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Business News

US dockworkers strike, halting half the nation’s ocean shipping, 10/1/24
$400 million PA SITES program now open to attract more businesses and create jobs, 10/1/24
Nuclear growing, but power demand still a problem, 10/1/24
House panel moves bill that would require employers to provide paid leave to workers, 9/30/24
House hearing explores ways to advance jobs, businesses in PA, 9/26/24
Berks business community eyes benefits of tax cuts, 9/26/24
US economy grew at a solid 3 percent rate last quarter, government says in final estimate, 9/26/24
Energy leaders talk future at Shale Insight Conference, 9/25/24
PA ranked 2nd among nation’s top destinations for freshman out-of-state college students, 9/25/24
PA adds $737M to ‘Rainy Day Fund’, 9/25/24
Future Proofing Your Business Tech for 2025 & Beyond, Event Recap, US Chamber of Commerce
Crafting content that drives leads, US Chamber of Commerce
Top AI-powered customer service tools and features, US Chamber of Commerce

Seminars and Webinars

An Evening with General David H. Petraeus, PA Chamber, Hilton Harrisburg, November 14th at 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

2024 Environmental Conference, PA Chamber, Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey, Harrisburg, October 24 at 8 AM – 2:30 PM

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

Internships as a Talent Development Strategy, 10/31/24 at 10 AM

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. Veteran business owners can compete for $50,000 in the 11th annual Veteran Shark Tank, held on December 9, 2024, in Philadelphia. To qualify, businesses must be less than three years old, and veterans must own at least 50% of their company, have a clean legal record, and use the prize money for business improvement. Applications, due by October 6, must include a brief video pitch and a PowerPoint presentation detailing the business plan.
    21. The Walmart Spark Good Local Grants program provided by Walmart and Sam’s Club offers grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 to address the unique needs of local communities. Grant applications are accepted quarterly, with the current round open through October 15.
    22. ‌The Live Your Dream Awards offers grants of up to $16,000 in financial support to help women overcome financial barriers and achieve their educational and career goals. Applications for this cycle are accepted through November 15.
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