“Supporting small businesses and encouraging new entrepreneurs to open up shop in New York is vital for our economic recovery and growth. As a former small-business owner, I know firsthand the dedication and determination required to keep the lights on and turn a profit. That’s why I fought for a state budget that helps existing local enterprises while also supporting new businesses that are just getting off the ground.

“The 2022-23 state budget establishes a $200 million Small Business Seed Funding Grant Program. Grant funds can go toward payroll, rent or mortgage, repayment of local property or school taxes, pandemic-related supplies or materials, insurance, utilities and equipment or machinery. Businesses must employ 100 or fewer people and have started operations on or after Sept. 1, 2018, to be eligible for grants or other assistance. To qualify for the grant program, businesses must provide documentation for $5,000 in business expenses or $5,000 to $1,000,000 in gross receipts.

“Strengthening the entrepreneurial spirit of our state is crucial to ensure Central New York communities can thrive because small businesses are the cornerstone of our economy. The grant program builds off measures I helped implement last year, such as the COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program that’s supported around 30,000 small businesses statewide with more than $500 million in pandemic relief. As chair of the Assembly Small Business Committee, I’ll continue working with my colleagues, state leaders and local stakeholders to help provide additional relief to businesses all across our state.”