The Community and Regional Partner Fund, with $52 million in SSBCI funding, will provide up to $5 million in matching funds to accelerators, venture studios, and/or incubators providing structured programmatic support to New York State entrepreneurs with high growth potential.

• Through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funding, ESD is offering applicants a 1:1 match to make investments in early-stage New York companies.
• For every dollar of SSBCI funding requested, applicants must demonstrate a dollar of private funds raised. 
• The applicant should have experience advancing the pace of growth of start-up companies, de-risking them and recruiting and growing those companies in NYS.
• Applicants should support the growth of companies after investment including by supporting future funding rounds and utilizing their network and industry contacts.

• Demonstrated ability to leverage the New York State innovation ecosystem to ensure successful acceleration and out-paced growth of early-stage companies.
• Robust network and ability to identify partners and partnerships that will provide additional outreach or support.
• Ability to de-risk investible companies through mentorship-driven programming.
• Proven ability to track, measure, and report on outcomes associated with the program to implement and ensure appropriate use of funds

For details on how to apply to Community and Regional Partner Program Fund, click here to view the Request for Applications.

For information about the program, contact: [email protected]