Last year, Boston launched a successful grant program to encourage entrepreneurs to make the most of vacant storefronts across the city. Now the city is opening a new round of funding to make an even bigger impact. Read on to learn more about this and other small business grant opportunities.
Boston SPACE Grant
Boston announced the second round of its SPACE Grant Program to support small businesses and fill vacant commercial space in downtown and other areas. The SPACE Grant Program, which helps local businesses affected by the pandemic, will award grants of up to $200,000 to up to 20 businesses in this round. Eligible businesses can use the funds to open their first physical location in the city or expand to a new location. Priority will be given to businesses filling vacant storefronts downtown and those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The deadline for this funding round is November 10.
New Jersey STEP Grants
The New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC) recently received $850,000 in federal funding to support the New Jersey Trade Expansion Program. The program will use the funds to assist eligible small businesses looking to enter export markets or expand their international trade efforts. The grant is part of a nationwide effort by the U.S. Small Business Administration to award funds to various state agencies, who will then distribute the funds to businesses interested in making the most of international trade opportunities. NJBAC's Export Promotion Office will oversee the funding program for small businesses.
King County Department of Local Services Store Repair Program
King County, Washington, is overseeing a new grant program to help small businesses affected by vandalism and trespassing. The King County Department of Local Services' Storefront Repair Program is for businesses with 10 or fewer employees in unincorporated areas of the county. These businesses can apply for up to $5,000 to repair or restore storefronts damaged by vandalism. Eligible businesses include retail, grocery stores, food service, healthcare and professional services. The county is currently accepting applications, and the application period runs through December 31 while funds are available.
Accessibility US Bank Foundation Grant
Accessity, a nonprofit lending organization in Southern California, recently received a $750,000 multi-year grant from the U.S. Bank Foundation. Accessity will use the funds to assist small business owners within the lending organization's six-county Southern California service area, specifically by providing them with access to financing and educational resources. The organization specializes in helping businesses that struggle to access capital due to short or no operating history, past credit issues, language barriers, and more. The three-year grant from the U.S. Bank Foundation will allow the organization to continue and expand its mission.
AICPA Foundation Grants
The AICPA Foundation offers grant scholarships to CPA exam candidates and accounting students. The program includes over $75,000 in funding and is available to financially disadvantaged U.S. citizens or permanent residents seeking to obtain their CPA license. Up to 50 candidates will receive up to $1,500 through the program to use toward exam-related expenses and preparatory courses and materials. The grants are not limited to those looking to start a business, but can be helpful for anyone hoping to set up a CPA firm in the future.
Walmart.org Russell Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation Grant
Walmart.org, the philanthropic arm of Walmart, recently awarded a grant to the Russell Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation in downtown Atlanta. The $800,000 grant is intended to support the Russell Center's efforts to spark entrepreneurship in Atlanta's Black community. The organization will use the grant funds to establish and staff a new academy that will teach the fundamentals of entrepreneurial success.
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