding to support restaurants that provide meals to distressed and under-represented communities.

Where do you Apply?

Restaurant Resiliency Program | Agriculture and Markets

Other State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 

New York Government Grants

North Carolina

Other State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 

North Carolina Government Grants 2022/2023

Grant Opportunities | nc.gov

North Dakota

Accelerated Growth Loan Program

What is it?
The Accelerated Growth Loan Program assists North Dakota-based companies anticipating a period of dynamic growth. These companies have a record of proven operations, experienced management and the ability to generate cash flow but have limited assets for traditional bank financing. The borrower can be any person or entity who owns a North Dakota-based company that anticipates a minimum growth in sales of 15 percent over three years with existing sales of $1.5 million to $10 million annually.

Where do you Apply?

Accelerated Growth Loan Program – Bank of North Dakota

Business Development Loan Program

What is it?

The Business Development Loan Program assists new and existing businesses to obtain loans that have a higher degree of risk than would normally be acceptable to a lending institution. It may be used to start or expand a new business or for refinancing. The business must be located in North Dakota. The financial condition or nature of the industry must lead to a higher credit risk than would normally be acceptable to a lending institution.

Where do you Apply?

Business Development Loan Program – Bank of North Dakota

Mariculture Loan Program

What is it?

Loans may be made for the planning, construction, and operation of a mariculture business. 

Where do you Apply?

https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/inv/LoanPrograms/Mariculture.aspx

Finance and Incentive Programs

What is it?

North Dakota and the Federal government through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Small Business Administration (SBA), and the Economic Development Administration offer many finance and tax incentive programs to support business development investment in North Dakota. In addition to these finance and tax incentive programs presented on the following pages, many jurisdictions have local investment programs available to support economic development expansion in their communities and regions. These programs are accessible through local community economic development corporations and/or regional planning council offices.

Where do you Apply?

Finance and Incentive Programs Available to Support Business Development Projects in North Dakota

Other State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 
North Dakota Government Grants 2022/2023

Ohio

Ohio Micro-Loan Program

What is it?
This loan program is designed to stimulate the growth of new and existing businesses by providing micro-loans at 0% interest. The minimum loan amount is $10,000 to a maximum of $45,000. Loans will be repaid within five years for permanent working capital and seven years for equipment.

Where do you Apply?

Ohio Micro-Loan Program | Development

Women’s Business Enterprise Loan Program

What is it?

This loan program is designed to stimulate the growth of existing women-owned businesses by providing loans at market rate or below market rate interest (currently up to 3%). The minimum loan amount is $45,000 up to a maximum of $500,000. Loans will be repaid within 10 years for equipment and machinery and 15 years for owner-occupied real estate.

Where do you Apply?

Women’s Business Enterprise Loan Program | Development

Workplace Wellness Grant Program

What is it?

Information on Grant: Employers who want to improve the health and wellness of their workers can benefit from this program that assists employers with establishing training and programs to reduce health risk factors to meet the needs of their employees.  No matching funds required.  This grant is to start a new wellness program.

Where do you Apply?

Workplace Wellness Grant Program

Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund

What is it?

Information on Grant: To help restaurants recover in times of critical need, DoorDash has partnered with Hello Alice to create the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund. The fund supports restaurants impacted by natural disasters like fires, floods and hurricanes, and provides relief through $10,000 grants.

Where do you Apply?

Begin the pre-application process here:
https://helloalice.com/grants/doordash/

Other State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 

Ohio Small Business Grants 2022/2023

Oklahoma

Community Development Block Grant

Where do you Apply?

Community Development Block Grant | City of Enid, Oklahoma

Other State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 

Oklahoma Small Business Grants

Oregon

Export Promotion Program

What is it?
Trade shows offer the opportunity to meet potential buyers, test market interest, and evaluate the competition. A trade mission can be a cost-effective way to meet potential distributors and buyers, secure licensing agreements, and explore joint venture opportunities. The Oregon Export Promotion Program helps Oregon companies access foreign markets and increase exports to existing markets through participation in various trade development activities. 

Who Can Apply?

​​Oregon’s Trade Promotion Grants are awarded to eligible small businesses that meet the U.S. SBA’s definition and can self-certify their eligibility. Small businesses are generally defined as those with 500 or fewer employees. Candidates must evaluate and certify their eligibility by submitting two required SBA forms: Self Certify as a Small Business, and Debarment Certification.  

