HERKIMER, N.Y. — The New York State Office of Homes and Community Renewal’s Community Development Block Grant Economic Development program has awarded Herkimer County — in collaboration with the Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency (HCIDA) — $300,000 in grant funding.
The funds provide the county with resources for collaborative local economic-development efforts with the intention to create jobs, expand economic opportunities, and improve the quality of life for working families in the county through the Herkimer County Micro Enterprise Grant Program.
The program fills a void in helping existing small companies or startups to provide new job opportunities. Businesses with five or fewer employees, one of whom is the owner, are eligible to apply for grants of up to $35,000 that can be used to finance the purchase of capital assets such as machinery, furniture, and equipment.
Applicants must complete a small-business training program with the Mohawk Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC), submit a business plan, and contribute 10 percent owner cash equity toward the project. The program can also provide technical assistance to small startup enterprises when deemed applicable.
For more information about the program or to discuss a potential project for application, contact the HCIDA at (315) 866-3000 or email Jenn Young at jyoung@herkimercountyida.org.