Empire State Development news and press releases

$5,000 to $50,000 Grants Will Be Available on June 23 for Small Businesses in Designated Area of East Buffalo Round 2 will Feature Expanded Geographic Boundaries and Additional Technical Assistance Builds on State’s Ongoing Recovery Efforts Following 2022 Tops Supermarket Attack Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that applications for Round 2 of the East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant Program are available from June 23 to July 21. The $3 million program provides 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 in 2022.  In Round 1 of the East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant Program, 47 businesses were awarded $614,000.  “Empire State Development is committed to supporting East Buffalo businesses with the operational help they need to grow, and building on the success of the initial round of our grant program, this new round provides even more targeted help to where it will have the greatest impact,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight.  “I encourage business owners to take advantage of an expanded eligibility map and added technical assistance to apply for the East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant Program. Through this program and others, New York State affirms its strong partnership with these predominantly minority-owned enterprises as they continue to serve the community.” “We’re thankful to Governor Hochul for continuing the success of the East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant Program and helping this community recover from tragedy as we work to uplift and empower small, and mainly minority-owned, businesses,” said Valerie White, Senior Executive Director, LISC NY. “LISC NY is proud to administer this program on behalf of Empire State Development, and we encourage eligible businesses to seize this opportunity and apply for the grants. Together, we can forge a brighter future for the region’s economy and ensure the long-term success of our community.” Round 2 will broaden applications and eligibility by expanding the program’s geographic boundaries to the Beltway.  Program partners, including the Exchange at Beverly Gray and The Foundry, will also offer additional technical assistance on program applications to small businesses applying to the program.  The Local Initiatives Support Corporation - New York (LISC NYC) is administering 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. Round 1 awardees included: Challenger Community News Corp This business/weekly newspaper was founded, and continues to be based entirely upon serving, as the Black community’s primary source of print news and information; from showcasing honor students and covering church news and civic activities to editorializing issues that impact the community (locally as well as nationally) in Buffalo and surrounding areas. Every week, the publication  provides relevant information from a Black perspective, as well as a platform for opinions. Nanny’s Nook Quality Home Daycare, Inc. Nanny’s Nook Quality Home Daycare Center has connected with the community by providing quality, affordable childcare to the community for more than 20 years. It has received numerous awards for its commitment to quality, affordable childcare. It has enhanced the positive image of childcare with awards including: the Community Service Award 2022 (Masjid Nu’Man); The Buffalo Award Program, (Childcare) 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023; and the Excellence Award 2016-2017 (Women of Substance, Inc). Aunt Connie’s Ed-U-Kitchen, LLC Aunt Connie’s has conducted healthy hands-on cooking classes with the constituents of many community organizations. The program, with the Buffalo Urban League, has resulted in students achieving ServSafe Food Handling certificates and Aunt Connie’s has been able to initiate job placements. The program serves youth and seniors in teaching culinary skills and impacting eating behaviors. Crews Control Media, LLC Supporting Black-owned media companies can help to create a more equitable and diverse media landscape, and contribute to the economic empowerment of the Black community. The Round 1 program award will leverage resources to create more jobs and change the economic trajectory of those the company is creating employment opportunities for and for the community at large. Monarch of Infinite Possibilities, LLC MIP serves the Black, Brown, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and Faith-based community by providing awareness and training about clean energy, climate change and other environmentally focused initiatives as well as increasing diverse audiences in the arts by putting “BUTS” in the seats at the opera, theatre and various arts spaces. Monarch of Infinite Possibilities LLC (MIP) works with pastors on the East Side to provide awareness about environmental justice and ways to help the community. Zawadi Books Zawadi Books  serves as a resource center for the Western New York community, providing knowledge and history of African and African American culture to provide a better understanding of Black culture and history. Today, Zawadi Books is one of America’s longest operated independent-Black owned bookstores, with over 40 years in business. Round 2 – Expanded Program Boundaries and Grant Application Assistance The expanded East Buffalo Round 2 program area is bounded by the following streets/highways: Main Street (properties fronting on both sides); North Street (properties fronting on both sides); Michigan Street (properties fronting on both sides); William Street (properties fronting on both sides); Belt Line, also known as the Eastern DL&W Rail line (properties west of the corridor); and Kensington Avenue (properties on both sides).  