Beaut Burger (Photo by Jackie Tran)

$500K in Grant Funding Available for Tucson Restaurants and Artisans


December 22, 2023
a man wearing a hat
By Matt Sterner, Shane Reiser
By Matt Sterner

Groundswell Capital, Arizona’s first green bank, is gearing up to unveil the Transform Tucson: Changemakers Grant Program come January 2024. In collaboration with the City of Tucson, this initiative represents a large investment — $500,000 — in the growth and development of Tucson’s small business community.

If you are a current or aspiring owner of a local restaurant or an artisan in the food and beverage space, one or more of these grants might be a good fit for you.

a person holding a sign posing for the camera
(Photo courtesy of Tucson IDA)

Transform Tucson: Changemakers Grant Program Opportunities

Good Energy Grant Fund

Tucson small businesses can thrive sustainably with the Good Energy Grant Fund, offering awards up to $10,000. Embrace clean energy to cut costs and boost business performance with green initiatives from solar panels to Energy Star-Certified Equipment. Elevate your operations, attract eco-conscious customers, and join a community committed to a sustainable future.

Fill out the information form.

Upskilling Tucson Fund

With this grant, Tucson businesses can apply for up to $10,000 to invest in employees. Workforce development empowers individuals, businesses, and communities for success. Upskilling, from training sessions to certification programs, ensures both the small business and its team thrive.

Fill out the information form.

Keep Tucson Amable

Small businesses are the heart of our community, often going above and beyond the call of commerce to serve citizens sight unseen. The Keep Tucson Amable Grant Fund recognizes and supports these businesses with awards of up to $5,000. Whether through products, goods, or services, this fund is designed to help our small businesses keep Tucson amable (friendly, kind) with programs that make an exceptional social impact. 

Fill out the information form.

Groundswell Seed Fund

Starting a business requires ingenuity, grit, and heart — and a bit of seed money. For aspiring entrepreneurs in Tucson, the Groundswell Seed Fund stands ready to provide up to $5,000 in grant support, nurturing innovation and fostering the growth of new ventures. 

Fill out the information form.

Groundswell Growth Fund

Starting and sustaining a successful small business is no small feat. For those poised to scale their enterprise, the Groundswell Growth Fund presents opportunities with awards of up to $10,000. This grant funding is versatile and applicable for equipment, technology, expansion, or any other means necessary to foster business growth and good jobs in Tucson. 

Fill out the information form.

[CREATE] Content With A Purpose

Content Creators are often both entrepreneurs and small business champions, guiding digital consumers to discover local businesses. This grant offers up to $2,000 for local filmmakers, content creators, and social media experts to craft a short documentary-style video highlighting a local business. The final product, tailored for digital platforms, will share the authentic story of a small business in Tucson, elevating the business through the lens of creativity.

Fill out the information form.

Applications Open in January 2024

If you’re interested in harnessing an opportunity within the Transform Tucson: Changemakers Grant Program, fill out one of the information forms online. Heads up, if you complete an interest form early you’ll receive eligibility information when applications are open in January. 

For more information on the Transform Tucson: Changemakers Grant Program, visit groundswellcapital.org.

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