Application period opens for third year of Grow-NY business competition

The application window for the 2021 Grow-NY business competition is now open for submissions.

Grow-NY is a business competition that focuses on “enhancing the emerging food and agriculture innovation cluster” in Central New York, the Finger Lakes and the Southern Tier regions of New York state, Empire State Development (ESD) said.

The contest attracts “high-growth” food and agriculture startups from around the world and across the state, where they will compete for a combined total of $3 million in prize money.

Applications will be accepted through July 15. The program will select up to 20 finalists from among the submitted applications.

For additional information about the Grow-NY competition and to apply visit www.grow-ny.com.

ESD is funding the contest through Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Upstate Revitalization Initiative connected with the three regions — CNY Rising, Finger Lakes Forward and Southern Tier Soaring. The competition is administered by Cornell University through its Center for Regional Economic Advancement.

In September, up to 20 finalists will be assigned mentors and enter the business-development phase. All finalists will receive entrepreneurial support and regional introductions, along with additional training on presenting their live pitches. Barring travel restrictions, all finalists will join an expenses-paid, three-day, business-development trip to the region for up to two team members.

The finalists will then present their business plans during the Grow-NY Summit, which is set for Nov. 16-17 as a hybrid (in-person and virtual) event broadcast live from Syracuse.