NYS Small Business Grants – Small businesses are one of the most vital veins of US economy in every state, including New York. Therefore, it is only fitting that people from these local state area are looking for some kind of grant that can support their small business. After all, a grant is the ideal capital assistance since it is basically a free money that doesn’t have to be repaid.
However, where should someone look for the small business grant? Many business owners ask that question across the United States, including in New York State. There is a bunch of books and software offering the answers, but grants information is actually free of charge, as long as you know where to look.
One thing you should remember that grants are rare, but they do exist. Capital funding through grant programs may be offered by the federal, state, or city government, as well as foundations and corporations.
However, before you apply for these grants, it is highly recommended to get your small business certification. It would be even better if you can get a special certification mentioning that your business is woman-owned, veteran-owned, minority-owned, or disadvantaged-owned.
Note that any business grant from the Federal government will require this certification. Moreover, having the certification increase your ‘bargaining position’ in both government and private foundation grant givers. Sometimes, the grant givers provide special attention to businesses that are owned by a minority, woman, veteran, or disadvantaged.
List of NYS Small Business Grants
If you’re living in New York State, then you may want to consider some of these options as your NYS Small business grants opportunities:
Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer
The programs are your best shot for a technology grant. The SBIR or SBTR grant programs provide a massive amount of grants for each state. They consider women and minority too! However, these highly competitive grants emphasize on innovation on technology, so you have to have something that differentiates from your competitors. If you don’t think that your business is suitable for the SBIR/SBTT grant, you may want to seek information from your city and state governments for technology-focused business.
Head Start/Early Head Start Recipient program
- Funding Number: HHS 2024 ACF OHS CH R2 0114
- Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families – OHS
- Category: Income Security and Social Services
- Funding Amount: $51,688,997
This funding opportunity is for the communities in the state of New York under the Head Start/Early Head Start Recipient program. The allocated amount for this program is $51,688,997. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply to HHS 2024 ACF OHS CH R2 0114 for consideration and potential funding.
For more information: https://www.usgrants.org/new-york/small-business-grants
Natural Resource Management Support for Natural Resource Branch
- Funding Number: W9126G 23 2 SOI 4289
- Agency: Department of Defense, Fort Worth District
- Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
- Funding Amount: $2,189,620
The Department of Defense, Fort Worth District, is providing funding support for natural resource management to the Natural Resource Branch located at Fort Drum, New York. The funding opportunity, identified by the code W9126G 23 2 SOI 4289, aims to enhance scientific research and development efforts related to natural resource management.
The allocated funding amount for this initiative is $2,189,620. Eligible applicants in supporting the Natural Resource Branch at Fort Drum can apply for this opportunity. So, they can contribute to the advancement of natural resource management practices.
For more information: https://www.usgrants.org/new-york/small-business-grants
Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG)
- Funding Number: USDA NRCS NY CIG 23 NOFO0001260
- Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources
- Funding Amount: $500,000
The Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for the Federal fiscal year (FY) 2023 in New York. The funding opportunity, identified by the code USDA NRCS NY CIG 23 NOFO0001260, aims to support innovative projects in agriculture, environmental conservation, and natural resources management.
The total funding available for this initiative is $500,000. Eligible applicants in implementing innovative conservation practices in New York should apply for this grant opportunity.
For more information: https://www.usgrants.org/new-york/small-business-grants
New York State Annual FY23 NFO
- Funding Number: USDA NRCS NY CONTR 23 NOFO0001236
- Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources
- Funding Amount: $600,000
The Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering contribution agreements for the State of New York in fiscal year 2023. Under this funding opportunity, identified by the code USDA NRCS NY CONTR 23 NOFO0001236, NRCS aims to establish annual contribution agreements to support projects related to agriculture, environmental conservation, and natural resources management in New York.
The total funding available for this initiative is $600,000. Eligible applicants in partnering with NRCS to implement conservation projects in New York should apply for this grant opportunity.
For more information: https://www.usgrants.org/new-york/small-business-grants
Other Alternatives
If you happen to have a non-technology based business, there are still some possibilities you can try.
First, go to your city, county, and state government websites or offices. Find information about the economic development administration; or something that is equivalent to that. In New York State, there’s the Empire State Development’s Division for Small Business.
From their website, you can find information about NYS small business grants and other forms of financial assistance. There are specific financial support for businesses that are woman-owned and minority-owned. We also found that this agency provides grants for small business manufacturers.
You should also contact your local workforce agency or your local government office. This government agency distributes grants that is available for training your workforce.
Summary
With over $62,419.00 million allocated in grants and an additional $52,183.00 million sourced from local government funds, the federal budget dedicates a significant portion to support the business sector annually in New York. Small businesses and large corporations serve as the cornerstone of economic growth in the state.
I would like to end this tips on NYS small business grants by reminding you that grants are rare, and the competition is always fierce. Don’t expect to get funding for the whole company. Instead, you should consider several projects and find a grant that can provide capital assistance in these projects. Always prepare for a change in your strategy and be creative when you apply for the NYS small business grants.
References :
- Empire State Development – Small Business – http://www.esd.ny.gov/smallbusiness.html
- Free Cash for Your Business – http://money.cnn.com/2009/10/27/smallbusiness/free_money_small_business_grants/index.htm?postversion=2009102811
- SBIR/STTR – http://www.sbir.gov/
- NYS Empire State Development – https://esd.ny.gov/
- Images: nyc.gov, free-smallbusinessgrants.blogspot.com
- (https://www.usgrants.org/new-york/small-business-grants)