Industry News
Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Call to Support Small Cannabis Businesses
U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today joined Senate colleagues in calling on the Senate Appropriations Committee to allow small cannabis businesses in Oregon and other states that have legalized cannabis sale and use to access Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. Read more.
Governor Hochul Announces “Small Business Summer Series” to Connect New York’s Small Businesses to Vital Resources, Support, and Services
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York’s “Small Business Summer Series” – a slate of informational events and workshops to connect New York entrepreneurs to free resources, support, and services. The series includes the second interagency Small Business Tour, first announced last year to highlight state programs and services to help small businesses succeed, as well as the 2024 Regional Minority- and Women-Owned Business Expo Series to help expand opportunities for MWBEs. Together, these events build on Governor Hochul’s commitment to helping New York’s small businesses thrive. Read more.
Funding & Philanthropy News
SBA announces $30 million in grant funding for new Women’s Business Centers
June 11, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s more than 33 million small businesses, announced four funding opportunities for Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) totaling $30 million. This includes funding to support further expansion of the WBC network, the opening of a WBC in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and first-time specialized funding for WBCs that specialize in federal contracting and child care businesses. Read more.
HRC’s “Queer to Stay” Small Business Programs Opens Up For Applications
This program is designed to support LGBTQ+ small businesses, especially those owned by and designed for LGBTQ+ people of color, women and the transgender community. Applications to participate this year open on May 29, 2024 and will run through August 31, 2024. With the fifth iteration of this program, “Queer to Stay” will reach over $1 million in total distributed funding, awarding over 100 businesses across the country over its lifetime. Read more.
California Small Businesses Eligible for Paid Family Leave Grants
Eligible small businesses across California can now apply for grants of up to $2,000 per employee through California’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) program. This initiative, funded by the California Employment Training Panel and the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, aims to support small businesses in managing the additional costs incurred when employees take leave. Read more.
NGLCC Community Impact Grants for LGBTQ+-owned Small Businesses
NGLCC and the Grubhub Community Fund have come together once again to provide vital assistance for LGBTQ+-owned and allied restaurants, cafes, bars serving food, and other eating establishments. The NGLCC Community Impact Grant Program, supported by the Grubhub Community Fund, provides a financial lifeline to these businesses with grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Read more.
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