Update: The 2026 Hamilton County MAP Grant application cycle has closed. Hamilton County’s published program timeline listed June 1, 2026, as the application deadline and July 31, 2026, as the date funds would be awarded. Small business owners should visit the County’s official MAP Grant Program page for current information and future program updates.
HAMILTON COUNTY, OH — The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners announced the launch of the Hamilton County MAP Grant Program on May 4, 2026, investing more than $160,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant funds to support eligible small businesses across the county.
Hamilton County created the Microenterprise Advancement Passport, or MAP, Grant Program to help local entrepreneurs access capital, strengthen operations, and support long-term growth. Eligible businesses could receive grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.
What Is the Hamilton County MAP Grant Program?
The MAP Grant Program combines direct financial assistance with hands-on business education.
Rather than providing funding alone, the program required participating business owners to complete qualifying educational sessions before submitting an application. Topics included marketing, business planning, branding, funding readiness, and practical uses of artificial intelligence for small businesses.
The goal was to pair new capital with practical tools that could help entrepreneurs make stronger decisions about how to grow and stabilize their businesses.
Who Was Eligible for the 2026 Hamilton County MAP Grant?
The program focused on microenterprises located in eligible Hamilton County communities.
Under the federal Community Development Block Grant definition, a microenterprise is a business with five or fewer employees, at least one of whom owns the business.
Applicants also had to meet the County’s income and program eligibility requirements. For the 2026 cycle, Hamilton County excluded businesses located in Cincinnati, Blue Ash, Evendale, Indian Hill, Terrace Park, and Milford.
Applicants provided financial and income documentation to demonstrate eligibility.
Small Business Day Connected Funding With Business Education
A major part of the 2026 MAP Grant process took place during Hamilton County Small Business Day on May 18 at the Sharonville Convention Center.
To qualify for the grant program, participants had to complete at least two eligible educational sessions. The County also offered makeup sessions on May 20 at Alloy Growth Lab in Norwood for entrepreneurs who could not complete the requirement at Small Business Day.
Business owners could also receive assistance as they worked through the MAP application process.
The program paired funding with technical assistance for a reason. Hamilton County wanted businesses to gain both capital and practical knowledge for putting it to work.
Hamilton County Commissioners Highlight Small Business Investment
“There’s nothing small about small businesses—they are the backbone of our local economy,” said Commission President Stephanie Summerow Dumas. “This program is about investing in entrepreneurs and giving them that extra boost they need to grow.”
Commission Vice President Alicia Reece also emphasized the County’s broader commitment to entrepreneurship.
“We are committed to ensuring Hamilton County remains one of the best places in America to start and grow a small business,” Reece said. “Through our fourth annual Small Business Day, and now through strategic investments that expand access to capital, we are supporting the small businesses that drive our local economy while helping remove barriers to their success.”
Commissioner Denise Driehaus highlighted the connection between small business growth and stronger communities.
“This is an investment in our neighborhoods,” Driehaus said. “When small businesses succeed, our entire community benefits.”
The 2026 Hamilton County MAP Grant Timeline
Hamilton County officially launched the program on May 4, 2026. Small Business Day took place May 18, followed by makeup training sessions on May 20.
Applications closed June 1, 2026. Hamilton County scheduled awards for July 31.
Because the 2026 application window has ended, entrepreneurs interested in MAP should check the Hamilton County MAP Grant Program page for the latest information about the program and any future funding opportunities.
Small Business Support Continues Beyond the MAP Grant
A grant can help a business address an immediate need, but access to advice, connections, training, and other resources can be just as important over the long term.
The Hamilton County Office of Small Business, powered by Alloy, supports entrepreneurs throughout the county with business planning, one-to-one coaching, strategy, financial tools and referrals, mentoring, certification connections, and procurement resources.
Businesses need different resources at different stages. The Office of Small Business can help entrepreneurs identify support that matches their current needs.
For current MAP Grant information, visit Hamilton County’s official program page. For broader assistance, small business owners can connect with the Hamilton County Office of Small Business through Alloy Development Co.
