Creative Sector Flex Fund

The Small Business Boost Grant, announced by The Intentional Development Group and funded by the City of Youngstown, is designed to empower local entrepreneurs and strengthen the economic landscape of Youngstown. This program aims to boost the economic impact of small businesses within the city by providing funds for projects that address climate change mitigation and adaptation within the agricultural sector. The foundation's mission, as inferred from the program's focus, aligns with fostering economic resilience and sustainability through targeted community investment and environmental stewardship. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are New York State Soil and Water Conservation Districts (Districts), who will submit proposals on behalf of multiple projects and/or farm operations. The program's impact goals are to mitigate the impact of agriculture on climate change, enhance on-farm adaptation and resiliency to projected climate conditions, and ultimately boost the economic impact of small businesses. The program directly supports the agricultural sector, indirectly benefiting the broader community through environmental improvements and economic stability. The grant prioritizes several key areas, categorized into distinct tracks. These include Livestock Management (Alternative Waste Management and Precision Feed Management), Cover and Flare Projects, Adaptation and Resiliency, Healthy Soils NY (Systems and BMPs that support soil health and agroforestry), Soil Health Systems, and Agricultural Forest Management (carbon sequestration). These specific focuses highlight a comprehensive approach to sustainable agricultural practices and climate change response. With a total available funding of $28,750,000, the grant expects measurable outcomes across these tracks. For instance, Track 1A (Livestock Management) has $4,500,000 in State Funds, Track 1B (Cover and Flare Projects) has $7,000,000 in Federal Funds, Track 2 (Adaptation & Resiliency) has $5,000,000 in State Funds, Track 3A (Healthy Soils NY) has $4,500,000 in State Funds, Track 3B (Soil Health Systems) has $7,000,000 in Federal Funds, and Track 4 (Agricultural Forestry Management) has $750,000 in State Funds. These allocations indicate the expected scale and scope of the projects, with success measured by the implementation of sustainable practices and the resulting environmental and economic benefits. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in the grant's emphasis on climate change mitigation and adaptation within agriculture, coupled with economic development. The theory of change appears to be that by funding conservation districts to implement specific, environmentally beneficial agricultural practices, the program will not only reduce the ecological footprint of farming but also enhance the long-term viability and economic impact of small agricultural businesses in the region, thereby contributing to the overall economic well-being of the City of Youngstown.