New York Business and Commerce Grants

This program provides up to $5,000 to small business owners in New York City who have been operating for at least two years, to support projects that positively impact their local communities.

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 funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations in Syracuse to help individuals and families secure and maintain stable housing through prevention, rapid re-housing, and outreach services.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and individual artists in Tompkins County to create professional public arts events that engage diverse communities and address local cultural needs.

This program provides $5,000 grants to small businesses and non-profits in Oyster Bay with up to 50 employees and annual revenues between $35,000 and $5 million to help them recover from pandemic-related losses.

The Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development in New York is offering a matching grant of $10,000 to $100,000 for a duration of 3 years to not-for-profit organizations, schools, governmental agencies, businesses, and landowners for the development of tourism events and attractions, with a focus on increasing visibility and visitor numbers.

The Funds for the Newest New Yorkers is a collaborative initiative between government and philanthropic organizations, managed by The New York Community Trust, aimed at supporting innovative efforts to improve the lives of migrants who have recently arrived in New York City. This program aligns with the broader mission of ensuring that new arrivals thrive and contribute to a stronger city, recognizing the positive impact immigrants have on New York City. The grant is designed to enhance and fill gaps in existing government programs and funding, rather than replace them. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are newly arrived migrants in New York City. The program's impact goals are focused on facilitating their integration and stability within the city. This includes connecting them to essential services like work, school, legal assistance, public benefits, housing, and general support for city life. The program also aims to build the capacity of service providers to meet the increasing demand for these critical services. The program prioritizes proposals that offer services in three key areas: Case Management, Legal Services, and Community-Based Social Services. For Case Management, the focus is on providing support within shelters (both City-run and nonprofit-run) to connect migrants with necessary resources. Legal Services aim to increase the capacity of providers to assist with benefits applications, work authorization, deportation defense, and achieving lawful status. Community-Based Social Services are designed to help community groups provide or connect newcomers with public education, workforce development, job opportunities, English classes, and other services that aid in their integration. Expected outcomes and measurable results include improved efficiency and speed in migrants' path to stability, evidenced by successful connections to shelter, case management, and social services. The program also seeks to foster partnerships between organizations with complementary expertise, and to fund projects that can be adopted and scaled by the government for long-term impact. Prioritization will be given to projects that deliver services with cultural and linguistic sensitivity, and that leverage the existing strengths and experience of organizations. Grants are expected to range from $75,000 to $250,000 per year for up to two years, with larger grants awarded to projects that include a strong, coordinated case management component along with legal and/or community-based social services.

The Launch LC grant opportunity, facilitated by Naturally Lewis, is a competitive program designed to bolster start-up businesses within Lewis County, New York. Its core mission aligns with enhancing the quality of life for residents and fostering a more appealing community for living, working, and recreation. Naturally Lewis, as the funding body, strategically aims to support creative entrepreneurs whose ventures will contribute to these overarching community development goals, embodying a direct alignment between the grant's purpose and the foundation's strategic priorities. The program is specifically tailored to address local economic growth and community enrichment through targeted business support. The program's target beneficiaries are start-up microenterprises—defined as businesses with five or fewer employees—that are either new or have been operating for less than six months in Lewis County. A key impact goal is to empower low-to-moderate income individuals, either by directly supporting businesses owned by them or by incentivizing the creation of jobs made available to this demographic. This focus ensures that the grant funds not only stimulate economic activity but also contribute to social equity and opportunity within the community. The 6-month program structure is designed to provide comprehensive training, funding, and essential tools, thereby equipping entrepreneurs for successful business launch and sustained operation. Naturally Lewis prioritizes start-up businesses within specific categories: Food & Beverage, Small-scale Manufacturing, Tourism, and Construction Trades. These sectors have been identified as key areas that can significantly enhance local experiences for both tourists and residents, directly contributing to the community's attractiveness and economic vitality. The funding model, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 based on project costs, ensures that a variety of small-scale projects can receive crucial early-stage capital. The requirement for applicants to contribute at least 10% of project costs with personal funds promotes a shared investment and commitment to the business's success, aligning with a theory of change that emphasizes entrepreneurial buy-in. Expected outcomes include the successful establishment and growth of new microenterprises in Lewis County, leading to job creation, particularly for low-to-moderate income individuals. Measurable results will be seen in the number of businesses successfully launched, the volume of grant funds effectively utilized for equipment, machinery, furniture, and inventory, and the tangible improvements in community quality of life and attractiveness. The program explicitly excludes retroactive projects, ensuring that funding is directed towards new ventures that will generate future positive impacts. Ultimately, Naturally Lewis anticipates that the Launch LC grant will serve as a catalyst for sustainable economic development and community vibrancy in Lewis County.

