There are many different types of grants available depending on what you are looking for. A grant program can help provide funding for your business, research, or education. In this article, we’ll go over a list of the top 20 types of grants available for your organization today.

What are Business Grants and How Do They Work?

A business grant is a financial award given to a business to help it grow, expand, or simply get started. They are broadly categorized as being government and private, with government grants being more numerous but also more difficult to obtain.

The grant application process can be lengthy, but it’s worth it, as most grants don’t need to be repaid. Additionally, there are typically no minimum requirements in terms of credit score or financial history, and applying for grants won’t affect your FICO score.

• READ MORE: How to Get Free Grants for Small Business

What are The 4 Main Types of Business Grants?

Business owners are always looking for funding. There are many grant types available that provide businesses with the funds they need, such as the following:

• Federal Grants. Businesses can get federal government grants from the United States government. The government offers these types of grants to promote new businesses and jobs, support research and development, and help businesses expand into new markets.
• State Grants. These are grants offered by state governments to businesses operating within their state. The requirements and amount of funding available vary by state, but these types of grants are typically available to help businesses with start-up costs, job creation, and expansion.
• Local Grants. Local governments provide grants to businesses, usually as tax breaks or low-interest loans. These types of grants are generally accessible to businesses that are creating new jobs or making investments in the community.
• Corporate Grants. Some large corporations offer grants to small businesses. These types of grants are typically available to businesses that are aligned with the corporation’s goals, such as promoting diversity or environmental sustainability.

Different Grant Programs

Government funding sources and grant opportunities are accessible to all eligible entities and businesses, regardless of size, from federal, state, and local governments, as well as non-federal organizations. However, the eligibility criteria and application processes can differ significantly between programs. Let’s explore our list to find the grant that suits your needs:

Federal Government Grant Funding

The federal government offers a variety of grant programs for businesses. Federal grants are available from several different federal agencies, including the Department of Commerce, the Department of Energy, and the Small Business Administration.

• READ MORE: Small Business Administration Grants

Grant funds from federal agencies can be used for a wide variety of purposes, including research and development, marketing, and workforce training. Let’s take a look at some:

SBIR and STTR

If you’re looking to fund and establish a new program but need financial support in the form of a planning grant for initial research efforts, then the SBIR and STTR projects may be for you. However, you’ll need to justify the need for the program you’re trying to establish when applying.

Trade Adjustment Assistance For Firms

The Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms program provides financial assistance to businesses that have been negatively affected by imports. The funding can be used for a variety of purposes, including plant renovations, marketing, and training.

MBDA

The MBDA program provides financial and technical assistance to minority-owned businesses. The program is designed to help businesses grow and create jobs.

SUD Startup Challenge

The SUD Startup Challenge is a grant that provides funding to businesses that are working on solutions to the nation’s opioid crisis. The goal of the program is to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation in the fight against addiction.

Rural Energy for America Program

The Rural Energy for America Program offers financial support to businesses and farmers engaged in projects aimed at lowering energy consumption. This funding can be utilized for several purposes, such as upgrading energy efficiency, implementing renewable energy initiatives, and conducting feasibility studies.

Pass-Through Grants

Pass-through grants enable organizations to obtain funding directly from the granting body, eliminating the need for an intermediary. This funding structure is advantageous as it helps organizations avoid bureaucratic hurdles and facilitates a quicker receipt of funds.

Natural Resource Sales Assistance programs

The Natural Resource Sales Assistance program provides funding to businesses that are working on projects to develop natural resources, such as timber, minerals, and oil and gas. The funding can be used for a variety of purposes, including feasibility studies, project planning, and marketing.

• READ MORE: How to Get Government Grants Using Grants.Gov

State and Local Grant Programs

State and local governments provide funding for businesses through various types of grants. Here is a couple:

Formula Grants

These grants are non-competitive. Formula grants are available from the federal, state, and local government levels and are given to pre-determined recipients. All applicants who have an interest in these grants will need to meet the minimum census criteria to qualify. When applying, read over the funding announcement to know the type of grant you’re applying for so you can proceed accordingly. The Nutrition Services Incentive Program is an example of such a grant.

