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Grants, Incentives, & Funding Opportunities

Greater Rochester Chamber supports member organization growth and expansion in the Greater Rochester region. Below is a list of grants, funding opportunities, and incentives available to businesses in New York State. For more information and assistance, please contact Chamber@GreaterRochesterChamber.com.

General Grant Opportunities

Program Name Offering Organization To Be Used For
Targeted Business Revitalization Grant Program City of Rochester Electric-related Infrastructure Improvements
GrantWatch GrantWatch Various private and government grants can be found and searched for in this portal
Current Federal Grant Opportunities Rep. Joe Morelle Various federal government grants can be found and searched for on this spreadsheet
Capital Investment Incentive Program - Tier 1 RG&E Electric-related Infrastructure Improvements
Capital Investment Incentive Program - Tier 2 RG&E Electric-related Infrastructure Improvements
Brownfield/Building Redevelopment Program RG&E Redevelopment of a brownfield site or vacant building
Business Energy Efficiency & Renewable Technologies Program RG&E Investment in energy efficiency/renewable/clean energy programs
Power Quality/Reliability Program RG&E Investment in power reliability/quality improvements
Economic Development Strategic Outreach Program RG&E Attracting new business investment into Greater Rochester
Natural Gas Efficiency Infrastructure Investment Program RG&E Investment in natural gas related infrasturcture improvements
Non-Residential Geothermal and Air Source Heat Pump Pilot Program RG&E Installation of geothermal or air source heat pump systems in lieu of natural gas heating
Rochester Area Community Foundation Grants Rochester Area Community Foundation RACF is the region’s largest grant maker – various grants for eligible businesses are available
Philip J. Banks Grant Rochester Economic Development Corporation (REDCO) Grant funding for job creation, business retention, expansion, or relocation. Funds can also be used for equipment, redevelopment, real estate acquisitions or new construction
On-the-Job Training Grant RochesterWorks A grant program is designed to help businesses in the City of Rochester and Monroe County meet their employment needs by offsetting the cost of training new employees who need to upgrade their skills to meet the demands of a specific job.
Incumbent Worker Training Grant Program RochesterWorks The Incumbent Worker Training Grant (IWT) program is designed to help businesses in the City of Rochester and Monroe County upskill their existing employees to meet industry demand by offsetting the cost of providing training and certification.
Work Experience Tryout Program RochesterWorks A candidate will work on-site at your location but will be employed by a staffing agency and have their wages 100% subsidized and paid for by RochesterWorks Work Experience temporarily to see if they are a fit for an open position
Grants.gov US Department of Commerce Various federal grants can be found and searched for in this portal

