BUFFALO, N.Y. – Mayor Byron W. Brown and the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning (OSP) announce the application process for the Buffalo Small Business Assistance Grant Program has now begun.
“As we continue to recover from the financial damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic, our focus remains steadfast on uplifting our communities,” said Mayor Brown. “Businesses throughout the city of Buffalo were hurt by the economic impact the pandemic brought to our region. This small business grant will help relieve some of that economic hardship.”
In July, Mayor Brown announced the city will use a portion of its American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding for the Buffalo Small Business Assistance Grant program. The purpose of the program is to help assist small business owners who were impacted by the pandemic. The program will offer both grants, loans and technical assistance services.
The program utilizes $4.3 million in ARP funding; $3.5 million will go directly to grant assistance and will be divided among the nine council districts; $800 thousand will go towards technical assistance and administration costs.
Grow America, formerly the National Development Council or NDC, will be administering the program. The Buffalo Urban League and The Exchange at Beverly Gray will provide technical assistance and help business owners fill out the applications.
Darius Pridgen, President, Buffalo Common Council President: “This is a wonderful opportunity for our local businesses. The coronavirus pandemic put us through so much and it’s very important that local businesses get the much-needed help they deserve.”
Thomas Beauford Jr., CEO Buffalo Urban League said: “The Buffalo Urban League is happy to be a collaborative partner with Grow America, the City of Buffalo and The Exchange in assisting small businesses that were impacted by the pandemic. It is our goal to facilitate technical assistance and grants to the community that will bring much needed support to small businesses which are the foundation to our local economy”.
Derrick Parson, executive director, The Exchange at Beverly Gray said: “The Exchange at Beverly Gray is incredibly excited about the city of Buffalo’s announcement of the Small Business Assistance Grant Program, of which $1.5 million is allocated to support minority and women-owned businesses. This program helps address the historical lack of funding that has disproportionately affected Black and Brown business owners, finally offering a lifeline to those striving to succeed in our city. In partnership with the Buffalo Urban League, the Exchange at Beverly Gray is committed to ensuring that BIPOC entrepreneurs and business owners receive the assistance they need to thrive. This initiative is not just about providing financial support; it’s about empowering our communities, fostering economic growth, and promoting equity. Together, we will continue to work to create a more inclusive and vibrant business landscape in Buffalo.”
Some of the application requirements include the following.
- Applicants must fill out a work plan, that will help dictate how their needs for technical assistance will be addressed.
- Applicants must apply to receive the grant and technical assistance.
- Business owners must have 50 or fewer full-time employees.
- Applicants must be the principal owner of a small business located in Buffalo, New York
- Applicants must live in one of the nine council districts.
To apply visit this website: https://ndc.smapply.io/prog/buffalo_small_business_assistance_program_/