Small Business Grants in New York
New York offers more than 20 active grant and incentive programs for small businesses, primarily administered by Empire State Development through the Consolidated Funding Application process.
In This Article
Which New York grants fit your business?
Answer 7 quick questions and we sort the 13 programs on this page into likely fits and long shots. Nothing personal is asked or stored, and final eligibility is always decided by the granting agency.
New York Small Business Grant Programs
State-administered funding programs available to New York small businesses. Verify deadlines directly with the granting agency before applying.
ACHIEVE Competition (Advancing Collaboration for High-impact Initiatives for Economic Visions & Expansion)
Empire State Development
Up to $150M total
July 2026A $150 million competition empowering Regional Economic Development Councils to advance catalytic economic development projects. Funding supports high-impact initiatives that jump-start regional growth across New York State.
Status check, The inaugural 2025 ACHIEVE Competition has concluded, with four regional winners already announced (Long Island, Mohawk Valley, New York City, Southern Tier). The CFA application window closed July 31 2025. No new round is currently open.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 9, 2026
Regional Council Capital Fund (CFA)
Empire State Development
$60M total pool
July 2026Capital grant funding for economic development projects intended to create or retain jobs and increase business activity. Accessed through the Consolidated Funding Application, which includes 20+ programs from eight state agencies.
Status check, Page shows general CFA portal welcome page. States programs change throughout year and to check back periodically. No specific information about Regional Council Capital Fund deadline or current availability visible.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 16, 2026
FAST NY Shovel-Ready Grant Program
Empire State Development
Up to $400M total, pre-development grants up to $500,000 per site
RollingGrants for pre-development activities and infrastructure investments to develop sites that attract high-tech manufacturing, clean energy, life sciences, and other advanced industries. Over $326 million has been awarded to 39 sites to date.
Status check, Program actively accepting Letters of Intent and Applications for Track B and Track C grants on a rolling basis. Awards allocated until funding exhausted. As of April 2026, over $333 million awarded across 8 rounds.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 12, 2026
NYSTAR Innovation Matching Grants Program
Empire State Development (NYSTAR)
Up to $130,000 per award
Rolling (rounds open in October and April)Matching grants for New York-based small businesses with active SBIR/STTR federal awards. Funds can be used for business planning, commercialization, patents, and marketing to accelerate the path from research to market.
Status check, Rounds open twice yearly on 2nd Wednesday in October and April, remaining open for 1 week. Round 5 is closed. Next round expected October 2026.
Last verified, Jul 17, 2026
Global NY Fund Grant Program
Empire State Development
Up to $25,000
RollingGrants of up to $25,000 (covering up to 50% of project costs) to help New York businesses start exporting or expand their global sales. Average processing time is 90 days.
Status check, Applications accepted on a continuous basis with rolling deadlines. Average processing time is 90 days. Grants up to $25,000 for companies, up to $100,000 for nonprofits.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 12, 2026
Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI)
NYS Department of State / Empire State Development
$10M per community
Rolling (annual rounds)New York's signature downtown revitalization program awards $10 million to one community per region each round. To date, DRI has awarded $900 million to 91 communities to transform downtowns into vibrant economic centers.
Status check, DRI is active but between rounds. Round 9 municipal deadline was November 7, 2025. No Round 10 announced yet as of July 2026. Small businesses do not apply directly; municipalities apply via REDC and Consolidated Funding Application portal.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 9, 2026
Restore New York Communities Initiative
Empire State Development
$1M - $5M per project (varies by municipality size)
Deadline Dec 20, 2024Grants for municipalities to demolish, rehabilitate, and restore blighted structures into vibrant residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments. Recent rounds have ranged from $50 million to $60 million in total funding.
Status check, Round 9 final applications were due December 20, 2024 at 5pm EST. No information about Round 10 or future rounds is provided on the page.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
MWBE Business Growth Accelerator Program (BGA 3.0)
Empire State Development (DMWBD)
Free program (over $105M in contracts facilitated)
RollingIntensive technical assistance and business development training for certified MWBEs. BGA 3.0 serves 200 MWBEs statewide with training in procurement, financial management, mentorship, and networking to help secure public and private contracts.
Status check, BGA 3.0 program is an 18-month structured program accepting applications through selected Incubators based on business location. MWBEs can submit applications or complete an interest form. No specific deadline stated.
Last verified, Jul 12, 2026
Federal Grant Programs
These federal programs are available to small businesses in every state.
SBA 7(a) Loan Program
The SBA's primary lending program guarantees loans through participating lenders. This is a loan, not a grant. But the terms favor small businesses that may not qualify for conventional financing.
Status check, This is a loan program, not a grant. The 7(a) Loan Program provides loan guarantees to lenders for small business loans up to $5 million. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis through participating SBA lenders.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBA Microloan Program
Provides small, short-term loans up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediary lenders. Funds working capital, inventory, supplies, or equipment. Interest rates typically run 8% to 13%. Repayment terms reach up to six years.
