Business Owners Receive Financial Aid for Contributions Benefitting Local Community

In a continued effort to support local businesses, several cities and organizations across the United States are offering grants to eligible companies. Here's a roundup of some of the current grant programs available.

Portland, Maine

Businesses located in Portland with seven or fewer employees can apply for reimbursement grants of $5,000 to cover various business expenses and professional services. The application process includes questions about how businesses would use their award to strengthen both their business and their local community. Portland is using the remainder of its federal COVID relief funds to offer these microenterprise grants.

Citizens' Small Business Community Champion Award

Citizens is currently running its annual Small Business Community Champion Award contest, offering 30 grants of $10,000 to eligible companies. The contest is open to businesses across the 14 states where Citizens operates.

Denver's Grant Program for Affected Businesses

Denver is awarding grant funds to small businesses that have been negatively impacted by homeless encampments throughout the city. Eligible businesses can receive grants of between $7,500 and $15,000 if they can show evidence of slumping sales or safety issues. So far, 69 affected businesses have been awarded grants under this program.

El Cajon Storefront Improvement Grants

El Cajon, California, has approved a $500,000 grant program to help local businesses improve their storefronts. Eligible businesses can apply for grants of up to $20,000 or $15,000 for specific improvements. The funding is coming from the city's allocation of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.

Indiana Technical Assistance Program

The Indiana Small Business Development Center is currently accepting applications for its Indiana Technical Assistance Program. Eligible businesses across Indiana can apply for grants of up to $15,000. Applicants whose 2021 or 2022 gross revenue was between $35,000-$150,000 can apply for grants of $7,500. Businesses with a 2021 or 2022 gross revenue between $150,001 and $500,000 can apply for $12,500, and businesses with a 2021 or 2022 gross revenue between $500,001 and $1,500,000 can apply for $25,000.

Buffalo Small Business Assistance Program

Buffalo, New York, is currently supporting small and minority-owned businesses through its Buffalo Small Business Assistance Program. The program is open to businesses with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, offering both cash awards and technical assistance.

Other Cities' Grant Programs

In addition to the cities mentioned above, other cities that offer grant programs for small businesses include Darmstadt (supporting university startups through the Hessen Ideen Wettbewerb) and Basel-Stadt (supporting SMEs in sustainable business transformation).

Application Deadlines

Business applicants should note that the application deadline for the El Cajon storefront improvement grants is February 1. Eligible businesses can apply online.

Funding is being allocated on a first come, first served basis for the Indiana Technical Assistance Program, but the city hopes to award all funds by the end of the year. Businesses interested in applying should do so as soon as possible to increase their chances of receiving funding.

Business Owners Receive Financial Aid for Contributions Benefitting Local Community