How to Submit Your Best Main Street Ventures Grant Application
"Why was my grant application rejected?" If there's a question that keeps us up at night, that would be it. At Main Street Ventures (MSV), we're dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs whose innovations and ambitions fuel Cincinnati’s economic and cultural vitality. But securing a grant requires more than just a great idea—it takes a well-crafted, project-driven application.
Your application will be evaluated based on three critical areas:
1. Traction: Proving Demand for Your Business and Project
MSV wants to see evidence that your business is on the rise and that there’s a clear demand for what you offer. Strong applications demonstrate:
Revenue growth or steady sales history;
Customer waitlists, pre-orders or high engagement on social media;
Positive media coverage or industry recognition;
Partnerships with retailers, wholesalers, or corporate buyers; and
Proof of scalability—have you expanded locations, increased production, or improved technology?
Remember that revenue isn’t the only way to demonstrate demand. A food entrepreneur with a growing catering client list, a fashion brand with consistent wholesale inquiries or a tech startup with thousands of beta users all show strong indicators of demand.
And don’t just take our word for it – two-time MSV grant recipient Ricardo “Rico” Grant knows exactly what it takes:
"If you have data that shows 'I’m building a solution for this problem,' please insert it,” he says. “(There’s) nothing sexier to the MSV board than a founder who knows what they’re talking about."
Want to learn more? Rico shares his experience and advice in a full video on preparing a successful application. Watch it here.
2. Grant Ask: What Qualifies as a Fundable Project?
A common reason entrepreneurs miss out on MSV grants is requesting funds for general business expenses. MSV funds projects, not day-to-day operations. Strong projects are those that:
Have a clear start and end date;
Are growth initiatives and not intended to keeping your business afloat; and
Show a measurable impact – will this funding allow you to launch a new product line, expand production or enter a new market?
Examples of Strong Project-Based Requests:
Purchasing equipment that allows for increased production and revenue growth
Launching a new product line
Expanding a retail location or launching e-commerce capabilities
Examples of Requests That Will NOT Be Funded:
Paying rent, utilities or salaries
Covering general operating expenses
Paying off debt or past expenses
A winning application doesn’t just explain why you need money. It shows how your project aligns with MSV’s mission to accelerate business growth.
3. Amplifier: How Will This Funding Elevate Your Business and Cincinnati’s Economy?
MSV seeks businesses that don’t just grow but also uplift the community. Showcase your business’ community impact by detailing how it will achieve the following:
Will increase revenue and create jobs;
Have a positive economic impact on the Greater Cincinnati region; and
Highlight any commitment to hiring locally, working with regional suppliers or bringing unique products/services to the area. A great example of this is a local coffee roastery that used an MSV grant to scale production. This allowed them to supply Cincinnati grocery stores with their project, creating new jobs and boosting local business partnerships.
Now that you understand the criteria, use this checklist to refine your submission:
Your application is clear and complete — no unanswered questions or vague responses.
You have data and evidence to back up your traction and demand.
Your budget is specific and realistic — it only includes growth-related project expenses.
Your story is compelling and authentic — you show why you’re the right person to execute this project.
Review our Common Questions page to find answers to your additional questions and be sure to check out the entrepreneurs who have received MSV funding to grow their business by checking out our list of Activators here.
One last thing: Many of our successful grantees didn’t make it on their first try! Don’t get discouraged if you aren’t funded the first time you apply. Ask for feedback, refine your approach, and try again — persistence pays off!
Ready to apply? Click here to view the application timeline and take the next step in your business journey!
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