Small Business Grants in New York
One form is the New York gate. The Consolidated Funding Application pools money from eight state agencies, including the $60 million Regional Council Capital Fund.
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.
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 30, 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 31, 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 31, 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, Aug 6, 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 31, 2026
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.
View program pageLast verified, Aug 6, 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, Aug 6, 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.
View program pageLast verified, Aug 3, 2026
Neighborhood Business Grant (CitizensNYC)
CitizensNYC (Citizens Committee for New York City)
Up to $5,000
Deadline Jul 27, 2026Microgrants up to $5,000 from CitizensNYC for community minded NYC businesses. Two cycles a year, you need 2 plus years operating, 10 or fewer employees, and proof like bank or POS statements.
Status check, Verified at citizensnyc.org on July 24, 2026. Cycle 2 applications close July 27, 2026 at 5 PM, decisions come in September. Applications have run twice a year, the next cycle has opened in early November.
Last verified, Jul 29, 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, Aug 3, 2026
SBA Microloan Program
Loans up to $50,000, not grants. You borrow from a nonprofit lender near you, not from the SBA itself. The money can cover working capital, inventory, supplies or equipment. Most people get far less than the cap. The average microloan is about $13,000.
Status check, Verified July 30, 2026 at sba.gov. Rates run 8 to 13 percent. The longest term allowed is seven years. Your lender sets both, not the SBA, so two owners can be quoted very different deals. There is no deadline. You apply through an SBA approved lender in your area.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 30, 2026
SBIR/STTR Grants
Competitive federal grants for small businesses doing research and development with commercial potential. Eleven federal agencies take part. Phase I funds proof of concept. Phase II funds full development.
Status check, Verified July 30, 2026 at sbir.gov. Two different figures get quoted for this program and both are real. As of April 2026 an agency may award up to $323,090 at Phase I and up to $2,153,927 at Phase II without SBA approval, and anything above that needs a waiver. Those are ceilings, not typical awards. Each agency sets its own amounts in its own solicitation, and the sbir.gov agency table currently runs from $50,000 to $300,000 at Phase I and $400,000 to $1.83 million at Phase II. There is no single deadline. You apply through a participating agency.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 30, 2026
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Programs
Help for minority owned businesses that need capital, contracts or new markets. MBDA runs business centers around the country. They give advice, help with bids, and point you toward lenders.
Status check, The business centers still run. The grants are a different story. Those windows are short, and they fund groups rather than single businesses. The last one we could find closed in February 2025. We found no open MBDA grant that a small business can apply for today.
View program pageLast verified, Jul 29, 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 backs women-owned firms well. The MWBE program is the door. Certified WBEs win state contracts, join the Business Growth Accelerator, and reach lending run by Empire State Development.
- ›MWBE Business Growth Accelerator Program
- ›Division of Minority and Women's Business Development
Minority-owned Business Grants
New York leads the nation here. MWBE use hit 31.86 percent in fiscal year 2024-25. That was its fifth straight year past the 30 percent goal. Certified firms reach dedicated lending, the BGA accelerator, the MWBE Regional Opportunities Expo, and first look at state contracts.
- ›MWBE Business Growth Accelerator Program
- ›MWBE Certification Program
- ›Division of Minority and Women's Business Development
Veteran-owned Business Grants
Veterans get their own track. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned firms can earn state certification through Empire State Development. That opens SDVOB goals on state-funded work and a path to contracts.
- ›Division of Service-Disabled Veterans' Business Development
- ›Empire State Development
Technology/Innovation Business Grants
Tech startups have two clear options. The NYSTAR Innovation Matching Grants Program tops up federal SBIR and STTR awards. NY Ventures, part of Empire State Development, puts capital into early-stage tech.
- ›NYSTAR Innovation Matching Grants Program
- ›NY Ventures
- ›SBIR/STTR
Rural Business Grants
Rural New York is not left out. FAST NY preps shovel-ready sites. The NY Forward program gives $4.5 million to smaller downtowns. USDA Rural Business Development Grants add one more route, though only for towns, tribes and non profits, never the business itself.
- ›FAST NY
- ›NY Forward Program
Tips for Applying in New York
Increase your chances of approval with these state-specific tips.
- 1Start at the CFA portal. Use apps.cio.ny.gov for most state-funded programs. The main CFA deadline lands in late July. Open enrollment programs take applications all year.
- 2Set up your accounts first. Register with the New York State Department of State. Get your NY.gov Business Account before you apply.
- 3Get certified if you qualify. Minority, women, and veteran-owned firms should seek NYS MWBE or SDVOB status first. It opens dedicated programs, contracting goals, and the Business Growth Accelerator.
- 4Show up to REDC workshops. Your Regional Economic Development Council runs sessions on the CFA. They help match your project to regional priorities, and that shapes your score.
- 5Give it time. The Global NY Fund can take 90 days. Have your financials, business plan, and proof of New York operations ready before you file.
State Economic Development Agency
Empire State Development
Empire State Development is the state's lead agency. It helps firms grow and hire. It works through grants, loans, tax credits, and direct help across New York.
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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