Research Grants

When seeking grant funding from local governments, it’s important to be aware of the overhead expenses that are typically associated with these grants. Many health-related research projects may have a difficult time securing funding because of their high overhead costs.

Non-Federal Entities

There are numerous programs available from non-federal entities that offer grant funds to businesses. These programs deliver financial support and assistance for various business requirements, ranging from start-ups to expansions. Below, we will explore some of these types of grants:

Nav Business Grant Contest

The Nav Business Grant Contest is a great opportunity for small businesses. The quarterly contest offers a $10,000 grand prize and a $5,000 runner-up prize.

Visa Everywhere Initiative

The Visa Everywhere Initiative is a global grant program that was first launched in the U.S. in 2015. To date, 8,500 startups have participated in the program and have collectively raised more than $16 billion in grant funding. The Visa Everywhere Initiative offers prizes worth over $500,000, with the overall winner receiving $100,000.

Idea Cafe Small Business Grant Funding

If you are a woman entrepreneur who wants to start a business or already owns one, the Idea Cafe Small Business Grant Funding could be for you. Grants of $1,000 are available, with three finalists each receiving a $500 advertising credit.

National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) growth grants

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) is a nonprofit that offers growth grants to its members. These grants can be up to $4,000, and applications are reviewed quarterly based on the schedule on the NASE website. To be eligible for a grant, members must be in good standing. The NASE has awarded nearly $1,000,000 in grants since 2006.

FedEx Support Small Business Grant Contest

The FedEx Support Small Business Grant Contest has been running since 2012. It is open to for-profit small businesses that have been selling a product for at least six months by the time the contest starts and has 99 employees or less. The businesses must also have a shipping need to qualify for the grant.

Queer to Stay Initiative

The Queer to Stay Initiative is a grant program established by The Human Rights Campaign and SHOWTIME® to offer financial assistance to small businesses catering to the LGBTQ+ community. This initiative aims to support at least 25 businesses, helping them to sustain their services for the LGBTQ+ community.

SoGal Black Founder Startup Grant

SoGal, a social media company geared towards millennial women of color, is offering $10,000 and $5,000 cash grants to black women entrepreneurs. The grant requires the recipient to seek investor financing to scale their business.

Patagonia Corporate Grant

The Patagonia Corporate Grant provides financial support to environmental organizations. The grant size typically ranges between $5,000 and $20,000, depending on the grant program you apply to.

• READ MORE: The Latest Grants for the Self-Employed

Nonprofit Organizations

There are many grant programs available to help a nonprofit organization with financial management and overhead expenses. For example, the following three grants round out our list:

Seed Money Grant Programs

Seed money grant programs allow nonprofit organizations to receive funding. The start-up grant funding can be used for a variety of purposes, such as marketing, research and development, or hiring new employees. Eligibility requirements vary depending on the program.

Facilities and Equipment Grant programs

These funding sources provide financial assistance to a nonprofit organization for the construction, renovation, or purchase of facilities and equipment. These grants can be used to cover a wide range of costs, including the purchase of new equipment, renovation of existing facilities, or the construction of new facilities.

Technical Assistance Grants

Technical assistance grants provide financial assistance to a nonprofit organization for the purpose of providing technical assistance to the organization. These grants can be used to cover the costs of hiring consultants, providing training to staff, or developing new programs.

How to Find Small Business Grant Funding

When it comes to finding small business grant funding, it’s important to do your research on a site like Grants.gov or the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA). You can easily filter for small business grants and other criteria on Grants.gov.

Start by looking for research grants, as these are often available to new applicants. Once you’ve found a few promising opportunities, submit a strong proposal.

It’s important to demonstrate your organization’s need and ability to use the funds effectively during the proposal selection process.

What is a General-Purpose Grant?

A general-purpose grant provides funding for a wide range of activities, such as research and development, marketing, or workforce training. These types of grants are typically available to businesses that are new or have limited experience in the activity being funded.

What is a Continuation Grant?

A continuation grant is a grant that is awarded to existing grantees or current award recipients. It provides funding for work that is already underway or has been previously funded.

Can a Competitive Grant be Used for Business?

