SSBCI Technical Assistance Program

Helping New York’s Small Businesses and Startups Access Capital

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Objective

The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Technical Assistance (TA) Program provides free expert legal, accounting, and financial services to help small businesses and startups access the capital they need to grow and succeed.

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Overview

With financial support from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the SSBCI TA Program aims to expand access to capital for New York’s entrepreneurs. 
 
Through this program, eligible businesses can connect with trusted providers across the state for no-cost services. Providers offer one-on-one guidance, training, and advisory support on legal, accounting, and financial matters to: 

  • Strengthen business and financial management skills.
  • Prepare financial documents and loan applications.
  • Access government and private capital programs.
  • Build long-term resilience. 

And more (full list of eligible services below). 

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Eligibility

Eligible businesses include: 

  • Very Small Businesses (VSBs) with fewer than 10 employees, including sole proprietors, independent contractors, and venture-backable startups.
  • Small and Medium Manufacturing Enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 100 employees.
  • Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individual (SEDI)-owned small businesses with fewer than 100 employees,
    • To qualify as a SEDI-owned business, the enterprise must self-certify that it is owned and controlled by individuals who have had their access to credit on reasonable terms diminished as compared to others in comparable economic circumstances, due to their:
      • Membership of a group that has been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias within American society;
      • Gender;
      • Veteran status;
      • Limited English proficiency;
      • Physical handicap;
      • Long-term residence in an environment isolated from the mainstream of American society;
      • Membership of a federally or state recognized Indian tribe;
      • Long-term residence in a rural community;
      • Residence in a U.S. territory;
      • Residence in a community undergoing economic transitions (including communities impacted by the shift towards a net-zero economy or deindustrialization);
      • Membership of another “underserved community” as defined in Executive Order 13985.
      • A business enterprise that certified that they are owned and controlled by individuals whose residences are in CDFI Investment Areas; as defined in 12 C.F.R. § 1805.201(b)(3)(ii);
      • A business enterprise that certifies that they will operate a location in a CDFI Investment Area, as defined in 12 C.F.R. § 1805.201(b)(3)(ii);
      • A business enterprise that is located in a CDFI Investment Area, as defined in 12 C.F.R. § 1805.201(b)(3)(ii). 

The technical assistance partners listed below can provide additional information on whether you may qualify as a SEDI-owned business.  

Services covered by the SSBCI TA Program include: 

  • Legal services related to business formation, contracts, licenses, certifications, corporate governance, capital transactions, procurement, surety bonding, and more.
  • Accounting services related to audits, financial statements, digitization of records, accounting software, preparing financial documents for bonding or financing or equity investments, and more.
  • Financial advisory services related to identifying sources of credit and grants, developing investor presentations, improving financial management, strengthening banking relationships, and more. 
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How to Apply

You can access services through our network of participating providers. Assistance is free and available statewide. Find a provider below that can help you today.  

General technical assistance providers for small businesses seeking a loan for working capital, equipment purchases, and more 

Contact a provider below to get loan-ready today.  

Contractor & bonding technical assistance providers 

Are you a small business contracting with local, state, or federal government? Contact a provider below to get loan-ready or access surety bonding today. 

Entrepreneurship Assistance Centers 

Do you have a business idea or a very new business? Contact a provider below for assistance developing a business plan, starting your business, and getting help with legal, accounting, and financial services.  

Technical assistance for high-growth startups  

Are you the founder of a high-growth company? Contact the provider below for assistance with legal, accounting, and financial services.