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 Opportunities20 Active
Award Amount
$10,000 - $25,000
Global NY Grant Fund
Award Amount
$5,000 - $25,000
NYS Business Seed Funding
Award Amount
$20,000 - $20,000
Queens Tech + Innovation Challenge
Award Amount
$4,000 - $4,000
NASE Growth Grant 2025
Award Amount
$10,000 - $25,000
Amber Grant for Women
Award Amount
$275,000 - $275,000
America's Seed Fund (SBIR Phase I)
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
FedEx Entrepreneur Fund (Boost Camp)
Award Amount
$10,000 - $500,000
Rural Business Development Grants
Award Amount
$5,000 - $5,000
American Express Backing Small Business
Award Amount
$1,000 - $1,000
Skip Monthly Business Grants
Award Amount
$5,000 - $5,000
IFundWomen Universal Grant
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Venmo Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
LegalZoom Fast Break for Small Business
Award Amount
$30,000 - $100,000
Cartier Women's Initiative
Award Amount
$50,000 - $50,000
EmpowHer Grant
Award Amount
$20,000 - $20,000
Amex Shop Small Grants
Award Amount
$20,000 - $20,000
Intuit Small Business Hero
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Skip's $10k Kickoff Grant
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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