Yes, a competitive grant can be used for business purposes. Most grants are written with a compelling narrative that explains how the requested funds will be used. The requested materials, such as the project budget and timeline, are important to demonstrate that your proposal is feasible.

Funds can often be used for educational and school programs. Schools and other educational institutions rely heavily on grant writing to secure the necessary resources for their various programs.

What is a currently funded entity?

A currently funded entity is a health-related organization that currently has guarantees of financial support from the government. This includes organizations such as hospitals, clinics, and other health-related facilities. The purpose of this financial support is to ensure that these organizations can continue providing essential services to the public.

Are federal grants hard to get?

The competition for federal grant funds can be fierce. It’s important to remember that federal grant programs are highly competitive and that the application process can be lengthy. The best way to increase your chances of success is to start the process early and put together a strong proposal.

READ MORE:

• How to Get a Small Business Grant
• What is a Grant
• What Grants do I Qualify for

Image: Envato Elements

This article, "A Guide to Different Types of Grants and How to Apply" was first published on Small Business Trends

Writing a grant can be daunting! But with this guide, you’ll be on your way to improving your grant writing skills and securing the funding you need for your business or nonprofit organization.

We’ll walk through the basics of writing a proposal, such as what to include. So read on to discover everything grant writers need to know about writing a grant proposal!

What Is a Grant Proposal?

A grant proposal is a document submitted to federal government agencies to obtain funding for a proposed project. If you want to learn how to write a grant, understanding the components of an effective proposal is essential.

Grants are often highly competitive, and only the most well-constructed and persuasive proposals tend to succeed. Therefore, it is crucial to invest considerable effort into learning how to write a grant and creating a robust proposal.

Looking over previously funded grant applications that have received grant awards from funding agencies can give you a good idea of what reviewers are looking for.

Common Elements of Proposals to Get Grant Funding

To enhance your likelihood of obtaining grant funding, it’s essential to understand the key components of an effective grant proposal. Here are five crucial elements for crafting successful grant proposals:

• Statement of need: In your cover letter, you should include a summary of your project proposal along with an explanation of why it merits funding.
• Detailed project description: Provide comprehensive details in your project narrative to give reviewers a clearer understanding of your project beyond the brief overview included in your cover letter’s project description.
• Comprehensive implementation plan: Provide a clear and detailed outline of how you will execute your project.
• Evaluation component: Describe how you will evaluate the success of your project.
• Budget: Include a budget that outlines the estimated costs of your project.

Remember Your Grant Proposal Audience and Purpose

When writing effective grant proposals, remember your audience and purpose. First, identify the decision-makers – those who have the power to approve or reject your request. Then, think about what they care about and what their priorities are.

What needs does your project address? What are the benefits of funding your proposal? Keep those things in mind before you start writing your proposal to prospective grants, and you will be more likely to get the funding you need.

• READ MORE: How to Get a Small Business Grant

How to Write Grant Proposals

Writing grant proposals is a crucial part of the grant writing process. To create a successful grant proposal, you need to adhere to six essential steps:

Identify Funding Source

First, you’ll need to do your own research to identify potential funding agency sources for available grant programs. You can find funding sources by searching online databases or contacting the grant-making organization directly.

Funding Source Research

Next, you need to thoroughly research the funding source for your particular grant before beginning the grant application process to make sure that your project aligns with the organization’s mission and goals.

Develop a Proposal

Once you have identified a potential funding source, you need to develop an entire proposal that is clear and concise. Successful grant applications include a project overview, goals and objectives, and a detailed budget.

Submit Your Proposal

After your proposal is complete, you need to submit it to the funding source. This is usually done through an online portal or by mail.

Review and Revision

After you submit your proposal, the funding source will review it and offer feedback. If any revisions are required, be sure to address all comments and resubmit your proposal.

Award Notification

If your proposal is selected for funding, you will be notified by the funding source. If you’re not successful in securing funding, don’t be discouraged! Identify where your proposal went wrong to increase your odds of success with future proposals.

