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.
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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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
