Microenterprise Grant Program

Funder: Partnership for Community Development (PCD), made possible through NYS CDBG Microenterprise funding

Geographic Scope: Madison County, New York

Target Audience: Small business owners and entrepreneurs

Focus Areas:

• New business development
• Existing small business expansion
• Small manufacturing
• Retail and lifestyle businesses

Eligibility Requirements

• Business must be located in Madison County
• Business must have five or fewer employees (including owner(s))
• Owner must complete an approved small business basics course if awarded
• Owner must contribute at least 10% owner equity to their project
• Must be able to fulfill all income and job creation requirements
• Must be able to complete project by May 2027
• Subject to income requirements and low-to-moderate income (LMI) thresholds

Income Requirements

• Applicants with household income above the LMI threshold must create at least one full-time equivalent job available to LMI individuals
• Applicants with household income below the LMI threshold do not have to complete this job creation requirement
• Income limits vary by household size (2025-26 limits provided in grant guidelines)

Funding Details

• Award range: $5,000 - $35,000
• All grant funds provided on a reimbursement basis

Contact Information

• Contact: Laura Caughlan
• Phone: 315-825-3537
• Email: lcaughlan@hamiltonpcd.org
• Address: Partnership for Community Development, 18 Utica St. Suite 101, Hamilton, NY 13346

Related Resources

• Onondaga SBDC
• Mohawk Valley SBDC
• Utica Homeownership
• NYSERDA Home Energy Efficiency Programs
• Madison County IDA
• WISE Women's Business Center
• Farm Credit East

Application Process

1. Complete the Microenterprise Grant Application
2. Submit all required supplemental materials (see links on grants page)
3. If awarded, complete an approved small business basics course
4. Submit all documentation for reimbursement as project expenses are incurred

Required Materials

• Grant Guidelines
• Income Limits documentation
• Budget Template (completed)
• Sample Financial Statement
• Sample Balance Sheet

Note: Specific application form and detailed submission instructions available on the grants page at hamiltonpcd.org/grants