RISE Small Business Innovation Grant

Through collaboration between the Ottawa County Improvement Corporation, the Ottawa County Community Foundation, and the Burton D. Morgan Foundation, the Regional Incubator for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship (RISE) Program’s Small Business Innovation Grant is expanding into Ottawa County. The grant will focus on assisting existing Ottawa County entrepreneurs to grow their businesses during these challenging times. The intent of this program is to have a positive impact on the overall economic landscape across Ottawa County.

The RISE Small Business Innovation Grant is intended to make possible innovative and strategic investments for businesses to thrive and adapt given recent events. Examples include but are not limited to:

Capital improvements
Development or acquisition of online platforms (websites or mobile apps)
Development of new solutions to problems presented during the crisis

Application Process

Grant amounts: $500.00 – $3,500.00

Applications will then be reviewed by a RISE selection committee. All applicants will be contacted with the result of their application and may be contacted with clarifying questions during the review process. Recipients will be chosen based on creativity, feasibility, clarity, and impact on the business and economy. Grant availability is limiter, however all applicants with a completed application will be granted entrance into an exclusive one-time training course – Remaining Relevant in Chaos – more information to come.

Below is a rough timeline of the entire application process:

Application period: October 9 – November 6
Selection Committee meet/review: November 9 – November 30
Applicants to be notified of grant status: December 7 – December 11
RISE Small Business Innovation Grant Award Ceremonies: December 14 – December 18

Interested applicants may apply by filling out the form OR downloading the PDF below:

RISE Small Business Innovation Grant Overview

RISE Small Business Innovation Grant Application
(click to download fillable PDF; when prompt, you must download the file by clicking in the download icon in upper right to sign electronically)

All submitted applications and supporting documents containing highly sensitive information will remain confidential within our Selection Committee.

RISE Small Business Innovation Grant Application

Prior to completing the application, please see the RISE Small Business Innovation Grant Overview sheet which provides a detailed program description and eligibility. Please be clear and concise in your responses below. Your answers should plainly describe your business, how and why you will use these funds, include how these funds will support entrepreneurship efforts. You may be contacted to answer clarifying questions if necessary. Application deadline is November 6.

Business Information

1. Business Name *

2. Applicant/Business Owner Name *

2a. % of Ownership *

3. Address *

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State

Zip Code

4. Phone *

5. Email *

6. Have you worked with RISE or OCIC in thepast? *

Application Questions

7. Briefly describe your business *

8. Indicate the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic had on your business *

9. What "innovation or strategic investment" are you planning for sustainability and growth during and beyond these challenging times, and what are the intended objectives? (describe or attach, 250-word limit) *

9a. If applicable, identify the program of study, coursework, or training in which you will enroll. Please note: industry recognized/accredited providers for education and training are encouraged, and may be required.

10. What is your plan to ensure intended objectives are met? (describe or attach, 250-word limit) *

11. What grant amount are you requesting? ($3,500 maximum) *

12. Indicate the direct uses of grant funding, or beginning and ending of coursework *

13. Any other information you would like to provide?

Checklist

Please check the following boxes to indicate that you have attached or included elsewhere in your application proof of the following.

Attachments *

Articles of incorporation
Prior year’s financial statements
Intended uses of the grant funds
Explanation of your innovation or strategic pivot
Plan to accomplish intended objective

Upload attachments below:

Upload Attachments

Click or drag files to this area to upload. You can upload up to 10 files.

Disclosures

Applicant agrees to release enclosed and attached information to RISE and its review committee. The information contained in this application will remain confidential, following policies adopted by all host organizations, and will be used for the sole purposes of determining receipt of the RISE Small Business Innovation Grant. Applicant attests that application does indicate eligibility nor guarantee receipt of the award. Applicant attests that all information submitted to RISE is true and correct to the best of their knowledge. Applicant understands that they may be required to answer clarifying questions prior to final notification of receipt of the grant.

Signature

Signature *

Date *

To apply

Submit completed form and any attachments. You will receive an email confirmation along with a copy of your application (be sure to check your junk/spam folder).
Please call (419) 898-6242 or email info@ocic.biz with questions.

Phone

About RISE

RISE is the Regional Incubator for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship is a comprehensive resource hub that offers assistance across the entire business development continuum. The objective of RISE is to grow jobs and spearhead economic development by linking business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to regional service providers with expertise in business start-up, development and acceleration. The purpose of this program is to grow jobs and spearhead economic development in Ottawa County. More information to come in 2021.