Other Funding Opportunities & Incentives

Program Name Offering Organization To Be Used For
Incentive Program for Public Works Contracts City of Rochester An incentive program for hiring City residents residing in certain City zip codes for public works contracts
Business Development Financial Assistance Program City of Rochester Provides low interest loans and grants for expansion projects, including purchase of machinery/equipment, acquisitions, construction/renovation, and working capital.
Excelsior Jobs Program Empire State Development Receive tax credits for creating new jobs
Linked Deposit Program Empire State Development The Linked Deposit Program (LDP) helps existing New York State firms obtain reduced-rate financing so they can undertake investments
Strategic Planning and Feasibility Studies Program Empire State Development Provides funding for ht preparation and development of strategic development plans for a city, county or municipality or a significant part thereof
New Markets Tax Credit Program Empire State Development Provides investment capital for operating companies and real estate development projects in order to foster job creation and community development in low-income communities throughout New York State
New York State Small Business Revolving Loan Fund Round 2 Empire State Development The New York State Small Business Revolving Loan Fund Round 2 will use $55,583,258 in federally allocated funds for shorter-term financing needs and will address inequitable capital access with targeted lending that will address the financing gaps facing new companies, under-banked communities and small businesses which are more likely to be minority owned.
WeROC The Enterprise Center at PathStone The WeROC program is assisting inspiring entrepreneurs from concept to execution through integrated services of technical assistance and direct access to capital through loans and grants.
Employee Retention Credit IRS A refundable tax credit for businesses that continued to pay employees while shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic or had significant declines in gross receipts from March 13, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2021.
MCIDC RLF 50 Monroe County Economic Development Gap loan financing to Monroe County businesses which do not qualify for the SBA 504 program
MicroAdvantage Small Business Loan Program Monroe County Industrial Development Corp. Loan program designed to provide access to capital up to $50,000 for qualified applicants and technical assistance to small businesses in Monroe County who were impacted by COVID-19, with a focus on certified MWBE enterprises and Service Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses.
Open Solicitations NY Green Bank Funding to help developers and financiers overcome transaction barriers to scalable and replicable clean energy projects
Carbon Neutral Community Economic Development Program New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Funding to support economic development projects across New York State for projects that are regionally significant and designed to carbon neutral net zero energy performance
Charge Ready NY 2.0 New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Offers incentives to public, private and not-for-profit organizations that install Level 2 EV charging stations at workplaces, multi-unit dwellings (MUD’s) or public facilities
Revolving Loan Fund Rochester Economic Development Corporation (REDCO) Funds for job creation, business retention, expansion/relocation, equipment, or other purchases
Catalytic Predevelopment Loans Rochester Economic Development Corporation (REDCO) Flexible, low-interest predevelopment loans are intended for early-stage real estate development projects focused on the revitalization of key commercial properties in targeted Rochester neighborhood corridors
Commercial and Industrial Rebate Program RG&E Rebates for energy efficiency improvements made in C&I facilities including LED lighting, HVAC equipment, compressed air, industrial process equipment, and more
Small Business Rebate Program RG&E Enhanced rebates for energy efficiency improvements for eligible small businesses customers with average annual peak demands < 110kW or annual gas consumption less than 5,000 therms
Electronic Vehicle Make-Ready Program RG&E Incentives that can cover up to 100% of the infrastructure costs associated with the installation of EV charging stations.

Industry & Special Interest Specific Opportunities

Funding & Incentives for Manufacturers

Program Name Offering Organization To Be Used For
Monroe Manufacturing Rewards Program County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency (COMIDA) Rebates on manufacturing equipment purchases of $25,000-49,999 for small businesses in Monroe County
2024 Manufacturing Grants FuzeHub Designed to encourage collaboration between not-for-profit organizations and small to medium-sized manufacturing companies in New York State
Apprenticeship Expansion Grant (AEG) NYS Department of Labor Increase employment opportunities for apprentices, including underrepresented populations
New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership NYSTAR Provide growth and innovation services to small and mid-sized manufacturers
Manufacturing Accelerator Program RG&E Funding for productivity improvement projects
SUNY Apprenticeship Program SUNY Funding to expand apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs in all industry sectors

Funding & Incentives for Startups & Entrepreneurs

Program Name Offering Organization To Be Used For
Kiva Rochester Crowdfunded Microloan Program City of Rochester Provides capital for entrepreneurs who may have difficulty securing loans from traditional lending institutions
Neighborhood Commercial Assistance Program City of Rochester Provides small business grants for eligible retail and neighborhood service businesses which need capital
NASE Growth Grants National Association for the Self-Employed Provides business development grants of up to $4,000 for members of the NASE
Economic Development Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program RG&E Funds awarded to spur development of high growth potential companies

 

Funding & Incentives for MWBEs

Program Name Offering Organization To Be Used For
Small Business Microloan Program County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency (COMIDA) $10,000 to $50,000 loans at Prime +0 fixed at closing for up to five years
State Small Business Credit Initiative Empire State Development Provides technical and financial assistance to help contractors secure surety bonding
Bridge Gap Fund Rebuild the Block Provides financial assistance to Black entrepreneurs who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 and/or looting destruction.
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program Small Business Administration (SBA) The 8(a) program is a robust nine-year program created to help firms owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
Small Business Technology Transfer Program Small Business Administration (SBA) This government grant for small businesses creates opportunities for small businesses to collaborate on joint ventures with the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations
Funding Finder Tory Burch Foundation Portal to help women founders connect with loans, grants, and other ways to access capital based on what they need.
Coalition to Back Black Businesses Grants US Chamber of Commerce Foundation A grant making initiative
to provide immediate financial assistance and long-term support for America’s Black-owned small businesses
MBDA Grants US Department of Commerce Grants and loans for minority owned businesses