Additional Qualifying Criteria

1. At least 75 percent of the business’s total employees must be employed in Oregon; 
2. The applicant must promote their own export ready product or service that is Oregon manufactured, processed, or value-added; 
3. The business must commit at least one full-time, U.S. based employee for the duration of the Export Promotion Grant-funded activity; and 
4. For a trade show, the applicant must actively exhibit (e.g., rent a booth space and attend), pay the trade show organizer directly for the activity, and provide receipts for any allowable expense submitted for reimbursement.

Where do you Apply?

Begin the pre-application process here: Export Promotion Program : State of Oregon

Rural Opportunity Initiative (ROI)

What is it?

The Rural Opportunity Initiative (ROI) is Business Oregon’s strategic effort to empower rural communities to support entrepreneurs and small business growth. ROI helps strengthen and consolidate entrepreneurial ecosystems across Oregon’s rural communities, with an emphasis on diverse and low-income populations.

Where do you Apply?

Begin at Business Oregon : Rural Opportunity Initiative (ROI)

Oregon Business Development Fund (OBDF)

What is it?

The Oregon Business Development Fund (OBDF) is a revolving loan fund that provides fixed-rate term gap financing for land, buildings, equipment, machinery, and permanent working capital. The fund is designed to provide gap financing in conjunction with a traditional lender.

Who can Apply

Applicants must create or retain jobs and must typically be a “traded sector business”​ (as defined in ORS 284.550) in manufacturing, processing or distribution. The program gives preference to projects located in rural and distressed areas and to small businesses with fewer than 100 employees.​

Where do you Apply?

Oregon Business Development Fund (OBDF)

Entrepreneurial Development Loan Fund (EDLF)

What is it?

Created by the Oregon Legislature in 1991, the Entrepreneurial Development Loan Fund provides direct loans to help start-ups, micro-enterprises, and small businesses expand or become established in Oregon. This fund fills a niche not provided through traditional lending markets.

Who Can Apply?

Nearly every type of business is eligible to apply. Participants must meet one of the following criteria:

1. ​The Applicant must have had total revenues of $1,500,000 or less in the 12 calendar months immediately preceding the date application is made to the Fund for a loan;
2. The Applicant must have 25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees at the time of application

or

1. At least 50 percent of the Applicant’s business or proposed business must be owned by an individual or individuals classified as Severely Disabled. 

Where do you Apply?

Begin the pre-application process here:
Entrepreneurial Development Loan Fund (EDLF) : State of Oregon

Other State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 

Oregon Small Business Grants 2022/2023

Pennsylvania

Small Business Advantage Grant

What is it?

The Small Business Advantage Grant provides reimbursement grants ranging from 50% to 80% of eligible project costs to Pennsylvania small businesses to improve energy efficiency or reduce pollution or waste by: upgrading or replacing equipment or supplies; improving processes; or reducing runoff into affected waterways. Maximum grant award amounts will vary from up to $5,000 to up to $8,000, based on the environmental impact of the project and whether the project location is in an Environmental Justice Area in Pennsylvania.

Who Can Apply?

Pennsylvania-based businesses with 100 or fewer full-time employees are eligible. Eligible applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis, and must save the small business a minimum of $500 and at least 20% annually in energy consumption or pollution prevention related expenses (Natural Resource Protection projects are exempt).

Where do you Apply?

Begin the pre-application process here:
Single Application for Assistance

Other State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 

Pennsylvania Government Grants 2022/2023

Rhode Island

Innovate RI Fund

What is it?

Small businesses need capital to innovate, expand and succeed. The Innovate RI Small Business Fund provides grants to assist local entrepreneurs and high-growth start-ups defray the costs of applying for federal SBIR/STTR grants, match Phase I and Phase II awards and hire interns.

The goals of the program are to:

1. Leverage state funds to encourage and support Rhode Island entrepreneurial participation in the federal SBIR/STTR programs;
2. Increase the amount of federal research dollars received by Rhode Island firms;
3. Sustain companies through the early stages of product development;
4. Encourage the establishment of high potential, high quality, high growth ventures in Rhode Island; and
5. Enhance the talent pipeline in the life sciences and engineering fields.

Where do you Apply?

Begin the process here: Innovate RI Fund | RI Science & Technology Advisory Council

Other State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 

Rhode Island Government Grants 2022/2023

South Carolina

Capital Funding Resources

What is it?

