Grant Opportunities

Small Business Owners,

Below are a few industry-related grants that may be a benefit to your business. NOTE: Many of these have June application deadlines! Full details and eligibility can be found on each grant program's website and in their applications.

Please note: these grants aren't funded by Hamilton County, and we are not involved in the application or selection process. We recommend further independent research to ensure applicant eligibility and to stay informed of any grant updates and/or changes.

Local / State Grant Opportunities

Jobs Ohio Small Business Grant

The JobsOhio Small Business Grant is a reimbursable grant program geared towards businesses (non-retail based) with underrepresented ownership and/or are operating within a distressed zip code, pursuing a growth opportunity. Eligible businesses must have at least $100,000 in annual revenue and be able to commit to 10% net new job creation over a 3-year period. Costs typically eligible for reimbursement include building purchases or renovations or investments in machinery & equipment, training, or software. Please visit REDI Cincinnati’s page or reach out to Cierra Clymer (cclymer@redicincinnati.com) to learn more. This program is ongoing and currently does not have a deadline.

The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation Grant

The Cincinnati Chamber Foundation, thanks to a generous grant from the Johnson Foundation, will launch a $100,000 grant program to support women-, minority-, or LGBTQ-owned small businesses that are opening in downtown, Over-the-Rhine, and Pendleton. The program will support the revitalization of currently vacant retail storefronts in the center-city, the creation of new jobs, and the growth of minority- or women-owned businesses. This program is ongoing and currently does not have a deadline.

Main Street Ventures: Launch and Leap Grants

Launch Funding provides emerging, pre-revenue businesses that have a Prototype or Product (showing clear evidence of direct customer engagement validating the business model and product) with $5,000 - $10,000 of equity-free funding to continue development and prepare for market entry.

Leap Funding provides promising, revenue-generating businesses with $10,000 - $30,000 of equity-free funding to scale their community impact and increase the odds of long-term survival. Funding is awarded to businesses that demonstrate the potential to continue to create jobs and opportunities in the Greater Cincinnati Region.

Applications for both grants open July 2024