• READ MORE: Types of Grants

General Tips for How to Write Grants

Grant applications can be very competitive, so it’s important to put your best foot forward. Here are five tips and best practices for writing successful proposals:

• Start early: Don’t wait until the last minute to start writing your proposal. Give yourself plenty of time to develop a well-written and convincing proposal. Doing it last minute will only increase your chances of making mistakes.
• Follow the instructions: Make sure to follow all of the instructions provided by the funding source. If you don’t, your proposal may not even be considered. Spend some time reading through the instructions carefully to make sure you understand them.
• Edit and proofread: Before you submit your proposal, make sure to edit and proofread it for any grammar or spelling errors. Having a well-written proposal will make a good impression on the grant reviewers and increase your chances of being selected for funding.
• Get feedback: Ask a colleague or friend to read your proposal and provide feedback. Take their comments and suggestions into consideration before you submit your final proposal.
• Be persistent: If your proposal is not selected for funding, don’t give up. Keep trying and learn from your mistakes. Being persistent will only increase the likelihood that you’ll be successful the next time around.

How Long Should a Grant Proposal Be?

There is no fixed length for a proposal; however, most typically range from five to 20 pages. The length of your proposal will be influenced by the specific requirements of the funding source as well as the complexity of your project.

Regardless of length, all grant proposals should be clear, concise, and easy to understand.

• READ MORE: Where to Find a Grant Writer

What Information Do You Need to Write a Grant?

In order to write a grant proposal, you will need some basic information about your project. This includes your project overview, goals and objectives, and a detailed budget.

You will also need to know the guidelines of the funding source you are applying to in order to make sure that your proposal meets all of the requirements.

Is Grant Writing Difficult?

Grant writing can be a complicated and time-consuming endeavor, but it is certainly achievable with dedication and research. If you lack confidence in your grant writing skills, you might consider hiring a professional grant writer. Engaging an expert in grant writing can significantly enhance your chances of securing funding for your project.

How Do You Start Grant Writing?

The best way to start grant writing is to thoroughly research the funding source you’re interested in and make sure that your project aligns with its mission and goals.

Once you’ve done that, you can start developing a clear and concise proposal. Remember to edit and proofread your proposal before submitting it to the funding source.

READ MORE: 

• How to Get a Small Business Grant
• Types of Grants
• Where to Find a Grant Writer
• What is a Grant Writer

Image: Envato Elements

This article, "How to Write a Grant" was first published on Small Business Trends

Michigan Works! West Central is now accepting applications for its Going PRO Talent Fund, offering local businesses the opportunity to reimburse training costs for employees. The application window for the semi-annual funding cycle opened recently, with a deadline set for October 18 at 5 p.m., according to a report from BigRapidsNews.com.

Businesses can apply for up to $2,000 in reimbursement per employee and up to $3,500 for each U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL)-registered apprentice during this fall’s application period. A total of $45 million is available in Cycle 1 of the fall grant round, aiming to bolster employee retention and strengthen the local economy.

Since its inception in 2014, Michigan Works! West Central has helped secure over $4.9 million in training funds for 62 local employers, benefiting more than 5,600 workers, including 184 USDOL-registered apprentices.

The program aligns with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s “60 by 30” initiative, which targets increasing the credentials among Michigan’s working-age adults to 60% by 2030.

Businesses interested in applying for the FY25 Cycle of the Going PRO Talent Fund can reach out to the Business Services team at Michigan Works! West Central via their website at www.mwwc.org/GoingPRO.

For more details or assistance with applications, local businesses in different counties can contact their respective representatives at Michigan Works! West Central.

This article, "Michigan Businesses Encouraged to Apply for Employee Training Grant Fund" was first published on Small Business Trends

This initiative offers up to $5,000 in funding, business coaching, and technical assistance to help business owners overcome growth challenges, according to Corridor Business Journal.

To qualify for the program, businesses must be based in Iowa City and meet several criteria. They should operate for profit, have annual gross revenues under $4 million (averaged over the last three years), and be at least 51% owned and managed by women, minorities, service-disabled veterans, or individuals with disabilities.

Applicants who are not yet certified as a Targeted Small Business (TSB) will need to obtain this certification by the grant’s end. This effort is part of Iowa City’s commitment to inclusive economic development and aligns with the City Council’s goal to bolster home-grown businesses through enhanced technical support.