Funding & Incentives for Healthcare

Program Name Offering Organization To Be Used For
Training Capacity Expansions for Statewide Institutions NYS Department of Health Funding for the development of new training programs, developing innovative training approaches and techniques, and providing compensation for workers to train full-time support staff and in doing so expand overall training capacity.
Apprenticeship Expansion Grant (AEG) NYS Department of Labor Increase employment opportunities for apprentices, including underrepresented populations
SUNY Apprenticeship Program SUNY Funding to expand apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs in all industry sectors

Funding for Education Organizations

Program Name Offering Organization To Be Used For
Matching Grants Leverage Program NYSTAR Reviews and coordinates requests for New York State matching grants and support letters to strengthen applicants' proposals to federal agencies, foundations, and other grant-making organizations.
Empire State Teacher Residency Program NYS Workforce Development Funds to create residency programs for grad-level teacher candidates
Alternative Teacher Certification Program NYS Workforce Development Funds for the development or expansion of high-quality, research-based, master's-level alternative certification programs
Upskilling Paraprofessionals Programs NYS Workforce Development Funds for the development & implementation of new programs that recruit and support teaching assistants

Funding & Incentives for Small Businesses

Program Name Offering Organization To Be Used For
Neighborhood Commercial Assistance Program City of Rochester Provides small business grants for eligible retail and neighborhood service businesses which need capital
Small Business Microloan Program County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency (COMIDA) $10,000 to $50,000 loans at Prime +0 fixed at closing for up to five years
SBA 504 Loan Program County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency (COMIDA) Long-term financing for the purchase of land, buildings and equipment at a fixed-rate of interest
State Small Business Credit Initiative Empire State Development Provides technical and financial assistance to help contractors secure surety bonding
START-UP NY Program Empire State Development START-UP NY helps new and expanding businesses through tax-based incentives and innovative academic partnerships
Fast Break for Small Business LegalZoom This grant program is a partnership among LegalZoom, the NBA, the WNBA and the NBA G League. Businesses can receive $10,000 in grant money plus free LegalZoom services.
Small Business Financing Program New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Offers small businesses two loan options to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects
Small Business Innovation Research Program Small Business Administration (SBA) Funds are provided for research and development with additional support being given for the commercialization of the technology or service created
Small Business Technology Transfer Program Small Business Administration (SBA) This government grant for small businesses creates opportunities for small businesses to collaborate on joint ventures with the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations

Other Specific Funding & Incentives

 

Program Name Offering Organization Target Audience To Be Used For
Life Sciences Research and Development Tax Credit Program Empire State Development Life Sciences Industry Tax credit used to encourage new businesses to conduct their research and development
New York State Digital Game Development Program Empire State Development Game Development Industry Tax credit used to support companies producing digital games in New York State.
Employee Training Incentive Program Empire State Development Advanced technology, life sciences, software development, clean energy Provides refundable tax credits to New York State employers for skills training that upgrades or improves the productivity of their employees
Commercial Tax Credit Program Empire State Development Motion Picture Industry Tax credit used to increase the production of commercial filming in New York State
NYS Film Tax Credit Program (Production) Empire State Development Motion Picture Industry Tax credit used for qualified production costs and post-production costs incurred in New York State
NYS Film Tax Credit Program (Post-Production) Empire State Development Motion Picture Industry Tax credit used for qualified production costs and post-production costs incurred in New York State
Empire State Musical and Theatrical Production Tax Credit Program Empire State Development Performing Arts Industry Tax credit used to conduct technical rehearsals and other pre-tour activities and perform shows in qualified regional theaters throughout Upstate New York.
FAST-NY Empire State Development Real Estate Development Organizations Grant funding for prepare and develop sites statewide to jumpstart New York’s shovel-readiness and increase its attractiveness to large employers
Grow-NY Food & Agriculture Competition Empire State Development Agriculture Industry A pitch competition program to secure funding for businesses in the agriculture industry
Mid-Sized Arts Grant Monroe County Agriculture Industry Funding for mid-sized arts organizations to use for operating expenses and community festivals
Agriculture Capital Investment Incentive Program RG&E Arts Industry Funding for electric-related Infrastructure Improvements
Commercial Corridor Revitalization Assistance Program RG&E Real Estate Development Organizations Grant used to revitalize a municipality defined target area
Military Entrepreneur Challenge Second Service Foundation Veteran Owned Businesses A pitch competition program to secure funding for Veteran Owned businesses
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