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Governor Hochul Announces Availability of $3 Million Small Business Grants in East Buffalo

$5,000 to $50,000 Grants Will Be Available on February 3 for Small Businesses in Designated Area of East Buffalo Following Racially Motivated May 2022 Mass Murder

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that applications will be available for the East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant Program from February 3 to February 17. The $3 million program will provide grants of $5,000 to $50,000 to eligible small businesses in a designated area of East Buffalo to help largely minority-owned establishments rebound from the social and economic impacts of the mass shooting at a Tops Friendly Market on Jefferson Avenue earlier this year. The Local Initiatives Support Corporation - New York will administer the program on behalf of Empire State Development. Eligible businesses can submit pre-applications here. For more information on the program, including eligibility and FAQs, click here.

"The East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant Program is the latest step in the State's long-term commitment to uplifting this community," Governor Hochul said. "As a born-and-raised Western New Yorker, I witnessed first-hand the strength, resilience, and passion that runs through this community. Now, we are addressing decades of disinvestment and neglect through programs like this Small Business Working Capital Grant Program to help the largely minority-owned businesses in East Buffalo continue serving residents and forge a new path forward for the region's economy."

Senior Executive Director of LISC NY, Valerie White said, "The foundation of all initiatives for LISC NY are concentrated around the principles of conscious and effective investment into community programs where New Yorkers are in the most need. East Buffalo has been uniquely affected recently by domestic terror, and severe, incessant climate emergencies. This considerable investment into the people and local economy of East Buffalo, NY will directly benefit the local small businesses already making a concentrated impact within the community. We commend Governor Hochul for recognizing the needs of varying types of small businesses unique to regions of the state and those amongst commercial corridors in East Buffalo. We look forward to working side by side with Empire State Development to administer this pivotal grant program for the people of East Buffalo, strengthening the backbone of this resolute community - reinforcing and developing the celebrated region for generations to come."

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The horrific acts of this past May will not define the community of East Buffalo, nor undermine its strength and spirit. With $3 million in targeted working capital grants to help eligible small businesses defray operating costs, New York State is taking additional steps to ensure the area's predominantly minority-owned enterprises have the support they need to serve the community."

Read the full press release here.