See map of eligible area here. Grants will be made available based upon an eligible businesses’ documented gross annual sales. Nonprofit organizations are ineligible organizations. Two of LISC’s partner organizations, The Exchange at Beverly Gray and The Foundry, are providing on-the-ground application assistance to business owners in need. If businesses need assistance scanning documents, accessing a computer, or filling out program application paperwork, they can visit The Exchange or The Foundry during their grant application assistance office hours: The Exchange at Beverly Gray 334 E. Utica Street, Buffalo, NY 14208 Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Thursdays 1-4 p.m.   The Foundry 298 Northampton Street, Buffalo, NY 14208 Mondays 6 - 9 p.m. Saturdays 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. If needed, translation services for the application will also be available through the International Institute. An East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant Program Round 2 public information session will take place in-person on Tuesday, June 27 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Buffalo Employment Training Center, located at 77 Goodell Street.  An additional online webinar will be held on June 28 at 2 pm, hosted by Beverly Gray. For more information on the webinar and registration click here. The program stems from Governor Hochul’s June 2022 pledge of $50 million in East Buffalo community investments in housing, business and other relief, following the May 14, 2022 Tops Supermarket attack in the Jefferson Avenue Business District in East Buffalo. Other investments stemming from this announcement include a significant community-led food access initiative involving assistance to a new African Heritage Food Co-op project and expanding free transportation services to neighborhood residents in need of additional food options; small business facade/capital assistance programs in East Buffalo business districts; support for job training efforts such as Goodwill’s new Goodskills Career Builder office on Jefferson Avenue; and tens of millions for foreclosure prevention, home repair assistance, and access to capital for first-time home buyers. All these are in addition to Governor Hochul’s East Buffalo commitments under the Regional Revitalization Partnership, announced with local philanthropic partners and the City of Buffalo.  providing a combined investment of $180 million in East Buffalo for small business support and key projects. Those projects include revitalization of the Broadway Market and restoration of iconic historic resources like the Buffalo Central Terminal, the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor, and MLK Park. LISC NYC was established in 1980 and is the New York chapter of a national, not-for-profit organization that equips underinvested communities with the capital, strategy, and know-how to create more equitable, inclusive and sustainable communities. State Senator Tim Kennedy said, “Small business is at the heart of our economy, and these Small Business Grants will be critical to helping entrepreneurs strengthen their enterprises and create stability.  I strongly encourage eligible businesses to apply for this funding which will help to open doors to prosperity and growth.” Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, “After Round 1’s success of 47 businesses receiving over $600,000, I’m excited to see the announcement of Round 2 for Small Business Assistance and its program expansion. I appreciate the vision and action of Governor Hochul, Empire State Development, LISC NY, and our local providers: The Exchange at Beverly Gray and The Foundry. I implore interested entrepreneurs and small business owners to review the qualifications, attend the public information sessions, seek out available technical assistance, and apply for resources to bring them closer to realizing their small business dreams.” Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz said, “By strengthening local small businesses we are creating a stronger overall community and this grant program will do that for minority-owned businesses on Buffalo’s East Side. I encourage business owners in the applicable area to check their eligibility and get involved. Together we can build a better Buffalo and a better Erie County.” City of Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown said, “In order to continue to heal and grow in East Buffalo following the racially motivated mass shooting on May 14th 2022, all stakeholders must work collaboratively to fulfill the community’s vision. It is crucial that we support small black-owned businesses to continue to build an inclusive economy. I thank Governor Hochul for providing additional grant opportunities for East Buffalo. The City’s Office of Strategic Planning will help spread the word to eligible businesses to apply for these funds.” Erie County Legislature Chair April N. M. Baskin said, “I want to encourage residents of East Buffalo to apply for these grants.  