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.

This funding opportunity is designed to assist healthcare providers and community organizations in New York State that are working to overcome healthcare access challenges in rural areas.

This opportunity invites midway operators to submit proposals for providing and managing rides, games, and concessions at the Great New York State Fair from 2025 to 2034.

The Food Safety Education Fund grants program, administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD), is designed to enhance food safety throughout Michigan. Funded by assessments on licensed food establishments, the program aligns with a mission to protect public health by providing critical food safety training and education. This initiative directly supports the broader goal of ensuring a safe food supply for all Michigan residents. The foundation's strategic priority is to prevent foodborne illness through proactive education and the empowerment of various stakeholders within the food system. The program primarily targets two key beneficiary groups: Michigan consumers and food service establishment employees, as well as agents of the director who enforce food regulations (e.g., local health department sanitarians and MDARD food safety inspectors). The impact goal is to improve food safety knowledge and practices among these groups, ultimately reducing the incidence of foodborne illnesses. Eligibility is restricted to Michigan governmental and non-profit organizations and entities, ensuring that the grants support organizations deeply embedded in community health and public service. Producers, marketers, processors, and growers are explicitly excluded to maintain the program's focus on education and training. For the 2024-2025 grant cycle, up to $365,600 is available, with a specific allocation of $242,500 for consumer food safety education and $114,100 for food service establishment employees and regulatory agents. This demonstrates a clear prioritization of widespread public education while also fortifying the knowledge base of those directly involved in food handling and enforcement. The grant duration is typically one year, though multi-year proposals are considered on an individual basis, contingent on future funding availability. Proposals should specifically avoid requesting funding for routine or required training, such as HACCP or ServSafe certification, emphasizing a focus on innovative and supplementary educational initiatives. Proposals are evaluated based on several key criteria, including goals and objectives to improve food safety, assessment of statewide need and audience, measurable outcomes, potential for partnering with other organizations, inclusion of matching funds, and opportunities to build upon previously funded projects. These selection criteria reflect the program's theory of change, which posits that strategic partnerships, evidence-based interventions, and quantifiable results are essential for achieving sustainable improvements in food safety. The expected outcomes include a more informed public, better-trained food service professionals, and more effective enforcement of food safety regulations, all contributing to a safer food environment across Michigan.

The Advocates for Springfield Fund, established in partnership with the Community Foundation of Otsego County, is dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of the Springfield community in New York. This fund emerged from a local grassroots group, also called Advocates for Springfield, which initially focused on promoting good land uses within the town. Having successfully influenced the adoption of a comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance, and other land use laws since its inception in the early 2000s, the group sought to repurpose its remaining financial resources for broader community benefit. The Community Foundation's mission to support local communities aligns directly with this initiative, ensuring the longevity and effective deployment of these funds for the residents of Springfield. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are local nonprofit organizations that enhance the community's fabric, such as volunteer fire departments and libraries. Additionally, the fund supports initiatives that supplement summer jobs benefiting the community, with a particular focus on childhood education. Groups fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization are also eligible, provided they submit evidence of sponsorship. The program explicitly excludes direct grants to individuals or businesses, focusing instead on organizational support that fosters collective well-being and community development. The grant program prioritizes funding for projects that demonstrably contribute to the health and well-being of Springfield residents. This includes supporting essential community services provided by local nonprofits and investing in programs that offer educational and developmental opportunities for children through summer jobs. The focus on childhood education reflects a strategic priority to cultivate a strong future for the community by nurturing its youngest members. The overarching goal is to strengthen the community infrastructure and improve the quality of life for its residents through targeted, community-centric investments. Expected outcomes of this grant program include enhanced support for vital community services, increased opportunities for youth development and education, and a stronger, more resilient Springfield community. Measurable results will be tied to the impact of the funded projects, such as the number of individuals served by supported nonprofits, the number of summer jobs created or supplemented, and the educational outcomes for participating children. The Community Foundation’s strategic priority, as evidenced by allocating up to $1,500 for awards in 2024 with individual awards up to $500, is to distribute resources efficiently to generate meaningful, localized impact. This approach reflects a theory of change where targeted financial support for community-based initiatives leads to tangible improvements in the overall health and well-being of the community.

