Eight Small Business Grants for the Southeast

Editor’s Note: This is the second article in a series providing regional-specific grants for small businesses. The series will share grants from states that exist in the region or ones for the region as a whole. That way, more of our subscribers can find grants that fit their funding needs no matter where they are located. This list will focus on the Southeast: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

The Importance of Small Businesses

Overall, small businesses account for a big part of the U.S. economy. According to Small Business Trends, there are 14.29 million businesses in the nation and small businesses make up 99.9 percent of all businesses in the nation. In the Southeast specifically, small businesses play a major role in the region’s economy. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) notes that 6.4 million small businesses are located across the Southeast. 2.5M of these businesses are in Florida alone.

Recently, the SBA started an initiative across the Southeast Region called Rural Strong. As part of the plan, the organization is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in every district to engage with rural entrepreneurs and ensure they have access to the tools they need to succeed.

Setting these businesses up for success is important for the growth of the national economy. However, running a business is not easy. It takes a lot of work and even more funding. Small Business Trends states that 18 percent of U.S. small businesses fail due to pricing and cost issues. Grants can help give these businesses a boost by providing them with the funding to improve their businesses. Whether its funding for renovations, staffing, equipment, or marketing, extra capital can be pivotal.

Below, are eight Southeast-specific grants for small businesses that are currently available on GrantWatch. For a full list of business-related grants that are also available, you can check out our small business category over at GrantWatch. Or, if you’re a member+ you can use our exact search capability to search for business grants with a specific keyword. For more information, visit the GrantWatch FAQ page. Best of luck with your grant-seeking.

Lifting up the Southeast Region with These Four Grants

1. There are grants available to Kentucky farms to improve facilities and equipment. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to Kentucky privately owned farms to improve farm facilities, technology, and equipment.
2. Funding of up to $90,000 is also available to Florida nonprofit and for-profit organizations in eligible locations. The grants are for events and programs that generate significant media and promotional impact. Programs that promote the image of Miami Beach locally, nationally, and internationally as an outstanding tourist destination are preferred.
3. In addition, there are grants to Mississippi nonprofits, businesses, universities, and government agencies for projects to reduce polluting gas emissions and enhance air quality.
4. Awards to Alabama nonprofit and for-profit entities in eligible counties for promoting diversity in the workplace. The awards are for companies that have demonstrated a commitment to advancing diversity in business leadership and in the broader economy.
5. There are also grants available to North Carolina businesses and commercial property owners to improve the appearance of commercial buildings. Funding is to support renovations, signage, landscaping, parking, and infrastructure improvements.
6. Awards are available to Tennessee businesses in eligible counties to recognize outstanding workplaces for employees. The awards are to recognize companies that strive to maintain a healthy and productive work-life balance.
7. There are also awards available for South Carolina government agencies, organizations, businesses, IHEs, schools, and individuals for contributions to the arts.
8. Finally, there are grants of up to $7,500 and grants of up to $15,000 to Georgia small businesses in eligible locations for assistance in recovering from the financial impacts of the COVID-19 crisis. Funding is to cover the overhead and operational expenses of businesses that demonstrate revenue loss during the pandemic.