Small businesses will find grant funding opportunities not only from organizations, but also state and federal government agencies. These government agencies often partner with the Small Business Administration to provide funding to businesses needing additional support for operational costs. In some cases, government grants can also offset the operational expenses of businesses impacted heavily by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants listed below are targeted to provide assistance to specific businesses in certain regions.
California Paid Family Leave Grants
Family leave programs exist to support employees who need to care for small children. Yet businesses also need support to cover expenses associated with a paid family leave program. The California Employment Training Panel and the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency are providing grant awards of $2,000 to small businesses with a maximum of 50 employees. In addition, there is a grant of $1,000 for businesses with 51 to 100 employees. The current deadline for this program is Feb. 8. Information can be found here.
Connecticut Equity Match Grant Program
JPMorgan Chase and Connecticut’s Women’s Business Development Council have partnered to offer the Equity Match Grant Program. The program is offering $300,000 in grants for women-owned businesses. Businesses can apply for grants ranging from $2,500 and $10,000 to support their growth or operational expense. An application can be found here. The deadline to apply for the Equity Match Grant Program is Feb. 13.
Childcare Stabilization Grants
Childcare providers in the United States and Puerto Rico may be eligible to receive the childcare stabilization grant. Funding will include $24 billion in childcare stabilization subgrants that will be used to offset the costs of remaining in operation during the pandemic. Subgrants will help family childcare providers and early childhood educators to keep their doors open. Funding will be disbursed by state-run agencies. Information and applications can be found here.
Export Maryland Program
Maryland’s small and mid-sized businesses needing additional funding to market their companies internationally can find assistance through the Export MD Program. In partnership with the Small Business Administration, eligible businesses can be reimbursed by up to $5,000 for any expenses related to an international marketing project. Expenses such as website development and trade-show costs are considered eligible funding expenses. To be considered eligible, a business must be operating in Maryland and in good standing with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. In addition, recipients cannot have received an ExportMD Award in the past two years. Applications for this grant program are accepted throughout the year. More information can be found here.
