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 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.
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 can be used for training your workforce.
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
- Free Cash for Your Business
- SBIR/STTR
- NYS Empire State Development
- Images: nyc.gov, free-smallbusinessgrants.blogspot.com