South Carolina offers Statewide programs and initiatives to help new and existing businesses thrive. With over 50 available state grants to offer an influx of funding and capital. 

Who Can Apply?

Any business located specifically and operating in South Carolina

Where do you Apply?

Begin the process here:
Capital Funding Resources | South Carolina Business Development

Other State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 

South Carolina Small Business Grants

County Specific Grant Programs

Beaufort County Small and Minority Business Program

What is it?

Beaufort County wishes to ensure that those businesses owned and operated by minorities are afforded the opportunity to fully participate in its overall procurement process for goods and services.  Further, Beaufort County seeks to ensure that small businesses are likewise afforded the same opportunity as minority businesses to participate.  Based on scope of work or services, solicitations may require bidders or proposers to meet certain compliance requirements of Beaufort County’s “Small and Minority Business Participation Program”, unless self-performing one hundred percent (100%), including specific pre-award good faith outreach efforts and post-award subcontracting reporting.

Who Can Apply?

Minority business owners in Beaufort County. 

Where do you Apply?

Begin the application process here:
Small and Minority Business Participation

South Dakota

Other State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 

South Dakota Small Business Grants

Tennessee

Tennessee State Grant Funding

What is it?

The State of Tennessee offers a vast array of grant funding opportunities. Whether it is improving the environment or creating jobs, these grant programs are committed to improving the lives of Tennesseans. This page details competitive grant funding opportunities offered by Tennessee state agencies.

Potential grantees are encouraged to view funding opportunities by state agencies. All applications and selections are made by the state agency staff for the applicable program. While this page is updated periodically, potential grantees are encouraged to contact state agencies directly as funding opportunities often change.

Where do you Apply?

Grant Funding Information

Select the category of business that fits you best.

Other State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 

Tennessee Small Business Grants 2022/2023

Texas

Texas Workforce Training Grants

What is it?

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) offers the “Skills for Small Business” grant. Skills for Small Business finances the design and implementation of customized job training programs for newly hired employees of small businesses, successfully merging small business needs and local customized training opportunities into a winning formula for putting people to work in Texas.

The program pays up to $1,800 for each new employee being trained and $900 for existing employees per 12-month period.

Who Can Apply?

Businesses that employ 99 or less full-time equivalent employees and must not be in the business of Childcare.

Where do you Apply?

Begin the pre-application process here:
Skills for Small Business for Employers — TWC

BCL of Texas

What is it?

BCL of Texas supports Texans to acquire wealth-building assets, such as homeownership and entrepreneurship, with the financial tools and education necessary to build personal net worth. With an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion, we serve communities of color, women, veterans, rural communities, and low and moderate income individuals, families, and small business owners.

Who can Apply

Minority and women-owned businesses as well as new business owners within two years of opening. Some additional programs are available such as for business in communities with populations under 50,000.

Where do you Apply?

Begin at Borrow for Your Business – Business & Community Lenders of Texas | Austin and Dallas

Young Farmer Grant Program

What is it?

The purpose of the Young Farmer Grant is to grow and support Texas agriculture. This program has a 1:1 match requirement, which means the farmer must match the grant amount. For example, if the total project costs $20,000, the farmer must raise $10,000 that the grant will match.

Who can Apply

It’s open to anyone between the ages of 18 and 45

Where do you Apply?

Young Farmer Grant

JUST – Grants and Training for Women

What is it?

JUST is a non-profit financial platform working to close the racial wealth gap by investing in ambitious Texas women through capital, peer coaching & community.

Who Can Apply?

Businesses of any size, owned exclusively by women.

Where do you Apply?

Begin the pre-application process here:
https://hellojust.com/WebToLeadJUST.php

People Fund Small Business/Start-Up Loans

What is it?

PeopleFund’s small business loans help entrepreneurs enhance their businesses and keep local economies growing. With financing available for equipment purchases, permanent working capital term loans, and revolving lines of credit, we provide access to capital with low down payment or equity contribution, flexible underwriting, no prepayment penalties, and a lending team dedicated to helping you succeed through one-on-one training and business assistance & education.

Who Can Apply?

They focus on women, minorities, veterans, and businesses in low to moderate-income areas. No specific exclusions are listed outside of being a small business which Texas defines as a business employing less than 100 people.

Where do you Apply?

