Small Business Grant Program
Strengthening Davis small business
Since 2022, the Foundation has awarded $10,000 in grants to locally owned Davis businesses. Nominations open in the spring; awards are made in the fall.
The Program
Grants that help Davis businesses thrive
In 2022, the Foundation created its Small Business Grant Program to give Davis businesses the means to elevate, improve, and thrive. To date, the program has awarded $10,000 to locally owned businesses.
Grants do not have to be repaid and can be used however a business needs, for improvements, staff training, new technology, or whatever helps them grow. Businesses can be nominated by others or submit their own nomination.
Kona Ice of Davis, a Small Business Grant recipient
Eligibility
Who can qualify
- A current Chamber member in good standing
- A business operating within the City of Davis
- 10 or fewer employees
- Annual operating budget under $500,000 in the prior year
- Able to identify a legitimate business purpose for the funds
- Able to name at least two ways the business has improved the Davis community in the past year
Nonprofits that meet the same criteria are also welcome to apply.
How It Works
Nominations and selection
The nomination period opens each spring. Businesses may self-nominate or be nominated by their clients and customers. A complete application is short and submitted online.
An appointed selection committee, made up of the individuals and businesses that contribute to the grant program, reviews nominations and decides which businesses receive awards. Awards are announced in the fall.
Nominate
Nominate a Davis business
When the nomination period is open, submit a nomination (your own business or someone else's) on the Chamber's Small Business Grants page. Please submit only one complete form per business so we can review every nomination promptly.
Help fund a Davis business
Sponsor the grant program or make a tax-deductible gift, and help a local business take its next step.