Small Business Grants in New York
New York offers the largest market in the country, world-class talent, and an extensive network of state and local business support programs. Beyond New York City's massive economy, the state has thriving business communities in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, and the Hudson Valley. The state's grant landscape is deep and varied, with programs targeting everything from technology startups to manufacturing to small retail businesses in underserved communities.
Economic Overview
New York has approximately 2.2 million small businesses employing over 4.1 million workers — the most of any state except California. The economy spans finance, technology, healthcare, media and entertainment, fashion, food and beverage, manufacturing, and agriculture. New York City alone has a GDP larger than most countries. Upstate New York has reinvented itself around advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and biotechnology with significant state investment.
State Grant Programs
Empire State Development (ESD) administers numerous programs including the Excelsior Jobs Program (tax credits), the Global NY Grant Fund ($10K-$25K for export assistance), the NYS Business Seed Funding grants, and the Innovate NY Fund for startups. The Regional Economic Development Councils allocate competitive grants across the state. The NY SBDC has 24 offices statewide. New York City has its own programs through the NYC Department of Small Business Services, including grants, free legal help, and training. The Buffalo Billion and other regional initiatives have directed billions in business development funding upstate.
How to Apply
Visit ESD's website and identify your region's Economic Development Council. Contact the NY SBDC — with 24 offices, there is one near you. In NYC, the Department of Small Business Services is your first stop. For tech startups, NYC's ecosystem includes NYU, Columbia, Cornell Tech, and numerous accelerators. Upstate businesses should explore START-UP NY and the regional council competitive grants. Register at SAM.gov for federal grants.
Featured Opportunities66 Active
Award Amount
$10,000 - $25,000
Global NY Grant Fund
Award Amount
$5,000 - $25,000
NYS Business Seed Funding
Award Amount
$50,000 - $5,000,000
New York Excelsior Jobs Program
Award Amount
$4,000 - $4,000
NASE Growth Grant
Award Amount
$10,000 - $50,000
Amber Grant for Women
Award Amount
$275,000 - $305,000
NSF SBIR Phase I (America's Seed Fund)
Award Amount
$10,000 - $500,000
USDA Rural Business Development Grants
Award Amount
$1,000 - $10,000
Skip Monthly Business Grants
Award Amount
$5,000 - $25,000
IFundWomen Universal Grant Application
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Venmo Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$50,000 - $275,000
DOD SBIR Phase I
Award Amount
$150,000 - $293,297
NIH SBIR/STTR Phase I
Award Amount
$50,000 - $200,000
DOE SBIR/STTR Phase I
Award Amount
$50,000 - $100,000
EPA SBIR Phase I
Award Amount
$75,000 - $750,000
USDA Value-Added Producer Grant
Award Amount
$2,500 - $1,000,000
USDA Rural Energy for America (REAP)
Award Amount
$600,000 - $5,000,000
EDA Public Works Program
Award Amount
$150,000 - $2,500,000
EDA Economic Adjustment Assistance
Award Amount
$250,000 - $2,000,000
EDA Build to Scale (Venture Challenge)
Award Amount
$75,000 - $150,000
SBA Growth Accelerator Fund Competition
Award Amount
$50,000 - $4,500,000
SBA HUBZone Program
Award Amount
$50,000 - $4,500,000
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
Award Amount
$50,000 - $4,500,000
SBA Women-Owned Small Business Contracting
Award Amount
$5,000 - $25,000
Hello Alice Small Business Growth Fund
Award Amount
$20,000 - $20,000
Allstate Main Street Grants (Hello Alice)
Award Amount
$10,000 - $50,000
Fund Her Future Grant (H&R Block)
Award Amount
$1,000 - $15,000
Kiva 0% Interest Microloans
Award Amount
$15,000 - $25,000
Amazon Business Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$2,000 - $350,000
Google for Startups Cloud Program
Award Amount
$20,000 - $20,000
Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Hero
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Ladies Who Launch Program
Award Amount
$500 - $2,500
Freed Fellowship Grant
Award Amount
$25,000 - $100,000
MassChallenge Accelerator (Equity-Free)
Award Amount
$1,000 - $5,000
Southern Smoke Emergency Relief Fund
Award Amount
$30,000 - $100,000
Cartier Women's Initiative (2027 Cycle)
Award Amount
$10,000 - $50,000
EmpowHer Grant
Award Amount
$7,500 - $7,500
Halstead Grant for Jewelry Designers
Award Amount
$15,000 - $15,000
Girlboss Foundation Grant
Award Amount
$5,000 - $5,000
Red Backpack Fund (Spanx Foundation)
Award Amount
$5,000 - $5,000
Tory Burch Foundation Fellows
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
NAWBO / Mastercard Small Business Grants
Award Amount
$2,000 - $5,000
Second Service Foundation Veteran Awards
Award Amount
$10,000 - $25,000
Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$5,000 - $50,000
PenFed Foundation Veteran Entrepreneur Program
Award Amount
$25,000 - $25,000
NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant
Award Amount
$25,000 - $25,000
NAACP x L'Oreal Beauty Industry Grants
Award Amount
$10,000 - $20,000
Fearless Strivers Grant (Fearless Fund + Mastercard)
Award Amount
$1,500 - $5,000
First Nations Acorn Fund
Award Amount
$10,000 - $40,000
First Nations Native Food Sovereignty Grant
Award Amount
$10,000 - $50,000
NBMBAA Scale-Up Pitch Challenge
Award Amount
$5,000 - $10,000
SoGal Foundation Black Founder Grant
Award Amount
$5,000 - $5,000
DigitalUndivided Breakthrough Program
Award Amount
$5,000 - $10,000
NDI Small Business Hub (Disability Entrepreneurs)
Award Amount
$5,000 - $25,000
NAACP x BACARDI Backing the B.A.R.
Award Amount
$25,000 - $25,000
NAACP Power Forward Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$5,000 - $15,000
USHCC / Wells Fargo Hispanic Business Grants
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best grants for New York small businesses?▼
New York offers Excelsior Jobs tax credits, Global NY Grants ($10K-$25K), NYS Business Seed Funding, Innovate NY Fund, Regional Council competitive grants, NYC SBS programs, and federal SBIR/STTR and USDA programs.
Are there grants specifically for NYC small businesses?▼
Yes. NYC Department of Small Business Services offers grants, training, and legal assistance. NYC Economic Development Corporation runs programs for various sectors. Borough-specific programs like the Queens Tech Challenge and Bronx business grants provide additional opportunities.
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