Picente Announces Oneida County Microenterprise Business Grant Program

Oneida County and Mohawk Valley EDGE will administer a new micro-grant program to assist existing and start-up micro companies.

“This program will provide new job opportunities and keep existing jobs for microbusinesses and ultimately broaden the tax base of Oneida County,” said County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “We look forward to partnering with EDGE to help these companies grow to their full potential.”

Utilizing a grant from the New York State Office of Community Renewal, Oneida County and Mohawk Valley EDGE will oversee the program and assemble the review committee for each applicant.

Grants ranging from $5,000 to $35,000 will be available for businesses involved in the manufacturing, warehousing and distribution, agri-business, high-tech, research and development and traditional and innovative small business sectors. Businesses must employ five or fewer employees, including the business owner(s) and be located within Oneida County, but outside of the CDBG entitlement cities of Utica and Rome.

“EDGE is committed to working with applicants, coordinating the review committee and monitoring the progress of each business receiving grant dollars,” said Steven J. DiMeo, President of Mohawk Valley EDGE. “The availability of this program is critical as we look to restart the economy for small business enterprises.”

To be eligible to apply:

• Projects must result in either the creation or retention of jobs which are available to low to moderate income (LMI) persons as defined by Office of Community Renewal guidelines. If there will be no hiring of new or retention of existing employees, the owner must meet low or moderate income guidelines at the time of application to the program.

• Applicant must present a reasonable likelihood for long-term viability based upon issues such as feasibility, marketability, management, competition and capitalization.

Grant dollars can be used for capital assets, such as real estate, buildings, machinery and equipment, or for working capital.

Those interested in applying can take a qualification survey at www.mvedge.org or call Tim Fitzgerald at Mohawk Valley EDGE for more information at 315-338-0393.