“Concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there’s nothing you can’t do.”
New York is one of the most demanding places in the world to build a business—and that’s precisely why it produces some of the most resilient founders anywhere. High operating costs, dense competition, and fast-moving markets force entrepreneurs to sharpen quickly. But New York also offers something few places do: a deeply layered public funding ecosystem designed to keep small businesses alive, growing, and competitive.
Through Empire State Development (ESD), the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS), NYSERDA, and borough-level partners, New York invests billions into small business support every year. This funding isn’t limited to cash grants—it includes training reimbursements, export funding, infrastructure upgrades, energy incentives, downtown revitalization dollars, and technical assistance. When used strategically, these tools reduce costs, unlock new markets, and function as non-dilutive growth capital.
Below is a curated, New York–specific guide to state and city grant programs, followed by community-based and borough-level funding pathways founders should know in 2025–2026.
New York–Administered Grant & Accelerator Programs (1–25)
1. NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) – Grant Opportunities
Funding Amount: Varies
Supports commercial corridors, workforce programs, and neighborhood economic development through grants administered directly or via community partners.
https://www.nyc.gov/site/sbs/index.page
2. NYC SBS – Customized Training Grant Program
Funding Amount: Up to 60% reimbursement
Helps NYC businesses offset employee training costs, improving retention and productivity during growth phases.
https://nyc-business.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/business-services/recruitment-and-training/customized-training-grant-program
3. NYC SBS – Small BID Support Grant Program
Funding Amount: Up to $100,000 per district
Funds smaller Business Improvement Districts to strengthen commercial corridors through planning, marketing, and operations.
https://www.nyc.gov/site/sbs/neighborhoods/small-bid-support-grants.page
4. NYC SBS – SmApply Portal
Funding Amount: Varies
Centralized portal where all active NYC SBS grant applications are posted and managed.
https://smallbusinessservices.smapply.io
5. NYC SBS – Open Streets Grant Program
Funding Amount: Varies
Supports organizations managing Open Streets, indirectly boosting nearby business visibility and foot traffic.
https://www.nyc.gov/site/sbs/neighborhoods/open-streets-grant.page
6. Empire State Development (ESD) – POWER UP Grant Program
Funding Amount: Program-based
Funds electrical infrastructure upgrades to accelerate business and industrial site readiness.
https://esd.ny.gov/power-up-grant-program
7. ESD – Small Manufacturers Modernization Grant
Funding Amount: ~$50,000–$250,000
Supports NY manufacturers investing in automation, equipment upgrades, and productivity improvements.
https://esd.ny.gov/small-manufacturers-modernization-grant
8. ESD – Global NY Fund Grant Program
Funding Amount: Up to $25,000
Reimburses export-related expenses for NY businesses entering or expanding in international markets.
https://esd.ny.gov/global-ny-fund-grant-program
9. ESD – State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
Funding Amount: Varies by cycle
Provides export assistance funding tied to federal allocations and international trade initiatives.
https://esd.ny.gov/global-ny-state-trade-expansion-program
10. ESD – Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant (Historic)
Funding Amount: Closed
Included for reference; illustrates New York’s capacity for rapid, large-scale small business funding.
https://esd.ny.gov/pandemic-small-business-recovery-grant-program
11. ESD – START-UP NY
Funding Amount: Tax incentives
Offers long-term tax relief for eligible businesses operating in designated academic-affiliated zones.
https://esd.ny.gov/startup-ny
12. Empire State Development (ESD) – Small Business Hub
Funding Amount: Program hub (varies)
Description:
The Small Business Hub is the central starting point for New York State–administered grants, incentives, and support programs. Founders can use this portal to identify relevant funding based on business size, industry, and growth stage, making it especially useful for navigating ESD’s otherwise complex ecosystem.
Website: https://esd.ny.gov/small-business-hub
13. ESD – Growth Support Portal
Funding Amount: Program hub
Description:
This portal consolidates New York’s growth-focused programs, including manufacturing, export assistance, site readiness, and infrastructure incentives. It’s designed for businesses moving beyond survival mode into expansion, helping founders align planned investments with eligible funding opportunities.
Website: https://esd.ny.gov/growth-support
14. New York State Grants Management – Grant Opportunity Portal
Funding Amount: Varies
Description:
The Grants Management portal lists active statewide grant opportunities and provides access to the Statewide Financial System (SFS), which many NY grants require for submission. Founders pursuing state funding should treat this portal as essential infrastructure, not an optional resource.
Website: https://grantsmanagement.ny.gov
15. NY.gov – NY Forward
Funding Amount: Municipal awards (varies)
Description:
NY Forward supports downtown revitalization in smaller cities and towns across New York State. While municipalities apply directly, small businesses benefit through improved infrastructure, renovated commercial spaces, and increased local foot traffic driven by state-funded redevelopment projects.
