Cortland County BDC accepting applications for small-business grants

CORTLAND, N.Y. — The Cortland County Business Development Corporation (BDC) announced it has $300,000 available to help pandemic-impacted small businesses.

The BDC was awarded the grant money through the county’s American Rescue Plan allocation process. Businesses may be eligible for assistance through three different programs, the BDC said.

The “Façade Repair and Improvement” program is available for investment by commercial-property owners. The program will help with the cost of items such as exterior lighting, signage, and overall repairs that “enhance the attractiveness of commercial corridors” in Cortland County, the BDC said.

The organization will give “special consideration” to historically significant properties in downtown business districts.

In addition, the “Small Business Expansion Assistance Grant” program will provide financial help for entrepreneurs and existing small businesses that have been putting off capital improvements and expansion due to the pandemic. Businesses should submit plans aimed at growing their revenue and customer base, the Cortland County BDC said.

The “Downtown Business Grant” program, which would support new businesses locating in Cortland County’s downtown districts. The goal of this program is to enhance downtown districts as desirable locations while helping to build various business sectors that are critical to the community’s economic health.

“Many small businesses have delayed capital investments during the pandemic due to the volatile economy and lingering effects of the pandemic,” Garry VanGorder, BDC executive director, said. “These funds are intended to prompt those investments and help our small businesses become more resilient and embrace the challenges that they face.”

Applications and program guidelines are available on the BDC’s website at www.cortlandbusiness.com. The Cortland County BDC will accept applications until Feb. 28 and expects to make award notifications by mid-March.