The application process is currently open, with a deadline set for 3 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

Applications can be submitted online at www.icgov.org/TSB.

This article, "Iowa City Launches Grant Program to Boost Local Small Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends

With up to $370,000 available in total funding, grant amounts range from $10,000 to $25,000 for pilot projects serving a specific region of Vermont, and $25,000 to $75,000 for projects operating statewide. No matching funds are required, and the grant period will run from March 2025 to June 2026.

Eligibility

This grant is open to two categories of applicants:

1. Service Providers – Organizations that deliver business support services to Vermont’s agricultural and forestry businesses, such as market development, business planning, and financial planning.
2. Producer Associations – Industry trade groups representing and promoting Vermont-based agricultural, food, beverage, forestry, or fiber products. These associations can apply for grants aimed at improving their organizational operations or delivering services to their members.

Eligible projects for service providers include offering assistance in areas such as market development, responses to crises like COVID-19 and flooding, business succession planning, and workforce development. Producer association projects may also focus on association development, including leadership training, board governance, and membership outreach.

Applicants must be Vermont-based or proposing a project fully focused on Vermont’s working landscape and businesses. For out-of-state applicants, eligibility should be confirmed with the program contact.

Key Dates and Deadlines

• September 20, 2024: Request for Applications released and application submission opens.
• September 24, 2024 (11 a.m. – 12 p.m.): Applicant webinar and Q&A session. Registration required.
• November 7, 2024 (11:59 p.m.): Application deadline.
• Early January 2025: Applicants notified of funding decisions.
• January 2025: Grantee documentation due.
• February/March 2025: Project start date.

For further information, applicants can contact Clare Salerno at clare.salerno@vermont.gov or (802) 917-2637.

This article, "Service Provider & Producer Association Grants Now Available for Vermont Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends

Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, who leads the SBA and serves as the voice for over 34 million small businesses in President Biden’s Cabinet, highlighted the importance of expanding the VBOC network. “The expansion of SBA’s network of Veterans Business Outreach Centers has been a top priority of the Biden-Harris Administration as we work to ensure our military-connected entrepreneurs have better access to SBA’s resources to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams following their service to our nation,” said Administrator Guzman. “With these new grants, veterans, service members, and military families in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico will have local, trusted institutions ready to help them start and grow their businesses – strengthening their communities and our economy.”

Expansion of VBOC Program

This announcement marks a significant expansion of the SBA’s VBOC program, which will now grow from 28 to 31 locations. The VBOCs will serve all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. The grants awarded to these organizations reflect their commitment to supporting veteran entrepreneurs and their ability to address the unique challenges faced by veterans and military families.

Robert Yannuzzi, Assistant Administrator for the SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development, emphasized the impact of this expansion. “Thanks to this additional funding, we can increase our Veterans Business Outreach Centers and significantly support thousands of transitioning service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their spouses in starting and growing their businesses,” Yannuzzi said. “VBOCs supported more than 53,000 clients in fiscal year 2023, and this expansion will help grow that number year over year.”

Services Provided by VBOCs

The new VBOCs will provide a wide range of services to veteran entrepreneurs, including:

• Business Planning: Offering training and counseling on accounting, financial planning, and management to help veterans develop strong business plans.
• Assistance Accessing Capital: Helping veterans understand and access available capital, including financing, loans, and grants.
• Government Contracting Guidance: Providing training on veteran business certification and best practices for securing government contracts.
• Marketing and Outreach: Assisting veteran-owned businesses with marketing and outreach to promote their services within their communities and beyond.
• Transitioning: Offering the Boots to Business program to help active-duty service members transition out of the military and into entrepreneurship.

Grant Awardees

The organizations receiving VBOC grants from the SBA are:

• Economic and Community Development Institute, Inc. (ECDI) – Columbus, Ohio
  • Coverage Area: Ohio
• Pennsylvania State University – University Park, Pennsylvania
  • Coverage Area: Pennsylvania
• Corporación para el Financiamiento Empresarial del Comercio y de las Comunidades (COFECC) – San Juan, Puerto Rico
  • Coverage Area: Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands

These organizations will play a crucial role in supporting veteran entrepreneurs in their respective regions, helping them overcome obstacles and achieve success in their business endeavors.

