Springboro Chamber Business Growth Grant
Application period for 2025 is now CLOSED.
Stay tuned for future opportunities!
Purpose of the Fund
The Springboro Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting the growth and development of local businesses and non-profits. To help foster economic success, we have established the Springboro Chamber Business Growth Grant, designed to provide capital to qualifying members, who are working to expand their operations, launch new initiatives, or invest in innovation.
Award Amounts
For 2025, grant awards are available for $7,500 or less.
Award Cycle
The 2025 Business Growth Grant cycle will follow this timeline:
- Application Period Opens: June 15
- Application Deadline: July 30
- Review Period: July 30 to September 15
- Winner Announcement: October 20, 2025, at the Springboro Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala
- Grant Distribution: November 2025
- Project Completion: Project to be completed one year from the date of grant with proof of completion
Are You Eligible?
The Springboro Chamber Business Growth Grant is open to Springboro Chamber of Commerce members who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Must be a member of the Springboro Chamber of Commerce, for a minimum of 1 year, with 100 employees or less (membership must be active at the time of application submission and when grant is distributed and agrees to maintain membership for 3 years after receiving the grant).
- Demonstrate a clear plan for how the funds will be used to expand or improve the organization’s operations or community outreach.
- A project plan including the benefit to the business, budgets, community impact, etc must be provided with the application.
What the Grant Supports
- Purchasing new equipment or technology
- Expanding physical space or facilities
- Providing workforce training/development
- Developing new products or services
- Investing in research and development
- The grant cannot be used for payroll or to support current operations/capital
How to Apply
How to Apply
- Check your business’s eligibility before you apply.
- Download the application (above).
- Submit your completed application and all supporting documents to Chamber@SpringboroOhio.org by July 30, 2025.
Selection Criteria
1. Demonstrated Need for Funding
- Clarity of Purpose: How clearly does the applicant define the specific use of the grant funds? The proposed project or initiative should have a well-defined goal and a clear plan for how the funds will help the organization grow.
- Financial Need: Does the applicant demonstrate a financial need for the funding? The organization must show that the grant will directly support growth and expansion that would not be possible without this assistance.
2. Impact and Sustainability
- Long-Term Impact: Will the grant contribute to sustainable growth? Preference will be given to projects that show long-term benefits and that position the organization for continued success.
- Community Impact: How will the proposed initiative benefit the community or contribute to local economic development? Applicants should highlight how their growth will positively impact Springboro, including job creation, services to the community, or other contributions.
3. Feasibility and Planning
- Implementation Plan: Does the organization have a detailed and realistic plan for executing the proposed project? This includes timelines, budgets, and clear steps for how the growth initiative will be carried out.
- Readiness: How prepared is the applicant to move forward with the proposed project? This includes the applicant’s ability to quickly implement the plan and utilize the funding effectively.
4. Alignment with the Chamber’s Goals
- Support for Local Economic Growth: The grant is intended to foster the growth of local businesses and non-profits that contribute to the overall prosperity of Springboro. Applicants whose projects align with this mission will be prioritized.
- Chamber Membership Engagement: Organizations must be active members of the Springboro Chamber of Commerce. Strong, engaged members who are committed to the Chamber’s vision for community development will be given preference.
5. Innovation and Creativity
- Innovation: Is the proposed project innovative? The Chamber values creative approaches to growth and expansion that set the applicant apart from other businesses or organizations in the area.
- Differentiation: How unique is the proposed initiative compared to other projects in the community? Projects that offer new solutions, products, or services to meet community needs will be given extra consideration.
6. Financial Stability and Capacity
- Financial Health: Does the organization demonstrate sound financial health? This includes a review of the applicant’s financial statements, budget projections, and sustainability plans.
- Capacity to Manage Funds: Does the organization have the capacity and experience to manage grant funds responsibly and effectively? The applicant should show an ability to track and report on how the funds are being used.
A selection committee, consisting of President’s Club members that choose to participate, will review all applications and will make the final awards.
