CenterState CEO accepting applications for Southeast Gateway Initiative mini-grant program

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — CenterState CEO’s Southeast Gateway Initiative is accepting applications for its mini-grant program.

The organization will invest $15,000 in small business real-estate development and property-improvement projects, per its Wednesday news release.

CenterState CEO will award the three $5,000 grants to small business and/or mixed-use property owners to support property improvements within the Southeast Gateway neighborhood.

The program seeks to build on other large-scale development projects happening in or near the neighborhood including the $2 billion Interstate 81 project; JMA Wireless’ $25 million renovation of the Coyne building; the $11.3 million investment in the mixed-use Salina 1st facility; and the more than $300 million Blueprint 15 redevelopment.

“The Southeast Gateway Neighborhood is experiencing an economic renaissance anchored by a series of transformative investments and we want to ensure they are complemented by neighborhood-based projects,” Calvin Corriders, manager of neighborhood economic development at CenterState CEO, said in the release. “These grants will target projects that can best leverage Syracuse’s recent economic growth and further position the Southeast Gateway as a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable community.”

Grants are available for existing or aspiring business owners, property owners and developers located, or planning to invest, within the Southeast Gateway’s geographical boundary, CenterState CEO said. 

Eligibility

CenterState CEO listed the following elements for eligibility for the grant funding:

• Business, property owner, or prospective property owner
• Project located in a commercial or mixed-use property
• For-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations are eligible, and must meet the following criteria:

o          Business applicants must be an XBE business; defined as minority, woman, veteran, or disabled owned business

or

o          nonprofit applicants must have Black leadership in the senior executive position and/or at least 51 percent Black membership on their board or steering committee

• Has to be located or will be locating in the Southeast Gateway footprint
• Project cost must be $150,000 or less
• Projects can include, but are not limited to: expansions, renovations, repairs, purchases, beautifications, facade improvements, tenant build outs
• Any business owner directly affiliated (i.e., employee, board member) with the organizations associated with this grant are not eligible

Evaluation criteria

A committee consisting of Southeast Gateway stakeholders will review and score applications, which will then be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Community/neighborhood impact
• Environmental impact
• Ability to complete the project
• Completeness of application
• Need for funding
• Project supports minorities, women, veteran and disabled persons, empowers neighborhood residents and rehabilitates distressed real estate
• Engagement of XBE contractors & vendors