Get a Loan – PeopleFund

Other State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 

Texas Small Business Grants 2022/2023

City Specific Grant Programs

City of Dallas Small Business Continuity Fund (SBCF) 

What is it?

The Small Business Continuity Fund program was designed to assist low-to-moderate (LMI) microenterprise business owners (5 or fewer employees) or small businesses with 50 or fewer employees that retain LMI workers within the City of Dallas.

Funding: $5 million of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding (as provided by the CARES Act). Plus an additional $2 million of CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) funding.

Maximum loan amount: $50,000

Maximum grant amount: $15,000

Who Can Apply?

Business with less than 50 employees or revenue under $1.5 million. Microbusinesses are defined as a business with 5 or fewer employees, including the business owner. 

Where do you Apply?

Begin the pre-application process here:
Skills for Small Business for Employers — TWC

City of Austin Zero Waste Business Rebate 

What is it?

The City of Austin’s Zero Waste Business Rebate is an incentive for businesses to expand and improve their waste reduction and diversion programs. Eligible businesses can receive up to $3,000 for reducing waste beyond the minimum requirements of the Universal Recycling Ordinance.

Who Can Apply?

The rebate is available to commercial businesses, nonprofits and multifamily properties that meet all of the following criteria:

1. Affected by, and in compliance with, the Universal Recycling Ordinance.
2. Located within the Austin City Limits, in compliance with Austin City Code, and all tax accounts are in good standing.

Where do you Apply?

Begin the pre-application process here: Zero Waste Business Rebate | AustinTexas.gov

Utah

EVENT SERVICE INDUSTRY REVITALIZATION GRANT

What is it?

The Utah Legislature authorized $4,500,000 to Utah-based privately owned event equipment or service providers that primarily work off-premise, and were negatively impacted by COVID-19. The new program is called the Event Service Industry Revitalization Grant.

The new grant will support businesses that were not adequately covered by previous state-sponsored COVID-19 programs. If the company previously received funding from the federal Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, it does not qualify for the state’s new Event Service Industry Revitalization Grant.

Who Can Apply?

For-profit and nonprofit entities:

1. Event equipment or service providers, operating primarily off-premise
2. Must have experienced at least a 30% quarterly loss in revenue (see calculation below)
3. Be registered with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code (if required)
4. Claim Utah as its headquarters and principal place of business
5. Must have been an active business in Utah on or before Jan. 1, 2019
6. Must not have changed ownership since Jan. 1, 2019
7. Have not ceased operations
8. Have not initiated bankruptcy proceedings
9. Have not received a Shuttered Venue Operators Grant
10. Have not been disbarred or suspended from receiving federal funds
11. Are not a promoter, artist manager, or venue owner, and does not share ownership with a promotion, artist management, or venue entity

Note: Government entities do not qualify.

Where do you Apply?

Begin the pre-application process here:
Event Service Industry Revitalization Grant

RURAL EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVE GRANT

What is it?

The Rural Employment Development Incentive (REDI) grant is designed for businesses creating new high-paying jobs in rural Utah communities. The grant may be available to businesses creating new employment positions in rural counties or in *cities/towns with a population of 10,000 or less in Weber, Davis, Utah, and Washington counties.

New jobs can be remote, online, in a satellite hub/office space, or physically located in the same county as the business. Based on the employee’s work location, a business may receive up to $6,000 for each new position.

Who can Apply

A business considering the REDI grant must apply for and receive approval through the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (Go Utah) in advance of creating any new position(s).

Newly created positions:

1. will be filled by full-time employees
2. will exist for at least 12 consecutive months
3. will pay at least 110% of the county’s average wage
4. may not be within a business primarily engaged in construction, retail, staffing or public utilities

Where do you Apply?

Begin at Rural Employment Development Incentive (REDI) Grant

Other State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 

Utah Small Business Grants 2022/2023

City Specific Grant Programs

Salt Lake City Community Grant Program

What is it?

Salt Lake City’s Community Grant Program was created to provide limited, one-time financial assistance to eligible small businesses, artists, artisans, creatives, and nonprofits (as individual businesses) in Salt Lake City that were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic or related shutdowns. The Community Grant Program is funded through ARPA, and run by the Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development. Grants are intended to help the economic health and welfare of the City.

Who Can Apply?