Website: https://www.ny.gov/programs/ny-forward
16. NY.gov – Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI)
Funding Amount: Large municipal awards
Description:
The DRI program funds large-scale downtown transformation projects that often include new retail, mixed-use developments, and public space improvements. Businesses located in DRI-funded districts frequently benefit from rising demand and improved commercial conditions.
Website: https://www.ny.gov/programs/downtown-revitalization-initiative
17. NY.gov – DRI Application & Process
Funding Amount: N/A
Description:
This resource explains how communities apply for DRI funding and how projects are selected and implemented. Founders can use it to identify future investment areas and anticipate which downtowns may experience increased economic activity.
Website: https://www.ny.gov
18. ESD – Restore New York Communities Initiative
Funding Amount: Municipal redevelopment grants
Description:
Restore NY funds the redevelopment of blighted and underutilized properties, enabling the creation of new commercial and mixed-use spaces. Small businesses often benefit indirectly by gaining access to revitalized locations and improved neighborhood economies.
Website: https://esd.ny.gov/restore-new-york
19. New York Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Funding Amount: Free advising and grant navigation
Description:
SBDCs provide no-cost assistance to New York small businesses, including help with grant applications, financial projections, and capital readiness. While not a funding source itself, SBDC support significantly improves a founder’s chances of securing grants and financing.
Website: https://www.nysbdc.org
20. PACE SBDC – NYS Small Business Seed Grant Guidance
Funding Amount: Program-dependent
Description:
PACE SBDC offers guidance on New York seed-level grant programs, helping founders understand eligibility, documentation requirements, and timing. This resource is particularly valuable for early-stage businesses preparing for future grant cycles.
Website: https://pacesbdc.org
21. NY Seed Grant (Closed – Reference)
Funding Amount: Closed
Description:
The NY Seed Grant is no longer active but remains widely referenced online. It’s included here for clarity, as many founders still encounter outdated information while researching New York grants.
Website: https://nyseedgrant.com
22. Manufacturing Assistance Program (NYC Business Portal)
Funding Amount: Varies
Description:
This program connects NYC manufacturers with funding opportunities, modernization support, and technical assistance. It’s especially useful for small manufacturers navigating compliance, space constraints, and production upgrades within the city.
Website: https://nyc-business.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/industries/manufacturing
23. CitizensNYC – Neighborhood Business Grants
Funding Amount: $5,000–$10,000
Description:
CitizensNYC provides microgrants to neighborhood-based businesses and community projects across all five boroughs. These grants are ideal for local initiatives, pilot programs, and small expansions that strengthen community engagement.
Website: https://www.citizensnyc.org
24. Federal Home Loan Bank of New York – Small Business Recovery Grants
Funding Amount: Up to $10,000
Description:
Offered through participating financial institutions, these grants support small business recovery and resilience. Availability depends on bank participation and funding rounds, making it a strong option for businesses already working with local lenders.
Website: https://www.fhlbny.com
25. NYSERDA – Small Business Programs & Incentives
Funding Amount: Varies
Description:
NYSERDA offers grants, rebates, and incentives that help small businesses reduce energy costs through efficiency upgrades, electrification, and clean-energy adoption. These programs often function as indirect funding by lowering long-term operating expenses.
Website: https://www.nyserda.ny.gov
Borough-Specific & Community-Based Grant Pathways (26–35)
26. Bronx Economic Development Corporation (BXEDC)
Supports Bronx businesses with access to grants, loans, and funding navigation.
https://www.bxedc.org
27. Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund
Community-based lender and capital access organization serving Harlem founders.
https://www.hefnyc.org
28. CitizensNYC – Borough-Wide Microgrants
Neighborhood-focused grants across Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Harlem.
https://www.citizensnyc.org/nbg
29. NYC Small Business Resource Network
Connects founders to grants, lenders, and recovery programs citywide.
https://www.nycsmallbusinessresourcenetwork.org
30. Avenue NYC (SBS Commercial District Revitalization)
Funds neighborhood corridor revitalization projects.
https://www.nyc.gov/site/sbs/neighborhoods/avenue-nyc.page
31. NYC M/WBE Certification Program
Unlocks access to city contracts and targeted grant opportunities.
https://nyc-business.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/description/minority-and-womenowned-business-enterprise-certification-program-mwbe
32. East Harlem Small Business Grant (Union Settlement)
Place-based grant supporting East Harlem storefronts.
https://www.unionsettlement.org/smallbizgrant
33. Bronx Means Business
Grant and capital access support through Bronx BIDs and chambers.
https://www.bronxmeansbusiness.org
34. Made in NYC
Supports NYC manufacturers and makers with growth and funding pathways.
https://www.madeinnyc.org
35. NYC Business Solutions (Borough Offices)
Free funding navigation and application support citywide.
https://nyc-business.nyc.gov
Final Word for New York Founders
New York doesn’t reward shortcuts—it rewards stamina, clarity, and preparation. The grants listed above aren’t abstract opportunities; they are tools designed to keep the concrete jungle alive with businesses that endure.
When you build here, you build strong.
And when you know where to look, New York helps fund the climb.
*For more information find our database with over 300+ Grants here