For more information about the Veterans Business Outreach Centers and to find a VBOC near you, visit www.sba.gov/vboc. To learn more about SBA’s programs for veterans, visit www.sba.gov/veterans.

This article, "SBA Announces $1 Million in Grants to Expand Resources for Veteran Entrepreneurs" was first published on Small Business Trends

Purpose and Impact

The Hazardous Fuels Transportation Assistance program is a critical component of the Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Risk Reduction Strategy. By providing financial support for the transportation of hazardous fuels to locations where they can be utilized for wood products and services, the program contributes to reducing wildfire risk and maintaining the health of national forests. The program also supports the forest products industry, which plays a vital role in forest restoration efforts.

Funding and Eligibility

The Forest Service anticipates awarding up to $25 million through this funding opportunity. Grants will be provided to diverse applicants, including manufacturing facilities, wood energy providers, logging contractors, and organizations supporting underserved communities. Eligible entities include for-profit and non-profit organizations, U.S. state and local governments, tribal entities, and educational institutions.

To qualify, projects must focus on the removal of hazardous fuels from National Forest System lands or demonstrate a clear benefit to these lands. Applications may include multiple contracts and agreements, with a maximum combined funding request of $5 million per applicant. A 50% match contribution is required for each project, and applicants must demonstrate that transportation costs are a limiting factor to project viability.

Application Process and Criteria

Applications must be submitted via email to the Forest Service at NFSWOHFTA@usda.gov. The application package should include a cover page, project narrative, detailed budget, financial statements, and other supporting documents. Proposals will be evaluated based on several criteria, including the treatment of priority hazardous fuels, volume transported, benefit to disadvantaged communities, cost-effectiveness, and readiness for implementation.

Public Webinars

To assist applicants, the Forest Service will host public webinars on August 16, August 21, and August 28, 2024. These webinars, held in partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation, will provide guidance on the application process and offer opportunities for participants to ask questions. Advanced registration is required.

Background

This grant program is funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and is authorized under the Wood Innovations grant program of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018. The initiative aligns with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which was announced in January 2022 to address the increasing risk of wildfires and promote sustainable forest management.

For more information on the Hazardous Fuels Transportation Assistance grants and to access application details, visit the Forest Service’s official website or contact NFSWOHFTA@usda.gov.

This article, "US Forest Service Announces Hazardous Fuels Transportation Assistance Grants to Support Wildfire Crisis Strategy" was first published on Small Business Trends

Expanding the Potential of Open Source AI

Meta believes that AI has unparalleled potential to enhance human productivity, creativity, and quality of life while driving economic growth and advancements in education, science, and innovation. The company is committed to making the benefits of AI accessible to people and organizations worldwide through open source technology. The Llama 3.1 Impact Grants program is part of this commitment, seeking to extend AI opportunities to even more communities around the globe.

Llama 3.1 Impact Grants Program

Applications are now open for the Llama 3.1 Impact Grants, which will fund projects that leverage the new features and capabilities of Meta’s latest large language model, Llama 3.1. This model supports previously unsupported languages, including French, Hindi, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Thai, and rivals top AI models in areas such as general knowledge, steerability, reasoning, math, tool use, and multilingual translation.

This year, Meta will award a total of $2 million USD through the program. Eligible organizations from around the world can apply for an award of up to $500,000 USD through an open call for applications. In addition, Meta will host a series of regional events that provide technical guidance and mentorship to prospective applicants. These events will focus on themes relevant to local stakeholders, such as agriculture, business solutions, health tech, and cultural preservation. Attendees at these events will be eligible for specialized awards of up to $100,000 USD, in addition to being considered for the open call awards.

Building on Success

The Llama 3.1 Impact Grants program follows the inaugural Llama Impact Grants, which received over 800 applications from 90 countries. The program supported a wide range of innovative projects, from AI-powered math teaching assistants to models aimed at closing information gaps in maternal healthcare. Meta provided mentorship and community support to both finalists and runners-up, fostering a global network of developers dedicated to using AI for societal good.

Meta is inspired by the creativity and impact of the projects developed under the Llama Impact Grants and looks forward to supporting even more groundbreaking initiatives with Llama 3.1.