1. Business is physically located and licensed to do business* in Salt Lake City, and was in operation before January 1, 2020 *if you are a home-based business, artist or musician, a business license is not required
2. Business has less than 50 full-time employees.
3. Business can show it was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic or the related shutdowns.
4. Business is not facing any pending litigation or legal action.
5. Business is not suspended or restricted from the use of federal funds.
6. Business is not a franchise that is a subsidiary of a larger corporation.
7. Business is not a multinational or publicly traded business.
8. Business is not a chain (unless most locations are in Salt Lake City).
9. Business is not owned by a City employee, elected, or appointed official.

Where do you Apply?

Begin the pre-application process here:
Community Grants Program | Department of Economic Development

City of Provo Small Business Recovery-Relief Program

What is it?

Provo City has received CDBG-CV grant funds to assist small businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial assistance is available to businesses to help cover operating costs.

Eligible businesses may be awarded up to three months of operational costs not to exceed $15,000. Permitted uses are rent/mortgage, payroll, utilities, or similar ordinary operational costs. Construction projects or equipment purchases are not eligible.

Who Can Apply?

1. For-profit businesses located in Provo City with no more than 50 employees. (sole proprietorships, corporations, limited liability corporations and subchapter S corporations).
2. Must provide documented loss of revenue due to COVID-19 requirements.
3. In business since December 31, 2019.
4. Business must be still operational at time of application.
5. Applicant is 51% + majority owner of the business.
6. Business commits to retain/rehire full-time job(s) held by a low-/mod-income (LMI) individual(s), and to keep it available for a LMI individual(s) for at least one year after award is made and the loan is closed.
7. Where multiple jobs are retained, at least 51% are held by LMI individuals.
8. Owner has a valid SS #, EIN & DUNS, CAGE # and Business Bank Account.
9. Owner/Applicant is not currently in bankruptcy.
10. Owner/Applicant is currently with property taxes and City fees.
11. Business has active liability insurance.
12. Cannot have an application pending for a loan or grant that is duplicative of the purpose and amounts applied for through this program.
13. Cannot have received a loan or grant from Feb. 15, 2020 to date, duplicative of the purpose and amounts applied for here.
14. Cannot have a conflict of interest with Provo City.
15. Cannot have average annual revenue of more than $2M USD.
16. Cannot have a net value of more than $5M USD.
17. Cannot be exclusively a self-employed person or independent contractor.

Where do you Apply?

Begin the pre-application process here: Small Business Recovery-Relief Program | City of Provo, UT

Vermont

Elevate Vermont

What is it?

Elevate Vermont is a technology-based economic development program designed to catalyze growth in Vermont’s high tech business sector through increased access to targeted technical and research assistance. A mix of technical assistance and grant matching will be available for: 

1. One-on-one professional support to apply for Federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants,  
2. Matching funds which can be used to offset costs related to commercializing a new product that cannot be supported with Federal SBIR/STTR funds, such as sales and marketing expenses, and 
3. Access to research institutions that can help solve product development challenges. 

Who Can Apply?

1. Headquartered in Vermont 
2. Completed and approved program application 

Where do you Apply?

Elevate Vermont | Agency of Commerce and Community Development

Vermont Employment Growth Incentive

What is it?

The State of Vermont offers an economic incentive for business recruitment, growth and expansion. The Vermont Employment Growth Incentive (VEGI) program provides cash payments to businesses that have been authorized to earn the incentive and who then meet performance requirements. The value of each payment is based on the revenue return generated to the State by prospective qualifying jobs, payroll creation, and capital investments.

The VEGI program provides incentives from the State of Vermont to encourage prospective economic activity in Vermont that is beyond a business’s organic growth—growth that would not occur, would not occur in Vermont, or would occur in a significantly less desirable manner without the incentive. The economic activity can be generated by a Vermont company, a Vermont division adding new qualifying employees, a company that is considering Vermont as a new location, or a start-up business. Once authorized, the incentives are earned and installments paid if performance requirements are met and maintained.

Who can Apply

There are no restrictions on the type or size of company that can apply or the number of jobs that must be created. Applicants must be able to show that the activity as proposed would not occur, or would occur in a significantly different manner, unless the incentive is approved and that new, qualifying jobs will be created at a level beyond the normal or “background growth” for the company’s industry.

Where do you Apply?

Begin at Vermont Employment Growth Incentive | Agency of Commerce and Community Development

Worker Relocation Grant Program

What is it?