Status check, The SBA Microloan Program provides loans up to $50,000 through intermediary lenders. No application deadline specified. Program appears to be ongoing and available through SBA-approved intermediaries.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBIR/STTR Grants
Competitive federal grants for small businesses doing research and development with commercial potential. Twelve federal agencies take part. Phase I awards fund proof of concept. Phase II supports full development.
Status check, SBIR/STTR is an ongoing rolling program. Phase I awards $50,000-$275,000 over 6-12 months. Phase II awards $750,000-$1.8 million over 24 months. No single deadline shown; applicants apply through participating agencies.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
USDA Rural Business Development Grant
Grants for rural small businesses and communities in areas under 50,000 people. Covers technical assistance, training, and business planning. Awarded to public bodies, tribes, and nonprofits.
Status check, The USDA RBDG program is currently listed as closed. The most recent cycle deadlines were June 15, 2026 for SECD applications and June 30, 2026 for remaining applications, both of which have passed.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Programs
Federal programs for minority-owned businesses seeking capital, contracts, or market access. MBDA Business Centers sit across the country. They offer consulting, procurement help, and financing referrals.
Status check, MBDA operates ongoing business center services but competitive grant windows are time-limited and targeted at organizations not individual businesses. The only identified grant (WEP) closed February 2025. No currently open general MBDA small business grant found.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
Get Grant-Ready
Before you apply, most New York grant programs expect these basics to be in place.
Form your business entity
Most New York grant programs require applicants to be a registered LLC, corporation, or nonprofit. If you haven't formed yet, that's the first step.
$39 + state fee. Includes registered agent, business address, and more.
Get your EIN
An Employer Identification Number is free from the IRS and required on nearly every grant application. You can apply online and receive it immediately.
Open a business bank account
Grant funds need to go into a dedicated business account, not your personal checking. Most agencies will ask for your banking details on the application.
Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC.
Grants by Business Type
Targeted programs for specific business owners in New York.
Women-owned Business Grants
New York offers robust support for women-owned businesses through its MWBE certification program. Certified WBEs gain access to state contracting opportunities, the Business Growth Accelerator Program, and dedicated lending programs administered by Empire State Development.
- ›MWBE Business Growth Accelerator Program
- ›Division of Minority and Women's Business Development
Minority-owned Business Grants
New York has the highest MWBE utilization rate in the country at 32 percent. Certified minority-owned businesses access dedicated financing, the BGA accelerator, the MWBE Regional Expo Series, and priority consideration for state contracting opportunities.
- ›MWBE Business Growth Accelerator Program
- ›MWBE Certification Program
- ›Division of Minority and Women's Business Development
Veteran-owned Business Grants
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOBs) can obtain state certification through Empire State Development, which provides access to SDVOB participation goals on state-funded projects and contracting opportunities.
- ›Division of Service-Disabled Veterans' Business Development
- ›Empire State Development
Technology/Innovation Business Grants
Tech startups in New York can access the NYSTAR Innovation Matching Grants Program, which supplements federal SBIR/STTR awards. Empire State Development's NY Ventures division also provides financial capital to early-stage technology businesses.
- ›NYSTAR Innovation Matching Grants Program
- ›NY Ventures
- ›SBIR/STTR
Rural Business Grants
Upstate and rural New York communities benefit from the FAST NY program for shovel-ready site development and the NY Forward program, which provides $4.5 million awards to smaller and rural downtowns. USDA Rural Business Development Grants are also available.
- ›FAST NY
- ›NY Forward Program
- ›USDA Rural Business Development Grant
Tips for Applying in New York
Increase your chances of approval with these state-specific tips.
- 1Use the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) portal at apps.cio.ny.gov to apply for most state-funded programs. The annual CFA deadline is typically in late July, but open enrollment programs accept applications year-round.
- 2Register your business with the New York State Department of State and obtain your NY.gov Business Account before starting any grant applications.
- 3If you are a minority, women, or veteran-owned business, pursue NYS MWBE or SDVOB certification through Empire State Development before applying for grants. Certification opens access to dedicated programs, contracting goals, and the Business Growth Accelerator.
- 4Attend Regional Economic Development Council workshops in your area. These sessions provide guidance on the CFA process and help align your project with regional strategic priorities, which directly affects scoring.
- 5Allow at least 90 days for processing on programs like the Global NY Fund. Prepare all required documentation, including financial statements, business plans, and proof of New York State operations, before submitting.
State Economic Development Agency
Empire State Development
Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, promoting business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity through grants, loans, tax credits, and technical assistance statewide.
Funding While You Wait
Grant applications in New York can take weeks or months to process. These options can bridge the gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Senior Finance & Banking Editor
Richard is the veteran anchor of the site's financial content. Raised in the Midwest and starting his career in Chicago's commercial banking sector, he spent over a decade underwriting small business loans before moving into financial journalism. He doesn't get swept up in startup hype; he cares about unit economics, APYs, and fee structures.
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Grant programs change frequently. Deadlines, eligibility requirements, and funding amounts listed here may be outdated. Always verify information directly with the granting agency before applying. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.
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