The National Independent Venue Foundation is proud to partner with The Drake Business Innovation Hub, a center within the Drake University Zimpleman College of Business, which strongly supports innovators, especially creatives and other entities committed to pursuing business as a force for good. This database provides a critical repository of funding and workforce development opportunities designed to increase and support economic development and initiatives for independent venues and small businesses in the United States.
State Funding Resources Guide
Provided By Drake University
Funding Resources By State
Browse resources organized by state, tailored to each region's specific needs and opportunities. Different states offer various funding programs, workforce development initiatives, and other support options for small businesses. This guide is designed to help you easily navigate those resources, providing targeted assistance to foster economic growth and success based on your location.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this database, while compiled with care by The Drake Business Innovation Hub, is intended solely as a resource to support independent venues and small businesses. It is not exhaustive, and some funding opportunities or resources may have changed since this guide was created. Users are encouraged to verify details with relevant agencies and organizations directly. NIVF and Drake University are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or changes to the programs and resources listed. The inclusion of resources does not constitute endorsement by either organization, and we cannot guarantee the availability of any specific funding or program.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
“When I began the process of researching how to start my venue, xBk, I scoured the web for various resources, including what financial resources may be available in my state. The information exists, but it can be difficult to find. In creating this database, NIVF has consolidated many of these resources into one location so future entrepreneurs have a starting point in their journey. The database may not be fully comprehensive, but it can provide a roadmap of resources for those getting started.”
— Tobi Parks, Owner of xBk LiveFind Resources In Multiple States
Appalachian Community Capital (ACC) increases small business lending in the Appalachian Region by providing under-served communities with new sources of capital.
ACC Loan Data & Accomplishments
Appalachian Community Capital (ACC) Members have an impressive lending record throughout their service areas.
BEA Interactive Data Application
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) interactive data application is the one-stop shop for accessing BEA data on the fly.
This tool provides prospective applicants with the ability to search by address, census tract, and other geographic areas of interest to determine program eligibility for the BEA, CDFI, CMF, ERP, NACA, and NMTC programs.
CDFI Fund Opportunity Zones Resources
The Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund supports the IRS with the Opportunity Zone nomination and designation process under IRC 1400Z-1.
CDFI Fund's Searchable Award Database
Use the search to find organizations that have received awards from the CDFI Fund's various award programs or use the map search to display all awardees and impact data information for a certain state.
CDFI Opportunity Zones State Resource
These resources provide the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of States with a Nomination Tool and Nomination Instructions for nominating low-income community (LIC) population census tracts in their States as Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZs).
Economic Development Funding and Other Resources
Provides useful, relevant information about federal program funding opportunities, websites, tools, and partner organizations.
Review a detailed list of forms, links, and other helpful resources through the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
Local Area Unemployment Statistics
The LAUS program produces monthly and annual employment, unemployment, and labor force data for Census regions and divisions, States, counties, metropolitan areas, and many cities, by place of residence.
Opportunity Finance Network CDFI Locator
Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) finance microenterprises and small businesses, nonprofit organizations, commercial real estate, affordable housing, and more.
Among the first “community investor” funds, Partners pioneered creating a market for community investments and starting other socially-motivated investor pools.
In support of the Open Data initiative, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) publishes and maintains this site to share its open data with the world.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) helps small businesses get funding by setting guidelines for loans and reducing lender risk. These SBA-backed loans make it easier for small businesses to get the funding they need.
Dive into Census Bureau Data or get help with a survey.
QuickFacts provides statistics for all states and counties. Also for cities and towns with a population of 5,000 or more.
Federal Resources
This loan program is SBA's primary business loan program for providing financial assistance to small businesses.
SBA 7(a) Working Capital Pilot program
This program was designed to serve as SBA’s premier working capital program, engineered to meet the needs of modern small businesses.
Entrepreneurial education and training program for service members and military spouses.
Search through SBA’s most recently published documents, using specific fields to narrow your search.
SBA offers programs that provide lenders with up to a 90% guaranty on export loans.
This allows certain lenders to generally use their own processes and procedures in exchange for a lower SBA guaranty percentage.
This program fuels small business growth in historically underutilized business zones with a goal of awarding at least 3% of federal contract dollars to HUBZone-certified companies each year.
Get matched to potential lenders funding with competitive rates and fees.
USDA Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant Programs
These programs provide funding for rural projects through local utility organizations. USDA provides zero-interest loans to local utilities which they, in turn, pass through to local businesses (ultimate recipients) for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas.
USAGov: How to start and fund your own business
Learn how to start and manage your small business, and find local support if you need help.