Since 2018, the Vermont Legislature has created three different relocation incentives, awarding $1,780,000 to attract new residents to the state and grow the workforce and provide support to Vermont employers. In total, these three programs have assisted 435 new workers and their families to live and work in Vermont.  

These new Vermonters are enjoying all this little state has to offer; some are returning to live closer to friends and family while others are enjoying access to outdoor recreation and a safe environment to raise a family. Whether leaving the big city to live and work remotely or relocating to work for one of Vermont’s Innovative businesses, these workers are enjoying all the perks of living in the Green Mountain State. All funding made available by these three programs has been awarded. 

To build upon the success of previous efforts, the Vermont Legislature passed new legislation in 2022 to create a fourth relocation program. The new program is in development and the details will be different from previous programs.

Where do you Apply?

Subscribe to the 802+You newsletter to receive notification as more information becomes available.

Other State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 

Vermont Small Business Grants

Vermont offers information about how businesses can obtain additional capital, regardless of the stage your business is currently in or your expected growth. Read here for more information:

Investment Capital | Agency of Commerce and Community Development

Other Valuable State Resources

Local funding opportunities are frequently established by county and city agencies. When looking for funding opportunities from local agencies, the county or city Economic Development Agency or Chamber of Commerce is a great resource to get started.

The state of Vermont updates their Grants on a monthly and yearly basis; frequently checking on the state grant page is vital.

Funding and Incentives | Agency of Commerce and Community Development

City Specific Grant Programs

City of Burlington Small Business Grants

What is it?

The City of Burlington has opened an application program for small businesses to apply to receive grant allocations from a pool of federal CDBG funds.

The funds may be used to cover business operations, including but not limited to rent, utilities, and working capital.

Who Can Apply?

The funds are available to low- and moderate- income business owners, and businesses trying to retain jobs for low- and moderate-income workers.

Where do you Apply?

Apply for Small Business Grants | City of Burlington, Vermont

Virginia

Southern Opportunity and Resilience (SOAR)

What is it?

The Southern Opportunity and Resilience (SOAR) Fund is a new program built to support small businesses and nonprofits across the South and Southeast to help them navigate and rebuild from the COVID-19 crisis.

Who Can Apply?

The following criteria is the minimum required for a business or non-profit to be considered eligible for a loan under this program:

1. The business or non-profit must employ 50 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees;
2. The business or non-profit must have suffered a direct economic disruption as a result of COVID-19 in a way that has materially impacted operations;
3. The business or non-profit must have been in operation since at least September 2019, unless the business is a for-profit business and meets one of the following additional criteria:
   1. The business can demonstrate three or more years of operating experience in the industry through previous ownership or management; or
   2. The business has previously borrowed from the community lender and has had no repayment issues

Where do you Apply?

SOAR Fund – Get Started | Connect2Capital

WellnessLiving #StandwithStudios Grant Program

What is it?

The WellnessLiving #StandwithStudios Grant Program was created to support boutique fitness and wellness businesses with the resources they need to take their business to the next level and continue to positively impact their communities.

Who can Apply

1. Be the business owner or have signing authority for the business.
2. Be a legal resident of Canada or the USA.
3. Have their business in operation since February 2020, and be generating revenue.
4. Acknowledge that their business is not under bankruptcy protection or does not have judicial liens or attachments.
5. Upon request by WellnessLiving, each applicant must provide proof of their identity and any qualification as an eligible applicant.
6. WellnessLiving reserves the right to disqualify any application where such proof is not provided upon request.

Where do you Apply?

Begin at Application – Stand With Studios Grant Program

Other State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 

Virginia Small Business Grants

Other Valuable State Resources

Local funding opportunities are frequently established by county and city agencies. When looking for funding opportunities from local agencies, the county or city Economic Development Agency or Chamber of Commerce is a great resource to get started.

The state of Vermont updates their Grants on a monthly and yearly basis; frequently checking on the state grant page is vital.

Funding and Incentives | Agency of Commerce and Community Development

Minority Business Specific

SoGal Foundation Grants

What is it?

SoGal Foundation has teamed up with multiple sponsors to provide several $10K and $5K cash grants to Black women or nonbinary entrepreneurs.

Awardees will also receive tactical help navigating the fundraising environment at large so that they will have a more equitable opportunity at scaling the next billion dollar idea. They will also receive lifetime “ask-me-anything” access to the SoGal Foundation and SoGal Ventures teams.

Who Can Apply?

