Attention Broome County Small Business Owners: Grants Now Available!

Broome County, in collaboration with The Agency, has officially unveiled a new initiative designed to strengthen the sustainability and expansion of small businesses in the region.

The program, named the Broome County Small Business Development Grant (SBDG), hopes to provide much-needed financial support to local efforts, particularly encouraging business growth and job creation.

One of the main objectives of the SBDG is to offer small businesses, employing two hundred or fewer individuals, a one-time grant of up to $50,000. These funds are intended to facilitate activities that contribute to the retention and expansion of businesses, spanning a wide range of potential uses including investments in furniture and fixtures, machinery and equipment, real estate acquisitions, real estate improvements, as well as working capital such as inventory, payroll, and other operational expenses.

Sole proprietors are encouraged to apply, provided that the grant can lead to the expansion of their product or service offerings.

Get our free mobile app

The SBDG program will prioritize businesses that employ low to moderate-income (LMI) individuals, minority and women-owned enterprises (MWBE), veteran-owned businesses, and those that are located within low-income rural communities.

Stacey Duncan, CEO of the Leadership Alliance, which includes The Agency, emphasized the vital role that small businesses play in the local community, asserting the program's critical contribution to their prosperity and growth.

County Executive Jason Garnar echoed this sentiment, highlighting the instrumental impact of the program in fortifying the local economy by equipping small businesses with vital resources to thrive and create employment opportunities. His praise extended to Stacey Duncan, Chairman Dan Reynolds, and the Broome County Legislature for their support and collaboration in launching the SBDG, positioning the program as a testament to their dedication to fostering a conducive environment for local businesses.

Chairman Dan Reynolds also expressed his endorsement of the newly established partnership between the County and The Agency, emphasizing its role in sustaining and expanding the operations of small businesses. The collaborative efforts of County Executive Jason Garnar and The Agency's Executive Director Stacey Duncan were recognized as pivotal in the development of this program, underscoring their commitment to empowering and supporting local enterprises.

In practical terms, the SBDG functions as a reimbursement grant, requiring participating businesses to utilize the funds before seeking reimbursement. To ensure transparency and accountability, businesses are required to submit supporting documentation such as invoices, labor details, material and equipment records, as well as other pertinent expenses. Notably, applications for the program are now open and will be processed on a rolling basis until all funds are allocated.

For any inquiries or additional information about the SBDG program, interested parties are encouraged to reach out to Stacey Guokas by email at sg@theagency-ny.com.