SPEDA strives to provide opportunities that foster business growth, improve workforce development, increase tourism and encourage industry leaders. This page is updated regularly as new opportunities are available. Please check back for new information.
Mini-grant series
SPEDA’s mini-grant series provides strategic investments to businesses currently operating or in the start-up phase in Somerset and Pulaski County, Kentucky. Created to enhance assistance available to small businesses and strengthen economic growth and development locally, approved projects must demonstrate their benefit to the local community.
Businesses applying for mini-grants should present their overall plan, specific need for investment and ways in which funds will be utilized. Applicants are encouraged to show how their business helps to build community, mobilize local resources and strengthen community institutions and networks.
Mini-grants are subject to approval for up to $2,500 per business entity and require a 20 percent match of total project costs. Projects for which grant funds are provided must be completed within six months.
Forcht Broadcasting has joined the program as a partner and will offer $2,500 in advertising and marketing services to each of the four grant participants.
SPEDA administers program funds at its sole discretion. Nonprofits and governmental organizations are not eligible for SPEDA’s mini-grant program. Each applicant must complete the application in full by the application deadline.
The application is now available for the next round of mini-grants, which will be awarded in April 2021. The deadline to apply is Feb. 26, 2021.