Now taking applications for the Microenterprise Assistance Program!
Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Planning and Tourism and the Cattaraugus County Economic Sustainability and Growth Corporation have been awarded funds from the NYS Office of Community Renewal to establish a grant fund for Microenterprises in Cattaraugus County. This grant fund is called the Cattaraugus County Microenterprise Assistance Program (MAP) Grant.
The MAP is intended to assist in the creation and expansion of small businesses and the creation of employment opportunities for low-or-moderate income individuals within Cattaraugus County. CCESGC will implement the program with the assistance of its consultants, The Harrison Studio.
Applications may be submitted starting August 1, 2025 and ending October 31, 2025.
A microenterprise is defined as having five or fewer employees, one or more of whom own the business. Microenterprise status with respect to ownership and the number of employees is determined at the time of the Program application. Not-for-profit corporations or similar nonprofit entities are not eligible for the program. This program is available to existing as well as startup micro-businesses. Applicants will be required to submit a completed application as well as business plan.
If you have questions at any time about the Microenterprise Assistance Program then please contact us.
Who Can Apply?
- The business must have five or fewer employees (total people not full-time equivalents), one or more of whom own the business.
- The business can be a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company or other legal form of business
- Nonprofit organizations are NOT eligible to participate
- Participation by start-up businesses is encouraged
- The business must either be owned by a low-or-moderate income person OR must, as a result of the grant, create one or more full-time equivalent job that is made available to low-or-moderate income persons
Other Program Requirements
- The business activity to be assisted must be located in Cattaraugus County
- Before receiving a grant, the business owner must complete an entrepreneurship training course offered by the Small Business Development Center
- Grant applicants must submit an acceptable business plan, including appropriate financial information (historical statements, if available, and financial projections for the business
Pick a Requirement:
- Owner(s) must meet Low-or-moderate income (LMI) guidelines as defined by HUD
or - Business activity from this grant creates LMI jobs
The business must either be:
- Owned by a low or moderate income person as defined by HUD, applicants will be required to submit proof of income and family size by providing most recent tax returns or
- The business activity to be undertaken with assistance from the Program, must directly result in the creation of employment positions consistent with the low- and moderate-income benefit provisions of the Federal regulations governing the CDBG program. Proof of job creation and income and family size of the employee(s) will be required before grants funds are paid out.
LMI (Low-or-Moderate Income)
Low-or-moderate income status will be determined based on income (as determined from the business owner’s most recent Federal income tax return) and family size, using the most current income limits adopted by HUD. View 2025 Income Limits
Eligible uses of funds include:
- Fixed assets including machinery and equipment
- Personal property including furnishings and fixtures
- Operating expenses and working capital
- Current Assets including inventory and receivables
Note that projects that enhance the long-term viability of the business such as rent, insurance, creation of a website or ecommerce site, purchase of a point of sale or CRM system, will be encouraged.
Business Requirements
The business must be located in Cattaraugus County and must meet the Program objectives. Funds cannot be used to fund any construction or related costs including rehabilitation, renovation, leasehold improvements, and demolition or clearance activities. Ineligible activities are those that consist of investing, speculation, or realty ownership held primarily for sale or investment; any activity which is illegal; and any activity which does not further the objectives of the Program will be ineligible for Program financing. Applicants must be current on any taxes or loans owed to Cattaraugus County.
MAP Grant Amount
The Microenterprise Assistance Program (MAP) is a reimbursable grant of $5,000 to $35,000 with a 10% match by the awardee. Funds are limited.
- CCESGC will provide grants in a minimum amount of $5,000 and up to a maximum amount of $35,000
- Grants can be used to fund machinery, equipment, furnishings, fixtures, and inventory and for operating costs and other working capital expenses
- Grants MAY NOT be used for construction, renovations, leasehold improvements, or demolition
- A ten percent (10%) equity contribution by the business is required
Training Courses
Awardees will also be required to complete entrepreneurship training courses offered by the Small Business Development Center. Some exceptions may be made on the course requirements with consideration and approval by the CCESGC Board. The courses will be completed individually with a small business counselor and can be scheduled at the convenience of the awardee. The courses are customizable to the needs of the business rather than a generic information session.
Downloads
- Business Plan Templates
- Microenterprise Grant Application Form
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until all funds are exhausted.
Please be sure to have the following documents to submit with your grant application:
- Completed application form, signed and notarized
- For existing businesses, copies of Federal tax returns for two (2) most recent years
- For existing businesses, interim financial statements for current year
- For all applicants, two (2) years of financial projections (income statement and balance sheet)
- Business Plan, consistent with the requirements of Part 4 of the Application
- Signed Business Certification form
- Family Income Forms, completed and signed by all business owners/applicants
Completed applications can be submitted via email or by mail:
Cattaraugus County EDPT / CCESGC
Attn: MAP Grant
303 Court St., Second Floor
Little Valley, NY 14755
Questions
For any questions regarding this program please contact us at (716) 938-2242 or use our contact form