Big Tech Layoffs Continue – Time to Look for Start-up Funding

Big Tech Company layoffs are continuing to soar. It seems like many of the major tech companies keep announcing multiple rounds of layoffs. While big tech is not the only industry suffering, it seems to be impacting some well-known, companies particularly hard. According to industry tracker Layoffs.fyi, 59,443 workers were laid off across 245 tech companies since January 2024 alone, including Microsoft, Amazon, eBay and Google. What’s more, it means some workers are beginning to look for other avenues, to continue doing the work they love.

There is light on the horizon though. At GrantWatch, we understand the impact a job loss can have on individuals and their families. For this reason, there is a category specifically for entrepreneurs/startups. It can be daunting navigating severance pay, unemployment benefits, health insurance, and other financial changes laid-off workers may face.

Have you ever heard the old saying, “When one door closes, another opens?” The team at GrantWatch is fully behind this concept. Sometimes what seems like a misfortune can end up leading to something positive. If you are a laid-off tech worker who’s been thinking about translating your skills into a new business venture or creating a nonprofit organization, there may be grants for you.   

Looking for Start-Up Grants?  

If you’re new to searching for small business grants, you may be wondering what types of grants are available. Maybe you’re not even sure what a grant is. A grant is an award that a funding source gives to a business or nonprofit organization. It is usually in the form of money. “In-kind services” are another type of grant, a form of compensation “In lieu of money.” These are no-cost services provided to an organization. An example would be accounting or marketing services, or you may receive a product like software or office supplies.

GrantWatch would like to help see your vision funded. Many startup nonprofits and small businesses come to GrantWatch to find the latest funding for their vision or concept. Many budding entrepreneurs are unaware there are grants available to fund new businesses, especially in the technology field. 

Her are some of the top grants available for startups, as well as grants for big tech companies in need of financial assistance.

Top Start-Up Grants

• Opportunity for individuals for business training, mentorship, and professional networking initiatives. The program is intended to help entrepreneurs launch or expand a business or a nonprofit 
• Grants and in-kind support are also available to veteran-owned start-ups. The purpose of this program is to help entrepreneurs (who are veterans) successfully build their businesses. In addition to funding, businesses will receive support in strategic planning, operations, introductions and networking, and staffing.
• There is also an opportunity for start-up businesses to participate in a program to test or deploy innovative prototypes or services addressing climate change issues in Alaska. Funding is available to assist early-stage companies seeking to secure initial customers.

Grants for Technology Businesses

• Grants are available to software developers and companies for open-source projects and applications. Funding is for new and existing projects that include a technical component.
• In-kind donations are also available to nonprofits and for-profit organizations to address cybersecurity issues. Grantees will receive software and resources. Eligible projects are related to software development and should improve the organization’s operations.
• Opportunity for nonprofits, for-profits, government agencies, tribes, academic institutions, and individuals to compete for prizes to develop wave energy technologies.

Are you looking for more grants like the ones on this list? GrantWatch features an entire category of grants related to small businesses, the workforce, capital funding, and financial assistance.

About GrantWatch

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