Main Street Ventures’ funding programs support local entrepreneurs in the idea/prototype and revenue stages with equity-free business start-up funding, rather than traditional investments.
This no-strings attached funding model supports:
BOLD IDEAS
Grants allow founders to take bold ideas to the next level without investor limits.
INCLUSION
Supporting good ideas across all spaces encourages innovation in our community.
GROWTH
Accessible, debt-free funding creates opportunities for other financial support.
FUNDING
PROGRAMS
PROGRAMS
LAUNCH FUNDING
Launch Funding provides emerging, pre-revenue businesses that have a Prototype or Product (showing clear evidence of direct customer engagement validating the business model and product) with $5,000 - $10,000 of equity free funding to continue development and prepare for market entry.
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LEAP FUNDING
Leap Funding provides promising, revenue-generating businesses with $10,000 - $30,000 of equity-free funding to scale their community impact and increase the odds of long-term survival. Funding is awarded to businesses that demonstrate the potential to continue to create jobs and opportunities in the Greater Cincinnati Region.
Eligibility & Requirements
Business Type
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Applicants MUST be a registered business entity (C-Corp, S-Corp, or LLC) with a Federal Tax ID (EIN).
Industry Focus Areas
Grants are available for businesses in the following sectors:
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Retail & Hospitality: Restaurants, storefronts, and consumer-facing businesses.
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Example: Wyoming Community Coffee
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Manufacturing & Packaged Goods: Product-based businesses, consumer goods, and local manufacturing.
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Example: The Body Bakery & Co.
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Tech-Enabled Businesses: Technology companies, digital solutions, or traditional businesses enhanced by technology.
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Example: Airtrek Robotics
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Looking for more examples of funded companies? Check out our blog for inspiration.
Business Location
Applicants MUST be located in one of the following counties to be considered. Applications from outside these areas will NOT be accepted.
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Ohio: Hamilton, Butler, Clermont, and Warren counties
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Kentucky: Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties
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Indiana: Dearborn county
Application Requirements
To ensure your application is competitive, please follow these guidelines:
Project Definition
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Your proposed growth project should be well-defined and clearly articulated.
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The project’s budget and timeline must be practical and achievable.
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Demonstrate that your business has the capacity and resources to successfully execute the project.
Customer Demand
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Show evidence of customer demand and consistent business progression since your founding.
Funding Focus
Funding requests MUST be centered on specific growth projects.
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Definition of a Growth Project: A step that accelerates your business growth and scalability.
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Examples of Suitable Funding Requests: Key pieces of equipment, product supply, product development, etc.
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Examples of Unsuitable Funding Requests: General operating expenses, including payroll, rent, insurance, marketing, or legal fees.
Please prioritize key items to strengthen your application and clearly demonstrate the impact of grant funds on your business and community.
Impact Explanation
Applicants MUST explain how the grant funds will:
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Drive measurable business growth.
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Positively impact the local community.
Special Considerations
Additional priority will be given to:
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Women-Owned and Minority-Owned Businesses.
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Businesses that show matching funds from other sources.
Important Notes
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Main Street Ventures grants are highly competitive. Meeting all eligibility criteria and submitting a complete application does not guarantee funding.
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For more tips on crafting a strong application, read our blog post.
Timeline
ONLINE
APPLICATION OPENS
ATTEND
INFORMATION SESSION
ONLINE
APPLICATION
CLOSES
GRANT
RECIPIENTS
ANNOUNCED
ONLINE
APPLICATION
RE OPENS
January 13, 2025
Interested in learning more about our Grant Programs? Register for an virtual information session below!
February 16, 2025
June 2025
July 2025
Special Funding Grants
Main Street Ventures is proud to partner with generous sponsors to provide Special Grants with more specific criteria. Applicants for these Grants must match ALL criteria above but, if they meet more specialized criteria listed, would be in a potentially smaller pool of applicants and have a greater chance of success in obtaining funding. Use the standard Grant application and if your business aligns with one of the following you will be considered.​
Northern Kentucky Entrepreneurship Fund
in collaboration with Blue North and Horizon Community Funds
Blue North has established the Northern Kentucky Entrepreneurship Fund with Horizon Community Funds in an effort to support the work of entrepreneurs in Northern Kentucky.
One of the key initiatives of the fund is a partnership with Main St Ventures to increase Leap & Launch grants made to entrepreneurs who call Northern Kentucky home. Through funding from Main Street Ventures and matching dollars from The Durr Foundation to the Northern Kentucky Entrepreneur Fund, this Funding Grant will be awarded to startups or small businesses that are located in Northern Kentucky (Boone / Campbell / Kenton Counties).
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To be considered, please select that you are a Kentucky Business at the end of the Launch or Leap Grant Application!
Represent Cincy: Supporting Black-Owned Storefronts in OTR and Downtown Cincinnati
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Represent Cincy is a targeted initiative designed to empower Black-owned storefront businesses located in Over-the-Rhine (OTR) and Downtown Cincinnati. This grant seeks to create equitable opportunities and bolster the presence of Black entrepreneurs within these key areas.
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Eligible businesses can apply to receive funding that supports their growth and sustainability, fostering a vibrant, diverse community of storefronts in the heart of Cincinnati.
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To be considered, please indicate your location in OTR or Downtown Cincinnati on the application form!
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Ohio Third Frontier: Advancing Tech-Based Innovation
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Ohio Third Frontier funds are targeted to support tech-based businesses operating in cutting-edge fields such as Advanced Materials, Advanced Manufacturing, Biomedical, Energy, Life Sciences, Sensors, Software, and IT in Ohio.
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This grant aims to drive innovation and accelerate growth in Ohio's technology sectors, helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas into impactful, scalable businesses.
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​To be considered, ensure your business aligns with one or more of the targeted tech-based industries and submit your application for review!
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