SIDA loans, grants available for pandemic-impacted Syracuse small businesses, nonprofits

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Syracuse Industrial Development Agency (SIDA) is accepting applications from small businesses and nonprofit corporations in the city of Syracuse for loan and grant assistance to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

SIDA’s board of directors on July 21 authorized $175,000 to fund the program.

It will provide grants of between $500 and $10,000 to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) or to acquire and install fixtures to prevent the spread of the virus. The program will also provide loans of between $3,000 and $25,000 for any purpose related to responding to the coronavirus crisis.

The programs are for organizations located and conducting business in the City of Syracuse with no more than 50 employees that have been “negatively impacted by the disaster emergency declared by the state.”

“SIDA is an important partner to many businesses and nonprofits in Syracuse, and the agency is again demonstrating its support for our city,” Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said. “The pandemic had an immediate impact on many organizations. Its effect is still being felt, so SIDA’s assistance is vital now to help businesses and nonprofits continue to function and to be able to contribute to the health of our city.”

How to apply

Walsh’s office says applications are available online at: www.syrgov.net/SIDA/home.aspx

They must be submitted before the close of business on Aug. 14.

Those interested can submit completed applications by email at business@syrgov.net or by mail to: Syracuse Industrial Development Agency, 202 E. Washington St., Syracuse, NY 13202.

SIDA expects to make decisions on loan and grant awards during the week of Aug. 24.