1. self-identify as a Black woman or Black nonbinary entrepreneur (inclusive of multiracial Black women and multiracial Black nonbinary folks)
2. have a legally registered business
3. plan to seek investor financing in order to scale, now or in the future
4. have a scalable, high-impact solution or idea with the ambition to be the next billion dollar business.

Where do you Apply?

SoGal Black Founder Startup Grant Application

HerRise Micro-Grant

What is it?

The HerRise Micro-Grant provides financial support to women of color creating innovative solutions that impact their community and that are often unable to secure funding for their small business. Each month a $500 micro-grant will be awarded to a small business owned by women of color.

Who Can Apply?

1. Business is 51% owned by women of color
2. Business is currently registered in the US
3. Non-profits, franchise, direct seller, authorized reseller or independent consultant not eligible
4. Applicant must be a HerSuiteSpot members, registration is free at www.hersuitespot.com/register

Where do you Apply?

HerRise MicroGrant | Cultivating a Digital Funding Solution for Women of Color – HerSuiteSpot

Washington

Small Business Flex Fund Loans

What is it?

Small businesses and nonprofits can borrow up to $150,000 and the money can be spent flexibly, including on payroll, utilities & rent, supplies, marketing & advertising, building improvements or repairs, and other business expenses.

Who Can Apply?

Fewer than 50 employees

Annual revenues of less than $3 million

Experienced direct economic hardship due to COVID-19

Small businesses must have been in business for at least one year prior to the date of application OR, the business must meet one of the following criteria:

1. Demonstrate three or more years of operating experience in the industry through previous ownership or management OR
2. Be a previous borrower of the CDFI and have had no repayment issues

Nonprofits must have been in operation since at least January 2019.

Where do you Apply?

Apply Now | smallbusinessflexfund.org

Other State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 

Washington Small Business Grants

West Virginia

American Rescue Plan Act Non-Entitlement Unity (NEU) Allocations

What is it?

The American Rescue Plan Act (“ARP Act”) was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden on March 11th, 2021, authorizing approximately $1.9 trillion in federal stimulus funds to continue combating the COVID crisis. The core of the ARP Act’s aid to state and local governments are the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.

Where do you Apply?

WV.gov

West Virginia STEP Program

What is it?

West Virginia is proud to offer grant assistance to small businesses looking to enter or expand in the global marketplace through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). Over the course of the last decade, STEP has awarded 350 state grants to all 50 states and U.S. Territories generating nearly $1.8 billion in exports.

Since 2015, The West Virginia Department of Economic Development has been awarded nearly 1.4 million dollars in STEP funding which has been distributed to over 80 West Virginia Small Businesses to offset the cost of export promotion activities such as participation in foreign trade missions and trade shows, market sales trips, subscriptions to services provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce, translation of materials into foreign languages, design of international marketing materials and online marketing targeting more than 65 different countries around the world resulting in over $43 million dollars in new export sales reported to date.

Where do you Apply?

West Virginia STEP Information | West Virginia Department of Economic Development Website

Other State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 

West Virginia Small Business Grants 2022/2023

Wisconsin

American Rescue Plan Act Non-Entitlement Unity (NEU) Allocations

What is it?

The American Rescue Plan Act (“ARP Act”) was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden on March 11th, 2021, authorizing approximately $1.9 trillion in federal stimulus funds to continue combating the COVID crisis. The core of the ARP Act’s aid to state and local governments are the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.

Where do you Apply?

WV.gov

West Virginia STEP Program

What is it?

West Virginia is proud to offer grant assistance to small businesses looking to enter or expand in the global marketplace through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). Over the course of the last decade, STEP has awarded 350 state grants to all 50 states and U.S. Territories generating nearly $1.8 billion in exports.

Since 2015, The West Virginia Department of Economic Development has been awarded nearly 1.4 million dollars in STEP funding which has been distributed to over 80 West Virginia Small Businesses to offset the cost of export promotion activities such as participation in foreign trade missions and trade shows, market sales trips, subscriptions to services provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce, translation of materials into foreign languages, design of international marketing materials and online marketing targeting more than 65 different countries around the world resulting in over $43 million dollars in new export sales reported to date.

Where do you Apply?

West Virginia STEP Information | West Virginia Department of Economic Development Website

Other State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 

West Virginia Small Business Grants 2022/2023

Wyoming

State loan Programs

State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business, or businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and natural disasters. 

Wyoming Small Business Grants