Categories: Employee Benefits & Human ResourcesEnergy, Environment & SustainabilityLaw, Accounting & TaxesNew York NewsNonprofitsSmall BusinessSports, Entertainment & TourismSubscriber Only

Fulton small businesses can apply for grants from city’s DRI funding

The City of Fulton Community Development Agency (FCDA) is accepting applications from small businesses for projects that will “enhance and strengthen” the city’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) area. Pictured are: Alexandra Fitzpatrick (2nd from left), owner of Quintessential Creative, who completes an application for a DRI grant to add new signage for her business on Rt. 481 in the DRI corridor. Also pictured are Fulton Mayor Deana Michaels (standing); Sarah Farley (seated right), FCDA executive director; and Nate Emmons, FCDA deputy director (seated left). (PHOTO CREDIT: FCDA)

FULTON, N.Y. — The City of Fulton Community Development Agency (FCDA) says the city’s small businesses can apply for funding for projects to “enhance and strengthen” the city’s downtown area. The $750,000 available for these grants are part of Fulton’s award in the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). FCDA is accepting applications through Oct. 3, […]

Already an Subcriber? Log in

Get Instant Access to This Article

Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.

Learn More and Become a Subscriber

The $750,000 available for these grants are part of Fulton’s award in the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). FCDA is accepting applications through Oct. 3, the agency said in a May 23 announcement.

The types of improvements can include new signs and awnings, building renovations, technical assistance, and projects related to dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am beyond thrilled to announce this program,” Fulton Mayor Deana Michaels said. “These improvements in our downtown and along the DRI area will be transformational. Both Fultonians and those visiting our city will see the bright, new improvements and feel the pride we all have in enhancing our city’s positive vibe.”

An information session for business owners interested in applying for these funds will be held at 6 p.m. on June 14 at the Fulton War Memorial, Sarah Farley, FCDA executive director, said.

“In addition, interested business owners can contact the FCDA to schedule a free consultation for application assistance with our economic-development team,” Farley added. “We want to make the application process as smooth as possible.”

DRI project timeline

Once all applications are received, FCDA anticipates a timeline process that will include the following elements:

• Mid-October: review committee meets
• Nov. 1: Selecting and recommending projects to New York State Homes and Community Renewal and then announcing grant awards.
• Dec. 1: proceeding with grant awards and finalized projects
• During winter and spring 2023: conducting required environmental review
• Between January and April 2023: continuing final design, project bidding, permitting, and site-plan review
• May 1, 2023: beginning construction
• July 1, 2024: completing all projects

Contact the FCDA at www.fultoncda.com/contact or (315) 593-7166.

Eric Reinhardt