The Northeast SARE Professional Development Grant program aims to advance sustainable agriculture practices by enhancing the knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes of agricultural and other service providers. This directly aligns with the foundation's mission to support sustainable agriculture through education and professional development. The grant focuses on empowering professionals who work with farmers, enabling them to teach, advise, or assist in the adoption of sustainable methods. The program seeks to create a ripple effect, where trained service providers then apply their learned expertise to help farmers improve their agricultural practices, fostering a more sustainable food system within the Northeast region. The primary beneficiaries of this program are agricultural service providers, including those in non-profit organizations, colleges, universities, Cooperative Extension, and other entities that serve the farming community. Additionally, the program extends its reach to other service providers such as real estate agents, bankers, and attorneys, who can indirectly influence farmers. The overarching impact goal is to cultivate a more resilient and sustainable agricultural landscape in the Northeast by equipping these professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge. Expected outcomes include increased adoption of sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices by farmers, improved ecological and economic resilience to climate change, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The program prioritizes a wide array of topics, encompassing marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture, and traditional ecological knowledge. A significant focus is placed on climate-smart agriculture practices, which are intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change. This includes practices such as reduced and no-till farming, cover cropping, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. The program's strategic priorities are clearly aligned with addressing contemporary agricultural challenges through education and practical application. Northeast SARE actively encourages projects from, or in collaboration with, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Furthermore, it encourages proposals from Minority Serving Institutions and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities, demonstrating a commitment to equity and inclusivity in agricultural development. The theory of change behind these priorities is that by supporting a diverse range of voices and institutions, the program can foster more innovative and equitable solutions for sustainable agriculture, leading to broader and more effective adoption of sustainable practices across the region. The expected measurable results include an increase in the number of service providers trained in sustainable agriculture, a documented increase in farmers adopting climate-smart practices, and the successful implementation of projects that demonstrate improved ecological, social, and economic resilience. Awards typically range from $30,000 to $150,000, with project lengths usually spanning 2 to 3 years, and a maximum allowed duration of 3.5 years. The program's geographical focus is exclusively on the Northeast region, which includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C., ensuring targeted and localized impact within this specific area.

This program provides financial assistance to property owners in Lewis County to renovate vacant or blighted commercial buildings, transforming them into active business spaces and boosting local economic growth.

This funding opportunity supports local artists in Fulton, Montgomery, and Saratoga Counties to create new public art projects that engage and involve their communities.

The ConnectALL Initiative's Municipal Infrastructure Program (MIP) is designed to foster the development of open-access, publicly owned, and/or controlled last-mile fiber broadband infrastructure. This initiative aims to deliver reliable high-speed internet services to homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions throughout New York State. The program's mission aligns directly with the New York State Urban Development Corporation d/b/a Empire State Development ("ESD") objectives to promote a vigorous and growing state economy, encourage business investment and job creation, and support diverse, prosperous local economies across NYS. By addressing broadband access, the MIP contributes to ESD's broader strategy of using grants and other forms of assistance to facilitate economic development and improve quality of life for residents. The target beneficiaries of the MIP include communities across New York State that are currently experiencing connectivity challenges due to a lack of affordable, high-speed internet infrastructure. Specifically, the program aims to connect homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions. The primary impact goal is to improve broadband access, thereby reducing the digital divide and enabling greater participation in the digital economy. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the availability of reliable, high-speed internet, leading to enhanced economic opportunities, improved educational access, and better access to essential services for residents and businesses in underserved areas. The program's priorities and focuses revolve around the construction of new infrastructure or the acquisition of existing infrastructure. This includes last-mile fiber connections to address last-mile infrastructure (cabling, wires, pole replacements, radios) and drops to buildings. It also emphasizes fiber connections to Internet Exchange Points or Data Centers, including middle-mile fiber and networking equipment. A key focus is on ensuring open-access and predominantly publicly controlled infrastructure, leveraging funding from the U.S. Department of Treasury Capital Projects Fund (CPF) to achieve these objectives. The ConnectALL Initiative's strategic priorities are deeply rooted in addressing fundamental connectivity gaps across the state. The theory of change posits that by investing in publicly controlled, open-access fiber broadband infrastructure, the state can stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and foster more equitable access to information and opportunities. The expected measurable results include the deployment of new fiber optic networks, the number of homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions connected, and ultimately, an improvement in the overall broadband speed and affordability available to New Yorkers. The total funding available for this program is $228 Million, with a maximum grant size of $30 million per award, indicating a significant investment to achieve these transformative goals.