Our community was devastated by the choices made by government and businesses over the course of the past 50 years. Now that we have a Governor like Kathy Hochul, who is prioritizing investment in our community, we need to take advantage of the opportunities being offered.” City of Buffalo Council Member Mitch Nowakowski said, “These grants have the potential to be transformational for all of the Eastside of Buffalo.  I am grateful to Governor Hochul and New York State for expanding access to Broadway-Fillmore. Small businesses are critical as we continue to build momentum in this neighborhood.” City of Buffalo Council Member Ulysees O. Wingo, Sr. said, “These funds are the type of infusion our community needs to jumpstart and sustain mom and pop shops in our business districts.  I continue to express gratitude to Governor Kathy Hochul for her continuous commitment to East Buffalo.” City of Buffalo Council Member Bryan J. Bollman said, “I am thrilled for the second round of small business grants coming into the Lovejoy District from Empire State Development. This $3 million program will provide much-needed support to our local small businesses, enabling them to thrive and grow. Programs like these are a testament to the strong entrepreneurial spirit in our community, and I am confident that they will continue to contribute to the economic vitality of the Lovejoy District.” About LISC NY LISC NY is the New York office of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). LISC NY supports local partners across New York State whose services and programs aim to create a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable New York.  Since 1980, LISC NY has invested over $3.1 billion and leveraged an additional $7.6 billion in support of low-income communities. LISC NY’s investment strategy is guided by a belief that the time has come to forge a future for New York that eradicates the racial wealth gap for good, protects affordable housing, and builds pathways of meaningful economic opportunity for all New Yorkers. For more information about LISC NY and their programs and advocacy, visit here. Contact: Pamm Lent | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309 | (716) 560-8815 Laura Magee | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239 | (716) 374-4246 

Postponed – To Be Rescheduled

The meeting is open to the public. The public may also view and listen to the meeting via webcast by clicking the link below. Please Note: Due to building procedures, members of the public attending in-person should please RSVP by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. Members of the press should please call (800) 260-7313; Members of the public should please call (212) 803-3772. Members of the public may submit comments on the Agenda items in writing to [email protected] by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. All comments received by the deadline will be distributed to the Directors prior to the meeting and will be posted online.

600-Foot-Long Elevated Path Adds New Woodland and Timber Bridges, Knits Together New Public Spaces and Public Transit Surrounding Moynihan Train Hall Latest Addition to the High Line Opens to Public Tomorrow, June 22 Photos Available Here; Time-Lapse Video of Bridge Construction Here Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the opening of the new High Line - Moynihan Connector, a stunning new elevated pathway for pedestrians in the heart of Manhattan, with The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Brookfield Properties and Friends of the High Line. The Connector knits together new public spaces and public transit surrounding Moynihan Train Hall with the High Line, allowing pedestrians an uninterrupted, accessible and safe path all the way from West Midtown to the West Village. It officially opens to the public tomorrow, June 22. "The High Line is an outstanding example of effective public-private partnership, and this latest addition will enhance this attraction for New Yorkers and visitors alike," Governor Hochul said. "Thanks to state resources and the combined efforts of Friends of the High Line and Brookfield, the High Line - Moynihan Connector will add 600 feet of new open space to transform one of New York City's busiest neighborhoods. This project is a testament to the power of smart, sustainable design, enhancing one of the most beloved parts of the city, and I encourage New Yorkers and visitors to take advantage of this beautiful new space." Executive Director of Friends of the High Line Alan van Capelle said, "This is a project that ties neighborhoods and public spaces together. We've heard for years about how inhospitable these streets around the entrance to the Lincoln Tunnel felt for people in the community. Now, the Connector will give our neighbors a safe, green, and inspiring pathway between the High Line and Midtown. We are so grateful to our partners at the State, Brookfield Properties and the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation for helping us realize this vision." Managing Partner of Brookfield Real Estate Ben Brown said, "The High Line - Moynihan Connector is a major transportation advancement for New York City and a pivotal milestone in the evolution of Manhattan's newest neighborhood. Not only does it bridge communities, but also it connects and expands some of New York's most exciting public open spaces in the High Line and Manhattan West Plaza. Governor Hochul and ESD deserve enormous credit for making it happen, and we thank Friends of the High Line and our design and construction partners for their crucial roles." Read the full press release here.