For more information on the Llama 3.1 Impact Grants program and how to apply, visit Meta’s official website.

Image: Meta

This article, "Meta Announces Llama 3.1 Impact Grants Program to Support Societal Benefits of Open Source AI" was first published on Small Business Trends

SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman highlighted the importance of these grants in supporting the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to bridge capital gaps for small businesses, particularly in underserved communities.

“The SBA’s PRIME grants support mission-oriented nonprofit organizations across America that are advancing the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to fill capital gaps so more Americans can start and grow their businesses successfully. These 28 community organizations will help the SBA strengthen its network of local, trusted partners who can level the playing field for the smallest of small businesses, especially those in underserved communities, so they can realize their American dreams of business ownership and create jobs and produce for our economy,” said Administrator Guzman.

This year’s PRIME grant awards emphasize support for organizations that assist under-resourced small business owners, including those in rural areas and those providing technical assistance in multiple languages for entrepreneurs who are not proficient in English. The grants are intended to help these community organizations level the playing field for the smallest of small businesses, enabling them to achieve business ownership, create jobs, and contribute to the economy.

The 2024 PRIME grants range from $83,000 to $400,000 and typically require at least 50% in matching funds or in-kind contributions from the recipient organizations. These funds will be available starting September 30, and the project period for each grant is one year.

This article, "SBA Announces $7 Million in PRIME Grants to Support Low-Income Microentrepreneurs" was first published on Small Business Trends

Frederick Small Business Grants

Frederick, Maryland is unveiling a new grant program to support minority and women-owned small businesses in the city. Grant funds are available to both startup and established businesses, with a total of $400,000 available. To qualify, businesses must be registered, for-profit, and have no more than 25 full-time employees. Additionally, businesses must request funds for a clearly-defined project, like completing renovations or launching new marketing campaigns. Eligible businesses can request up to $40,000 in funds.

York County 2024 BLOOM Grant Program

York County, Pennsylvania recently opened the application period for its 2024 BLOOM Grant Program. The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center and the York County Economic Alliance will award grants of between $500 and $1,500. Businesses must request funds to be used for a specific purpose, like making physical improvements to their location or creating new employee training programts. August 27 is the final date to apply.

Central UP Hub Direct Grant Program

The Central Upper Peninsula Small Business Support Hub (known locally as “the Hub”) is launching a new grant program for small businesses in Michigan’s Upper Penninsula. The Hub officially launched last year using grant funds from the state, officially serving seven U.P. counties, including Alger, Baraga, Delta, Dickinson, Marquette, Menominee, and Schoolcraft. The new Hub Direct Grant Program includes more than $400,000 in total funds, which will be provided as direct grants to businesses that use the Hub’s services. To qualify, businesses must have less than 500 employees, be located within the Hub’s service area, and go through an intake process. The program is expected to run through 2026.

SBA Native American-Owned Business Grants

The U.S. Small Business administration recently announced a new grant opportunity that aims to help Native American-owned small businesses. The organization is currently offering multiple grants to organizations located on or near Tribal lands that support Native American-owned businesses with development or expansion opportunities. Each organization can apply for grants of up to $240,000. The deadline for organizations to apply for funding is July 31.

TD Ready Challenge Grant Program

TD Bank Group is now accepting applications for its annual TD Ready Challenge grant program. The program provides funding to charitable and non-profit organizations that support underserved small business owners. The bank is providing a total of ten grants to organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada, with a focus on those that plan to provide innovative solutions for underserved businesses, especially those in industries that are still struggling post-pandemic. The organization will accept applications now through September 5.

Hello Alice Boost Camps

Popular fintech platform Hello Alice, which hosts many small business grant opportunities with partner businesses and organizations, is now expanding its small business accelerators and Boost Camp programs for 2024. Boost Camps offer both skill-building programs and grant opportunities for small business owners across the U.S. Hello Alice has already partnered with many major corporations as part of this program, including Progressive, Etsy, Wells Fargo, and FedEx. Programs also aim to provide training and resources to help businesses accelerate their own growth.

This article, "$400,000 in Grants Available to Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends