New York Business and Commerce Grants

Launch LC is a competitive grant opportunity through Naturally Lewis that helps start-up businesses in Lewis County. Donor Name: Naturally Lewis State: New York County: Lewis County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The 6-month program will provide entrepreneurs with the training, funding, and the tools needed to successfully open your business. At the program’s completion, entrepreneurs will submit business plan proposals for a chance to receive funding for their project. Naturally Lewis is looking to fund creative entrepreneurs that will enhance the quality of life for residents and make our community a more attractive place to live, work, and play. Naturally Lewis is seeking start-up businesses in the following categories: Food & Beverage Small-scale Manufacturing Tourism Construction Trades Funding Information Naturally Lewis has $280,500 in funding to award, and winners will receive a grant of $10,000, $20,000 or $30,000, depending on total project costs. Eligibility Criteria Must be a for-profit microenterprise business (five or fewer employees) Be considered low-to-moderate income OR create a job to be made available to low-to-moderate income individuals Applicants must be prepared to submit 2022 & 2023 Income Tax Returns to demonstrate eligibility If creating a new job is eligibility for grant, awardee must create job first in order to receive grant Applicants must contribute at least 10% of project cost with personal funds; grant funds can only cover up to 90% of total project cost. Eligibility Checklist Start-up businesses (new or open less than six months) Must be a for-profit microenterprise (five or fewer employees) Grant funds can only be used to purchase equipment, machinery, furniture and inventory. Must enhance experiences for tourists and locals, alike Funding cannot be rewarded for retroactive projects or projects that have already started For more information, visit Naturally Lewis.

The NYSCA/GHHN Site Assessment Grant is an opportunity under the NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Grant Program, a partnership between the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and Greater Hudson Heritage Network (GHHN), that will provide support for half-day museum site assessments for museums, historical, and cultural organizations in New York State. Donor Name: Greater Hudson Heritage Network State: New York County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The grant will support professional services for a Site Assessment consultant who will come to their organization for a half-day site visit focusing on a collections-related topic. Funding Information A maximum of $1,000 is available for the site assessment program. Grant Period Funded consultancy work must be completed within one year of the grant award date. Applicant Eligibility Applications will be accepted from chartered nonprofit museums, historical organizations or other cultural institutions either incorporated in or registered to do business in NYS, that own, care for and exhibit collections to the public. GHHN membership is not required. Federal & municipal museums and historic sites must contact the grant administrator to discuss eligibility. Sites owned by state agencies and religious institutions are ineligible. Organizations with budgets under $250,000 are strongly encouraged to apply. Organizations may apply once a year. Priority consideration will be given to applicants who have not received prior funding from this site assessment program. Ineligibility  Grants will not support staff salaries or staff time.  Requests for a site assessment for archival or library materials and collections (i.e., books, ledgers, log books, letters, scrapbooks, newspapers, ephemera, maps, or any item primarily used for informational/research value) will not be supported.  Architectural requests, i.e. engineer’s reports or historic structures reports, will not be supported. For more information, visit Greater Hudson Heritage Network.

The NYSCA/GHHN Preservation Supplies Grant is an opportunity under the NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Grant Program partnership between the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and Greater Hudson Heritage Network (GHHN) that provides funds to purchase collection management supplies for museums, historical, and cultural organizations in New York State. Donor Name: Greater Hudson Heritage Network State: New York County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Applicants who have consulted with an appropriate professional (i.e., completed a MAP, CAP, NEA’s Small Preservation Assistance Grants for Smaller Institutions, C2CNYS Circuit Rider, GHHN’s Collections Needs Assessment Program, etc.) or by knowledgeable staff may request funds to purchase collection management supplies and shipping. If an organization has limited experience in rehousing collections, they should work with a Site Assessment consultant to provide guidance in selecting appropriate supply materials. Funding Information Applicants may request funds up to $650 for general collections management needs. No match is required. Supplies may include, but are not limited to: storage boxes, acid-free tissue paper, artifact trays, dividers, UV filtering film, Tyvek sheeting, cotton tying tape, item ID tags, HEPA vacuums, dehumidifiers, polyester batting, Ethafoam, environmental monitors, etc. Eligibility Criteria  Applications will be accepted from chartered nonprofit museums, historical organizations or other cultural institutions either incorporated in or registered to do business in NYS, that own, care for and exhibit collections to the public. GHHN membership is not required. Federal & municipal museums and historic sites must contact the GHHN to discuss eligibility. Sites owned by state agencies and religious institutions are ineligible. Organizations with budgets under $250,000 are strongly encouraged to apply. Organizations may apply once a year. Ineligibility  Grants will not support staff salaries or staff time. Requests for collection care supplies for archival or library materials (i.e., books, ledgers, log books, letters, scrapbooks, newspapers, ephemera, maps, or any item primarily used for informational/research value) will not be supported. This grant program will not support inappropriate materials or supply items that do not adhere to current collection care best practices. Please contact GHHN should you have questions about whether your supply request is eligible. For more information, visit Greater Hudson Heritage Network.

Grant Opportunity: Environmental Sustainability Grant for NYC Restaurants Funding Source: The Greg Hill Foundation’s Restaurant Strong Fund in partnership with Grubhub Community Fund Grant Amount: Up to $5,000 per restaurant Application Period: April 26, 2024, to May 31, 2024 Overview: The Greg Hill Foundation’s Restaurant Strong Fund, in collaboration with Grubhub Community Fund, is pleased to announce $500,000 in grant opportunities to assist NYC-based restaurants in enhancing the environmental sustainability of their operations. This funding aims to support restaurants in updating kitchen equipment, particularly coal- and wood-burning ovens, to reduce carbon emissions and improve environmental impact. Eligibility Criteria: Open restaurant currently operating in New York City Recently updated (no earlier than January 1, 2024) or planning to update kitchen equipment to improve environmental sustainability Detailed plan outlining how the grant will be utilized to enhance environmental sustainability and reduce carbon emissions Application Process: Submit application form providing specific plans for the use of funding and how it will contribute to lowering emissions. Applications open from April 26, 2024, to May 31, 2024. Grant recipients will be awarded funding on a rolling basis. How to Apply: Interested restaurants can apply for the grant by completing the application form available on the Greg Hill Foundation’s Restaurant Strong Fund website. Contact Information: For inquiries or assistance, please contact [insert contact information]. Note: This grant opportunity aims to alleviate the financial burden for NYC restaurants as they make necessary operational updates to enhance environmental sustainability. Applicants are encouraged to submit comprehensive plans demonstrating the intended use of funds to lower carbon emissions and improve overall environmental impact.

This initiative supports local businesses and organizations dedicated to fostering economic growth in communities around Corning business locations. It focuses on empowering and supporting economic activities that align with Corning's values and objectives. Applications are reviewed continuously throughout the year to ensure timely support for impactful projects.

LIA Foundation Small Business Support Program The LIA Foundation, in partnership with the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce (LIAACC) and Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (LIHCC), is continuing to expand the Small Business Support Program by directly funding 25 businesses in Nassau County and 25 businesses in Suffolk County. These grants aim to provide financial resources to support growth, expansion, and contribute to the revitalization of downtown areas. Program Details: Grant Provider: LIA Foundation Funding Source: Generous grant from Optimum Business Grant Amount: $5,000 per selected business Application Deadline: May 1, 2024 Notification: Selected businesses will be notified in the summer of 2024 after review by a Selection Committee. Eligibility: Small businesses in Nassau County and Suffolk County No consideration of membership status with LIA, LIAACC, LIHCC, or Optimum Business in the evaluation process. Additional Information: Non-members of the Long Island Association will receive a six-month complimentary membership upon application submission. Optimum Business provides world-class Internet, phone, TV, security, and managed services with a commitment to small and mid-sized business success. Application Process: Submit applications by May 1, 2024. The Selection Committee will review applications. Successful applicants will receive notification in the summer of 2024. Note: Membership with LIA, LIAACC, LIHCC, or status as an Optimum Business customer will not influence the evaluation of applications.

Working with the Community Foundation of Otsego County, the group created a field of interest fund, the Advocates for Springfield Fund, to support the health and well-being of the Springfield community. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Otsego County State: New York City: Springfield Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: A local grassroots group created Advocates for Springfield to promote good land uses in its town. Since it began in the early 2000s, Advocates for Springfield has successfully encouraged the Town to adopt a comprehensive plan, a zoning ordinance, and other land use laws.  As the vision and actions of the Town’s governing bodies have aligned with the goals of the Advocates for Springfield, the group found it had worked itself out of a reason to exist. The group wanted its remaining financial resources to be put to good use for the benefit of Town residents. Funding Information Awards up to $500. The Community Foundation has allocated up to $1,500 for awards for 2024. Eligibility Criteria  Support for local nonprofit organizations that add to the fabric of the community, such as the volunteer fire department and the Library Funds to supplement summer jobs that benefit the community, especially in childhood education. Groups fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization are eligible but must submit evidence of the sponsorship. They do not fund: direct grants to individuals. direct grants to businesses. For more information, visit CFOC.

The Naturally Lewis Building Business Fund aims to support business growth in Lewis County by providing matching funds for businesses to acquire necessary tools, both literal (equipment/machinery) and figurative (business services/professional services). This initiative is designed to bolster the local economy by facilitating the expansion or diversification of businesses, with an emphasis on projects that demonstrate a clear benefit to the community, including economic development, job creation, introduction of new products or services, and enhancement of cultural or recreational opportunities. Eligible projects may involve equipment, machinery, working capital, training, and workforce development, but cannot include construction or capital improvements. Applications open on July 1, 2024, with a deadline of September 26, 2024. Grant awards range from $10,000 to $50,000.

East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant Program As part of her Juneteenth announcement, and in response to the May 14, 2022 racially motivated mass murder of 10 persons at Tops Friendly Markets in the Jefferson Avenue Business District in East Buffalo, Governor Hochul committed to making $50 million in community investments in housing, business, and other types of relief available. The East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant Program is part of this investment. The $3 million program will provide grants of $5,000 to $50,000 to eligible small businesses in a designated area of East Buffalo to help largely minority-owned establishments rebound from the social and economic impacts of the mass shooting at Tops Friendly Market on Jefferson Avenue earlier this year. We thank Governor Hochul for the East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant Program - another step in the State’s long-term commitment to the East Buffalo community. East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant Program As part of her Juneteenth announcement, and in response to the May 14, 2022 racially motivated mass murder of 10 persons at Tops Friendly Markets in the Jefferson Avenue Business District in East Buffalo, Governor Hochul committed to making $50 million in community investments in housing, business, and other types of relief available. The East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant Program is part of this investment. The $3 million program will provide grants of $5,000 to $50,000 to eligible small businesses in a designated area of East Buffalo to help largely minority-owned establishments rebound from the social and economic impacts of the mass shooting at Tops Friendly Market on Jefferson Avenue earlier this year. We thank Governor Hochul for the East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant Program - another step in the State’s long-term commitment to the East Buffalo community. None Apply for the East Buffalo Grants Qualifying small businesses must be located in East Buffalo within the target area delineated on the map below. We will begin accepting applications on March 15, 2024, on a first come first served basis. APPLY NOW None East Buffalo Grants FAQ Eligibility, requirements, andapplication process questions can be found here. LEARN MORE About the Grants Grants will be calculated based upon the business’s gross receipts: Annual gross receipts: $5,000 -$49,999: Award is $5,000 / business Annual gross receipts: $50,000 -$99,999: Award is $10,000 / business Annual gross receipts: $100,000 -$1,000,000: Award is 10% of gross receipts (maximum grant is $50,000) Qualifying businesses must be located in the area designated below. Area bounded by: Main Street (properties fronting on both sides) south to North Street; North Street (properties fronting on south side) east to Michigan Avenue; Michigan Ave (properties fronting on east side) south to I-190; I-190 east to the Norfolk-Southern RR overpass and the Buffalo River; Buffalo River east to the City of Buffalo border; and City of Buffalo border north to Main Street, (excluding the University at Buffalo South campus). Ineligible businesses, specified by ESD include the following: Home-based businesses which are primarily oriented to serve customers and clients outside of the region. Examples: retail shops and online marketplaces that sell to a statewide or national customer base are not eligible Business that received funding through ESD’s $800M Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program are not eligible. Applicants must attest that they have not received funding from this program. Business that received funding through ESD’s $200M flexible grant program for early-stage businesses are not eligible. Applicants must attest that they have not received funding from this program and do not intend to apply for funding through this program Religious organizations, lobbying organizations, and elected officials who are the owner of a small business are ineligible to receive grants under this program.

Rising Restaurateur: A Community Grant Program is an innovative microgrant program that offers $200,000 in microgrants to New York City Latino, Black, Indigenous, Asian American and/or Pacific Islander restaurateurs. From brick-and-mortar establishments to food trucks and carts, BIPOC/AAPI+ entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry can apply for microgrants of up to $10,000 to uplift their businesses. Selected participants will also have access to additional business development opportunities through Oyate Group. Rising Restaurateur is a partnership between Oyate Group, Grubhub and the New York State Latino Restaurant Bar & Lounge Association. To participate, restaurateurs must be Latino, Black, Indigenous, Asian American and/or Pacific Islander, based in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Westchester County (Mt. Vernon and Yonkers), operating as a single business with 30 or fewer employees and a revenue of $2 million or less. Members of the New York State Latino Restaurant Bar & Lounge Association are encouraged to apply. Grant funding is made possible by Grubhub and Oyate Group.

This fund provides matching financial support to small and mid-sized New York farms for safety improvements and repairs, helping them create a safer working environment.

The Schuyler County Fund at the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes provides a vehicle for individuals, families, and businesses to invest in the residents of Schuyler County and to protect the physical environment of the region. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes State: New York County: Schuyler County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/05/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Community Foundation is a public charity that encourages funding requests from non-profit tax-exempt programs. Guiding Principals for Grantmaking The Community Foundation builds community and inspires philanthropy. They support creative, effective and innovative programs in the areas of human services, arts and culture, education and youth, health, the environment and civic affairs. Successful projects will address community needs while demonstrating sustainable impact and measurable outcomes. It strives to create healthier conditions for people in our community by collectively improving and/or developing them together. Funded programs will provide clearly stated goals for the incorporation of diverse cultures, philosophies and experiences. Diversity is present not only in program delivery but also in the mission, boards, and operations of the organization The voices of the underserved and economically diverse are important, and programs designed to foster access for community connections are preferred. Eligibility Criteria The Schuyler County Fund supports a wide variety of projects but does restrict itself to organizations: Classified as a nonprofit charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code; or publicly supported organizations such as school districts and municipalities Who have submitted a grant evaluation for any completed program previously funded by the Community Foundation Projects that address pressing issues and benefit from strong community partnerships Proposals from faith-based organizations will only be considered if: (1) service benefits all, regardless of religion; (2) service provided is not religious in nature; and (3) there is no proselytizing associated with the service. The Schuyler County Fund does not make grants for the following activities: Annual campaigns, special event fundraisers or sponsorships Religious purposes Political or partisan purposes Activities taking place before grant decisions are made Deficit funding or debt retirement Individuals For more information, visit  Schuyler County Fund.

Grant Name: DRI Main Street Facade Improvement Program Location: City of Syracuse, New York Grant Size: $100,000 to $500,000 Duration: Not specified Details: The City of Syracuse Department of Neighborhood and Business Development is offering grants to support the redevelopment and improvement of commercial, mixed-use, and/or historic properties within the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) area. Funding is available for for-profit entities seeking to make building facade improvements. A total of $1.8 million has been allocated for this program, with a maximum award of up to $250,000 per project. Eligible applicants include property owners or those under contract to purchase property in the DRI area. Both for-profit and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply. For more information, visit NBD website.

This program provides New York City-based startups in fields like AI, AR, cybersecurity, and smart cities with valuable resources and support to help them grow without taking equity.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for solar and storage projects that benefit low- to moderate-income households in affordable housing across New York, helping to overcome barriers and promote equitable access to renewable energy.

Grant Opportunity: Cattaraugus County Microenterprise Assistance Program Grant (New York) This program provides funding for microenterprises with five or fewer employees, owned by individuals meeting low- or moderate-income criteria as defined by HUD. Not-for-profit corporations are not eligible. Both existing and startup micro-businesses can apply, with startups defined as businesses that have filed structure documentation within the last 6 months. Applicants must submit a completed application, business plan, and proof of income and family size. The assisted business activity must result in the creation of employment positions consistent with low- and moderate-income benefit provisions. Proof of job creation and employee income will be required before grant funds are disbursed.

The Rockland Small Businesses Rescue Grant Program in New York offers funding to small businesses and micro-enterprises in Rockland County that have experienced revenue declines or unexpected operating cost deficits due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible businesses include indoor arts, entertainment, and recreation; pet grooming, boarding, and walking; restaurants, eateries, food stands and trucks, bars, bakeries, cafes, breweries/wineries catering, delis; bookstores/stationary; housekeeping; fitness centers; florists; general retail; salons/spas; bicycle shops; and other consumer service firms. The grant covers expenses such as commercial or retail rent reimbursement (up to 3 months with no arrears), safety investments (PPE, cleaning supplies, UV disinfection equipment or services), hardware and software fees, credit card processing fees (difference of % increase), carriage fees, marketing fees (advertising and promotion), business enterprise certification fees, and operational supplies.

This program provides funding and support to municipalities and designated organizations in New York State to develop and improve large industrial sites, attracting major employers in key industries like semiconductor and high-tech manufacturing.

The Town of Walworth, having received funding through the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) of 2021, has an interest in supporting small businesses and non-profit organizations who have been impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. As the town is supportive of making investments that back long-term growth and opportunity, $100,000 has been allocated to this project, and this application has been made available as a tool for the purpose of assisting COVID-19 impacted small-businesses/ non-profit organizations in their recovery efforts.

Herkimer County CARES Grant Program in New York is open to registered NYS for-profit legal business entities located within Herkimer County. Eligible activities include supporting businesses in manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, agriculture, high technology, research and development, and traditional and innovative small business endeavors. Technical assistance will be provided through the Mohawk Valley Small Business Development Center at no cost to the applicant. The grant aims to create or retain at least one new full-time equivalent job for low-to-moderate income individuals and allows reimbursement of eligible costs dating back to March 2020. Grant funds can be used for marketing adaption, community safety improvements, workforce development, safety enhancements to facilities, efficiency improvements, and air quality improvements. Previous funding received through COVID-19 reimbursement programs is allowed but cannot be duplicated through this program.