We understand the challenges and aspirations small businesses have that form the vibrant heart of our Downtown community. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this resource list captures the variety of funding and workshop opportunities available for our small business community.
Updated as of 1/2/2025
Workshop Opportunities
How to Take Product Photos for Your E‑Commerce Site
Ongoing
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your existing photography skills, this webinar will provide you with valuable insights and practical advice.
Building Your Digital Footprint
Ongoing
Learn how to enhance your online visibility with Google Search & SEO tips.
Managing Your Online Presence & Developing a Marketing Plan
Ongoing
Discover how to keep your profiles updated and create a winning marketing strategy.
Cultivating the Entrepreneurial Mindset
Ongoing
Cultivate a growth mindset to better handle challenges and seize opportunities.
How to Master Soft Skills for Small Business Success
Ongoing
Boost your productivity with essential tools and skills like Google Workspace, AI, and more.
Top 10 Google Tools to Grow Your Business
Ongoing
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking to take your business to the next level, you’ll learn valuable insights that you can use to grow your business in this Small Biz Digital Trainers webinar.
Understand Your Customer Using Google Tools
Ongoing
In this Small Biz Digital Trainers webinar, you’ll learn to use AI to simplify your work, develop your messaging and voice, create buyer personas, and more.
Increase Your Holiday Sales with Google Tools
Ongoing
In this Small Biz Digital Trainers webinar, learn tools to increase your holiday sales for free, even if you don’t have an e-commerce website or a website at all.
Communicate with Calendar and Gmail
Ongoing
Learn how to connect Google Calendar and Gmail to optimize communication with your team.
Making Your Website Work For You
Ongoing
Learn how to optimize your website using Google tools.
Get Your Local Business on Google Search and Maps
Ongoing
Learn how to get your business listed on Google search and maps.
Make Better Business Decisions with Analytics
Ongoing
Learn how to improve your small business using data and analytics.
General Grants
Awesome Foundation – $1,000 Grant
Ongoing
Foundation distributes $1,000 grants, no strings attached to projects and their creators. At each fully autonomous chapter, the money is pooled together from the coffers of ten or so self-organizing “micro-trustees”. Awarded monthly.
IMPACT Grants – $1,000 Grant
Ongoing
Primary goal of grant is to fuel the endeavors of businesses and nonprofits that are actively making a significant IMPACT within their communities and beyond.
Novae Grants Database
Ongoing
Novae Grants database is intended for small businesses with 6-100 employees, though some are also intended for larger businesses and sole proprietor startups.
Warrior Rising Grant – $20,000 Grant
Ongoing
Warrior Rising strives to accept and assist veterans at any point in the process of starting their own business, whether it is only a concept or if they have actual operations.
Minority Grants
Minority Business Circle
Ongoing
Supportive network for diverse entrepreneurs in various industries, offering opportunities like grants, loans, significant discounts on essential business products, and a comprehensive step-by-step guide with customized tools to track progress and foster growth.
Women-Owned Grants
EmpowerHer Grant – Boundless Futures Foundation – Up to $25,000 Grant
Ongoing
The Boundless Futures Foundation awards grants to U.S.-based female entrepreneurs and nonprofits that support female entrepreneurship. The EmpowHer Grant offers entrepreneurs up to $25,000, with funds provided as reimbursements for business expenses upon proof of payment.
HerRise Micro-Grant – $1,000 Grant
Ongoing
Each month a $1000 micro-grant will be awarded to a for-profit small business owned by women of color. Past recipients used their growth grants for computers, equipment, marketing materials, software purchase, website creation and more.
Idea Cafe Small Business Grant – $1,000 Grant
Ongoing
Idea Cafe, an online resource center for women-owned businesses, has been awarding Idea Cafe Small Business Grants of $1,000 to women entrepreneurs who either own a business currently or want to start their own business. Applications are now being taken for women who would like to apply for the grant money. (no fee but must sign up to be part of Idea Cafe)
Small Business Grants & Workshops