Leadership Training Grant Program (Annual Grant)

Leadership Training Grant Program (Annual Grant) is sponsored by City of Montgomery, AL. This program empowers citizens to improve the overall quality of life in their neighborhoods through citizen and government partnerships.

Applications have now closed. $2. 5 Million in Funding for Montgomery Small Businesses.

Montgomery, Alabama is investing $2. 5 million into small businesses through this program. Direct funding across multiple categories to help businesses stabilize, expand, and strengthen operations.

Application Window (Closed) Application Period Officially Closed|The application window ran May 11 through June 15, 2026. Applications are no longer being accepted. ## What This Program Does This program is designed to move Montgomery's small businesses forward—quickly and strategically.

Funds can be used to support activities that help businesses grow and become more sustainable, including: * Capital improvements and renovations * Business expansion or relocation * Retaining, stabilizing, and expanding workforce * Long-term sustainability of commercial location * Operational stability and growth These investments are intended to help businesses build capacity and strengthen operations for long-term success.

Applicants were required to apply under the category that best fit their needs: Capital Improvement Grants Renovation or improvement of commercial space; ADA/accessibility upgrades; building code compliance; equipment purchases and installation tied to operations. Business relocation to a new commercial site within Montgomery; expansion into more suitable space.

Startup or early-stage business support; business launch activities; participation in incubator/cohort programs. Retention of existing employees; rehiring staff impacted by COVID-19; stabilization of workforce operations. ⚠ Not available for home-based businesses.

Support for maintaining commercial tenancy; preventing displacement or business closure. ⚠ Not available for home-based businesses. ## Who Was Eligible to Apply The Montgomery Thriving Small Business Grant Program was designed for small businesses operating in Montgomery County that demonstrated a need for support.

To be eligible, businesses were required to: * Generate $5 million or less in annual revenue * Be a for-profit business in good standing * Be currently operating in Montgomery County * Demonstrate negative economic impact due to COVID-19 * Be current on all taxes or on an approved payment plan * Commit to remaining in Montgomery County for at least one year after receiving funding * •One application per business owner * •Businesses were required to apply under the funding category that best aligned with their needs Businesses that are not currently operating in Montgomery County or the City of Montgomery ## How the Application Process Worked ### Download the Guidance Deck Applicants reviewed full eligibility requirements, funding categories, and application instructions.

### Attend an Info Session Applicants attended information sessions to walk through the process, ask questions, and get guidance. Recordings are available on the Information Sessions page. ### Submit an Application The application window ran May 11 through June 15, 2026.

Applications are now closed. Applications will continue moving through the review and evaluation process. Each application will be reviewed based on the eligibility requirements, supporting documentation, and program-specific criteria established for the selected grant category.

Applicants are encouraged to: * Monitor their email regularly. * Check their Inbox, Spam, and Junk folders for communications from the Montgomery Thriving Small Business Grant Program. * Respond promptly to any requests for additional information.

* Continue visiting the Montgomery Thriving website and Blog for program updates, announcements, and important information. Please note that due to the high volume of applications received, reviews will take time to complete. Our team is committed to conducting a fair, consistent, and thorough evaluation of every application submitted.

Thank You, Montgomery City and Montgomery County We appreciate the tremendous participation from the business community and thank all applicants for their patience throughout the review process. ## Thank You to All Who Applied The application window for this round of funding has closed. We appreciate everyone who participated.

Award decisions are in progress. Administered by Booth Management Consulting, Columbia, Maryland.