Ohio grants for Small businesses

This program provides financial incentives to businesses expanding or establishing operations in Toledo, Ohio, by rewarding them for creating new, high-paying jobs that contribute to the city's economic growth.

This program provides financial assistance to locally owned businesses in South Euclid for improving their exterior signage to enhance curb appeal and visibility.

This grant provides financial support to Stark County businesses and organizations for marketing campaigns that promote the area as a travel destination, targeting leisure travelers and event planners.

This program provides tax credits to owners and long-term lessees of historically significant buildings in Ohio for substantial rehabilitation projects, promoting economic revitalization and community development.

This program provides funding to support community development projects initiated by local organizations and individuals within a 24-county service area, focusing on enhancing quality of life through various charitable efforts.

This program provides financial assistance to for-profit businesses in Canton, Ohio, to support substantial interior renovations that enhance their commercial spaces and promote economic growth.

This grant provides funding to South Euclid residents and local groups for community projects that enhance neighborhood beautification, organize events, or strengthen community ties.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Ohio for innovative housing projects that assist low-income individuals and families facing housing challenges.

This program provides matching funds to commercial property owners in South Euclid for significant exterior renovations that improve the visual appeal of their buildings.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in the Cincinnati-Middletown area to develop arts and cultural projects that promote community engagement, diversity, and educational enhancement.

This program provides financial support to Ohio employers for purchasing safety equipment to reduce workplace hazards and improve employee safety.

This program provides financial assistance to private woodland owners in Ohio for managing invasive hemlock woolly adelgid infestations to protect and enhance the health of eastern hemlock forests.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to public events in Franklin County, Ohio, that are committed to reducing waste through recycling, composting, and sustainable practices.

This program provides matching funds to property owners and tenants for historically accurate exterior improvements to commercial and mixed-use buildings in Marysville's Uptown area, promoting private investment and community revitalization.

This program provides financial support to small businesses in Lancaster for purchasing essential equipment to help create jobs and boost local economic growth.

The grant opportunity is open to organizations of all types across the USA, including nonprofits, startups, researchers, local governments, and small businesses. The grant applications are accepted bi-annually, with a spring cycle running from March 1 to May 1 and a fall cycle running from September 1 to November 1. To apply for the grant, applicants need to create an organizational and user account in the grants portal. The application can be saved as a draft and edited before submission. The grants portal also allows grantees to check the status of their grant, submit electronic grant reports if required, and access application history. All applicants are required to create an account using their email address as the username. They need to provide contact information and their organization's information, including the EIN/Tax ID number. Organizations should consolidate all applications into one user account for easy access to their full history of grants and requests. Applicants can manage their online accounts by editing contact information, beginning the application process, accessing drafts and submitted applications, and completing the reporting process for grant awards. If a grant writer works for multiple organizations, they should contact the Van Wert County Foundation to discuss their options. Before starting the application process, it is recommended to read the Grant FAQs provided on the website. To access the Grant Portal and start the application process, applicants can visit this link: [Grant Portal Link](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=VanwertGrants)

Leap Funding, provided by Main Street Ventures, offers equity-free funding ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 to promising, revenue-generating businesses. The primary goal of this program is to help these businesses scale their community impact and enhance their long-term survival prospects. Main Street Ventures' mission, as evidenced by this grant, is to foster economic growth and community development by supporting local enterprises, particularly within the Greater Cincinnati region. This aligns with a strategic priority to strengthen local economies through direct investment in businesses that demonstrate strong potential and customer demand. The target beneficiaries of Leap Funding are established business entities, specifically C-Corps, S-Corps, or LLCs, that possess a Federal Tax ID (EIN). The program focuses on businesses within key industry areas, including retail storefronts (restaurants, coffee shops, retail shops), manufactured goods (consumer packaged goods, clothing, sporting goods), and technology companies (hardware, software). A critical geographical focus is the Greater Cincinnati region, encompassing specific counties in Ohio (Hamilton, Butler, Clermont, Warren), Kentucky (Boone, Campbell), and Indiana (Dearborn). Grant requests from outside this region are explicitly not considered. The program prioritizes funding for specific growth projects rather than general operating expenses. Main Street Ventures defines a growth project as a step that will accelerate business expansion. Suitable direct expenses include key equipment, packaging support, and technology product development. Conversely, general operating expenses such as existing payroll, rent, insurance, marketing, and legal fees are not eligible for grant funds. Businesses are also required to demonstrate customer demand and consistent progression since their founding, ensuring that the funding supports businesses with a proven track record and clear growth trajectory. Expected outcomes include accelerated business growth, increased community impact, and improved long-term survival rates for the funded enterprises. Measurable results would likely include job creation, increased revenue for the businesses, expansion into new markets, or enhanced product development. Special consideration is given to women and minority-owned businesses, as well as those that can secure matching funds from other sources, reflecting a strategic priority to promote diversity and leverage additional investment. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by providing targeted, equity-free capital for specific growth initiatives, they can empower local businesses to expand, thereby creating a ripple effect of economic benefit and community resilience within the Greater Cincinnati area.

Ohio's Premier Manufacturing Pitch Competition, sponsored by MAGNET, is a grant program designed to foster manufacturing innovation and support startups in Ohio. The program aligns with a mission to advance the manufacturing sector by providing crucial resources, including financial awards and expert consulting services, to promising entrepreneurs. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and market-ready products, thereby strengthening Ohio's industrial landscape. The primary beneficiaries of this program are Ohio-based entrepreneurs who possess a physical product, an innovative idea, or a manufacturing innovation. The competition specifically targets startups that are poised for growth and can benefit from strategic support to reach their next milestone. The impact goals include stimulating economic development within Ohio, creating new job opportunities, and enhancing the state's reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing. The program prioritizes a multi-faceted approach to support, focusing on engineering design assistance, operational services, lean operations, and sales and marketing. A notable focus is the Innovation Award, sponsored by Huntington, which provides up to $10,000 specifically for diverse founders, underscoring a commitment to inclusive growth and equitable access to opportunities within the manufacturing sector. Additionally, the competition offers exposure to The Advanced Manufacturing Fund and visibility to a judging panel of local service providers and investors, providing invaluable networking and funding opportunities. Expected outcomes include the successful development and commercialization of new manufacturing innovations, leading to increased revenue for participating startups and a stronger, more diversified manufacturing base in Ohio. Measurable results include the total amount of prizes awarded, which exceeds $75,000, and the provision of MAGNET’s manufacturing consulting services tailored to the specific needs of the companies. The program also aims to foster a collaborative ecosystem where entrepreneurs receive guidance from MAGNET's team of manufacturing experts, contributing to a robust pipeline of talent and innovation.

BBB Cleveland Spark Award for Young Entrepreneurs is a $2,000 cash prize available to entrepreneurs aged 35 and younger with new businesses in Northeast Ohio. The award recognizes businesses less than three years old that demonstrate high character, authentic culture, and social impact within their community. Eligible organizations must be located in selected counties within BBB Serving Greater Cleveland's service area and have earned a "B" rating or higher from BBB. The deadline for application is 01/31/2024. For more information and to apply, visit the Better Business Bureau website.

This program provides financial support to LGBTQ+-owned and allied restaurants, cafes, and bars to help them thrive and recover.