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Find similar grants2025 deadline has passed; 2026 deadline is 'To Be Announced' — program typically opens in the fall.
Relentless Challenge Grant is sponsored by South Carolina Department of Commerce. This statewide competitive grant supports South Carolina-based, non-profit organizations, units of local government, and higher education institutions that are implementing new innovative problem-solving programs with an entrepreneurial impact.
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SC Commerce announces 2026 Relentless Challenge grant awards | South Carolina Department of Commerce SC Commerce announces 2026 Relentless Challenge grant awards 14 projects across the state awarded grants to support innovation and entrepreneurship COLUMBIA, S. C. – The South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.
C. Commerce) today announced the recipients of its 2026 Relentless Challenge grants, which totaled more than $760,000 granted to 14 projects across the state. The Relentless Challenge is a statewide competitive grant program and is South Carolina’s call to action for innovative problem-solving and entrepreneurial impact.
Aligned with the Launch to Legacy brand, S. C. Commerce’s vision to support businesses at every stage and position the state as the new home for American innovation, the 2026 Relentless Challenge supports two complementary tracks: traditional small business and innovation.
While distinct in focus, both tracks share a common thread: empowering South Carolina’s businesses to launch, grow and innovate for long-term success. Traditional small businesses form the backbone of local economies and play a vital role in sustained economic growth. Innovation-driven companies, whether new or well-established, contribute to future advancement through R&D and product innovation.
Together, they create a balanced ecosystem where stability and disruption coexist, enabling businesses to thrive and fueling statewide prosperity. “South Carolina’s economic strength is built on both the small businesses that sustain our communities and the innovators shaping our future,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III.
“Through the Relentless Challenge and these 14 projects, we are investing in entrepreneurs and companies whose ideas will drive growth, advance innovation and create opportunity across our state. ” 2026 Relentless Challenge grant recipient projects are due to begin in the first quarter of this year.
The 14 recipient projects are listed below: BlacQuity – Lowcountry Black Business Capital & Growth Initiative (LBBCGI) Center for Opportunity and Entrepreneurial Advancement (COEA) – Launch in 60 Marketplace Clemson University Division of Research – Bridging STEM and Entrepreneurship: A Paired Course Model for Commercialization Readiness Economic Development Partnership of Aiken and Edgefield Counties, Inc. – Aiken Venture Lab eMYRge – eMYRge Golf Tech Accelerator Challenge (GTAC) Entrepreneurship For All – Capital Ready Lowcountry: Advancing Financial Opportunities and Connections for Small Businesses Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce – The Network: Minority Business Accelerator Alumni Program GrowCo Columbia Inc. - Boyd Innovation Center – GrowCo Fund: Establishing a Non-Profit Investments Fund for Scalable South Carolina Startups Increasing H.
O. P. E.
– Ready to Grow: One-to-One Business Accelerator Lowcountry Local First – Lowcountry Kiva Hub Navigating from Good to Great Foundation – Columbia Chamber of Commerce – Wendell Jones Leadership Institute Growth Blueprint Midlands Business Accelerator Southern Palmetto Foundation – Propel Omni-Path: Digital Strategies for Rural Retail Business Success The Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Furman University – The Future Catalyst Project
Scoring criteria used to review proposals for this grant.
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: South Carolina-based, non-profit organizations (including chambers of commerce), units of local government (e. g. , counties, municipalities), and higher education institutions. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
Relentless Challenge Grant is funded by South Carolina Department of Commerce. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
This opportunity targets applicants in South Carolina. If your organization operates elsewhere, check the official notice for location requirements.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
South Carolina Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) - Fall Funding Round (Community Enrichment & Local Priorities) is sponsored by South Carolina Department of Commerce, Grants Administration Division. Most Community Development Program funds are awarded competitively, usually through two funding rounds per year. This fall funding round focuses on Community Enrichment & Local Priorities.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) - Business Development and Ready to Go Program is sponsored by South Carolina Department of Commerce, Grants Administration Division. Business Development and Ready to Go Program funds are awarded on a rolling basis. This grant provides federal funding to local units of government for community development initiatives.
The Homeless Youth Program is a grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services that funds services for homeless and at-risk youth across Illinois. Administered through the Office of Community and Positive Youth Development, it supports nonprofit organizations delivering shelter, outreach, and support services to young people experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Eligible applicants are Illinois-based nonprofits with demonstrated capacity to serve youth. Awards range from $100,000 to $800,000 per year under CSFA number 444-80-0711. This is a FY 2026 funding opportunity with an application deadline of May 21, 2025.
Community Investment Tax Credit Program (CITC) is a grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development that provides state tax credit allocations to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, enabling them to attract private donations from individuals and businesses. Donors contributing $500 or more to approved projects receive tax credits equal to 50% of their contribution. The program has leveraged nearly $27 million in charitable contributions to approximately 700 projects statewide. Eligible project areas include education, housing, job training, arts and culture, economic development, and services for at-risk populations. Projects must be located in or serve residents of Maryland's Priority Funding Areas. The application period is typically held annually.
The Families First Community Grant Program is a competitive grant initiative from the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) offering approximately $27 million in funding to support nonprofit organizations serving low-income Tennessee families. Grants fund programs across four priority areas: education, health, economic stability, and family well-being, aligned with TANF goals of promoting self-sufficiency. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in Tennessee that provide direct services to economically disadvantaged families. The 2025 application cycle closed July 10, 2025. This program reflects Tennessee's broader commitment to strengthening communities through strategic investment in local organizations that address the root causes of poverty.
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