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Amtrak completes $122M rail project between Harrisburg, Lancaster in time for Thanksgiving, 11/18/24
Independent Fiscal Office Releases Long-Term Economic and Budget Outlook
Data, Policy, and More Shared at PA Chamber’s Post-Election Impact Summit
PA invests in TV, film projects that will add more than $36.7M to economy
Survey predicts rise in holiday spending, 11/15/24
US inflation rose slightly last month after 2 years of steady cooling but remained low, 11/13/24
Does Your Business Need Cybersecurity Insurance? US Chamber Article

Seminars and Webinars

PA Chamber AI Summit, PA Chamber & Deloitte, Harrisburg University, Harrisburg, December 10 at 8 AM – 1 PM

Grants and Awards

    1. The HerRise MicroGrant offers financial aid to U.S.-registered businesses that are majority-owned by women of color, with a focus on businesses with innovative community solutions that are still struggling to obtain funding. Applications are reviewed monthly.
    2. The Comcast Innovation Fund provides grants to support technology and research “for the betterment of the Internet.” Areas of interest for the 2024 grant year include open-source development, general and targeted research, and work that enhances the growth of the Internet. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all funds for 2024 are disbursed.
    3. The Accion Opportunity Fund grants small business loans ranging from $5,000-$250,000, along with educational resources, coaching, and support networks in both English and Spanish. This program offers mentorship programs, microloans, and a hubzone program for small business owners’ financial needs.
    4. The Awesome Foundation awards grants of $1,000 to individuals and groups looking to fund various projects. Though funding is not limited to businesses, startups and small businesses have been among the recipients of the monthly grants. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
    5. The Wish Local Empowerment Program assists Black-owned small businesses by dedicating a $2 million fund to support approximately 4,000 Wish Local partners. Recipients can receive financial assistance ranging from $500 to $2000, with flexibility in fund allocation. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
    6. To support innovation within the blockchain industry, Casper Accelerate Grant Program is providing $25 million in grants for entrepreneurs who want to build apps to support infrastructure, end-user applications, and research innovation. Applications are on a rolling basis.
    7. The Small Business Digital Readiness Program helps small business owners succeed in a digital world with a free online curriculum and includes expert coaching, peer networking, and other resources. Registrants take two courses to be eligible for a $10K grant. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
    8. The Binc Foundation Emergency Financial Assistance helps bookstore owners, booksellers, and comic store employees and owners facing unforeseen financial needs. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
    9. America’s Seed Fund, sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF), offers up to $2 million for U.S.-based startups and small businesses that are developing innovative technology. Project pitches are accepted on a rolling basis, and official responses from NSF typically take one month.
    10. The Freed Fellowship Grant offers a monthly $500 prize, business feedback, and a two-month free membership in the Freed Studio – a community of ambitious business owners – to qualifying business owners in the US. Applicants are also eligible for an end-of-year grant of $2,500. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
    11. Streetview Grants: The goal of this program is to create and maintain an attractive and marketable commercial district by assisting building owners in maintaining their building exteriors within the Business, Historic, and Downtown areas.
    12. The Incfile Entrepreneur Grant offers two $2,500 grant opportunities: the Young Entrepreneur Scholarship Grant for students with an interest in starting a business and the Fresh Start Business Grant for adult entrepreneurs planning to start a new business or grow an existing one. Applicants for both grants must complete an online application, create a two-minute video, and a sample business plan.
    13. GrantsForWomen.org, an online directory that provides a comprehensive database of grants for women globally, along with valuable advice on securing grants and information on relevant events and workshops for female business owners.
    14. The SheaMoisture Fund pledges to provide $1 million in direct funding annually to eligible Black-owned businesses in the U.S. through various different business development programs and  grants. With several programs available, applications are available on a rolling basis.
    15. Skip Instant Grants are accepted on a rolling basis, providing funding opportunities with shorter turnaround windows. Applicants are required to participate in Skip’s YouTube livestream during the selection process. Learn more about these ongoing funding opportunities by following Skip on social media.
    16. This summer, join the Tory Burch Foundation for its free business webinar program. Tune in for hour-long live and on-demand sessions as experts explore topics such as leading through challenging times, preparing business taxes, optimizing sales, and thought leadership. Register to gear up for a strong second half of the year, find new revenue streams, and more.
    17. Backstage Capital supports underrepresented founders by investing in startups led by women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. They focus primarily on U.S.-based, scalable businesses with the potential for high growth. Investments typically range from $100,000 and up, predominantly targeting early-stage companies. Applications are reviewed regularly.
    18. National Institute of Health Grants. The National Institute of Health (NIH) is currently funding grant opportunities related to COVID-19 research. These grants are reserved for small businesses that develop and research biomedical technology. There are multiple grants available with deadlines throughout 2024 and beyond.
    19. NIDILRR's SBIR program. The SBIR program aims to support organizations to help advance technology and research, as well as support the social/economic benefits for the nation. The SBIR will be backing the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) through the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to provide 10 grants that support the improvement of the lives of those with disabilities. The total grant funding is estimated to be $1 million, and an outline of the available grants under this program can be found on the ACL website.
    20. The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) offers various grants to small businesses in the education sector. Each grant has unique eligibility criteria, with some opportunities set aside for public schools, state agencies, or nonprofit organizations; others allow applications from for-profit private sector companies. Currently available DOE grants run through December 12.
    21. The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program supports small businesses with free online resources in English and Spanish, expert coaches and over $1M in funding annually.  Digital Ready members also have an opportunity to apply for a $10,000 grant by December 13 at 11:59pm PT. Additionally, three Digital Ready superfans will receive a $25,000 grant from LISC and attend an all expenses paid trip to Super Bowl LIX. Learn more and apply here.
    22. The Secretsos™ Small Business Grant offers $2,500 to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges and accelerate growth. Applications are due by December 31, and the selected recipient will have full discretion on how to use the funds to support their business.
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