This funding program provides financial support for building and business improvements in downtown Jamestown, including a new grant for planning future projects, aimed at local businesses and organizations looking to revitalize the area.

The Inspire Community Grant, offered by the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts, provides financial support ranging from $2,500 to $7,500 for arts and cultural projects in Livingston and Monroe Counties, New York, aimed at serving diverse populations and enhancing community vitality, with eligibility extended to non-profit organizations, government entities, Tribal Nations, and individual artists or groups working with a fiscal sponsor or community partner.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is soliciting proposals for the Northeast Forests and Rivers Fund (NEFRF), a program dedicated to restoring and sustaining healthy rivers, forests, and grasslands to provide habitat for diverse fish and wildlife populations. This initiative aligns with NFWF's broader mission to protect and restore native wildlife species and their habitats, leveraging public and private funding to achieve significant conservation outcomes. The NEFRF, formerly known as the New England Forests and Rivers Fund, represents a strategic investment in the ecological health of the Northeast region, fostering biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. The program's target beneficiaries include various fish and wildlife populations such as river herring, Atlantic salmon, brook trout, wood turtles, golden-winged warblers, New England cottontails, and bobolinks. Beyond wildlife, the program also aims to benefit agricultural producers, particularly those in Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories, by helping them design and implement conservation practices. The impact goals are centered on improving habitat quality and connectivity, enhancing forest conditions, and promoting hayfield management conducive to successful grassland bird breeding. NEFRF's priorities and focuses are outlined in NFWF’s Northeast Watersheds Business Plan (March 2023), specifically targeting strategies for Stream and Riparian Habitat, and Upland Forests and Grasslands. Key implementation strategies for 2024 include restoring stream and riparian habitats, improving forest management for age and structural diversity, and promoting hayfield management. A significant portion of funding, approximately $625,000, is set aside for projects that assist agricultural producers in adopting conservation practices beneficial to target species like northeast turtles and golden-winged warblers, while also increasing Farm Bill program participation. Additionally, the program encourages projects that involve community outreach, engagement, collaborative management, and the incorporation of traditional knowledge and community input. Expected outcomes and measurable results include improved habitat for specific fish and wildlife species, enhanced age and structural diversity in forest blocks, successful grassland bird breeding, and increased participation of agricultural producers in conservation programs. Projects are expected to contribute to measurable conservation benefits through community input, co-design processes, and engagement with community-level partners (e.g., municipalities, NGOs, community organizations, community leaders) to ensure project design, implementation, maintenance, and long-term sustainability post-grant award. The grant duration is three years, with projects expected to start no later than six months after the award date. The NFWF's strategic priorities for the NEFRF reflect a theory of change that posits by investing in targeted habitat restoration, improved land management, and community engagement, ecological health will be restored and sustained, benefiting both wildlife and human communities. Funding is provided by a consortium of partners including the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Zoetis Foundation, and Sylvamo, underscoring a collaborative approach to conservation. The program encourages a holistic view of conservation, integrating scientific best practices with local community needs and traditional knowledge to achieve robust and lasting environmental improvements across Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and parts of New York.