The following is a list of grant criteria and eligibility requirements:

1. Businesses with annual revenues of no more than $1 million dollars.

2. Business must be in existence a year or longer.

3. If a business owner operates more than one business, only one application to a single business owner will be accepted.

4. The name on the application must match the records with the State, County, and City.

5. Businesses must supply a certificate of Good Standing.

6. The business must have a business address within the greater Fort Wayne/Allen County geographic area.

7. Your business must fit into one of the eligible categories listed below:
   • Health Wellness & Healing Space
   • Home Service & Trade
   • Food Beverage & Hospitality
   • Tech & Digital Services
   • Beauty & Barbershops

8. Grants funded must be utilized towards any capital expenses that improve the business, such as: day-to-day business expenses, rent, working capital, payroll, utility bills, or losses due to destabilizing events, which would include any capital improvements.

9. Agree to share financials and other essential information.

10. Agree to share changes in the business as a result of the grant funding.

11. Agree to participate in business enhancing programs offered by Dyer Grant Program and its partners.

12. Please be aware that due to liability, we do not give grant dollars for the purchase of vehicles.

We trust that the Grant dollars will be received in the same open and honest fashion in which it is offered. Any misuse of this trust will affect the decision on future applications from that individual.

Areas of Funding 2026 

Health, Wellness and Healing spaces

(For those creating spaces that support physical, emotional or community wellness)

Examples:

• Mental Health

• Wellness Studios

• Fitness and Movement spaces

Home Services & Trades

(For businesses that provide essential home, repair or maintenance services)

Examples:

• Cleaning businesses

• Landscaping and Lawncare

• HVAC, Plumbing, electrical

• Handyman Services

• Property Maintenance

Food, beverage and Hospitality

(For caterers, food trucks, cafes and event spaces)

Examples:

• Cafes, Bakeries, coffee shops

• Food Trucks

• Catering companies

• Event/Party spaces and rentals

Tech & Digital Services

(For creatives and digital business owners with scalable. modern businesses)

Examples:

• Web Design and Branding

• Social Media Management

• Photography/videography

• IT support services

Beauty & Barbershops

Grant would need to be used for:
Equipment updates, lighting, Styling/barber chairs, shampoo bowls, hooded dryers, steamers, clippers, supplies, seating, software, website development, branding and marketing support, advanced training, signage