Columbia County Microenterprise Grant (NY)
Columbia Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), with the Columbia County Board of Supervisors and NY State Homes and Community Renewal
Up to $20,000
Up to $20,000, paid after you spend it, for Columbia County NY businesses with five or fewer employees. Closes December 15, 2026.
Reimbursement grants of up to $20,000 for for-profit businesses in Columbia County, New York that have five or fewer employees, including the owners. Funds go to equipment, furniture, fixtures, technology, inventory and working capital, and the business adds at least 10% of the project cost in cash. Recipients must complete a four-session training program and create one new job for a low-to-moderate income person unless an owner is low-to-moderate income. The 2026 round is open now and closes December 15, 2026.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- Municipal
- Amount
- $20,000
- Realistic amount
- Up to $20,000. CEDC says applicants may not receive the maximum, and about 13 awards are planned from a $270,000 county award.
- Deadline
- December 15, 2026 (applications open now)
- Status
- active
- States
- NY
Who qualifies
- Private, for-profit business that is legal and licensed if applicable
- Business located in Columbia County, NY
- Five or fewer employees, full and part time, including the owners, at the time of application
- Commit to create at least one new job for a person from a low-to-moderate income household, unless an owner is low-to-moderate income
- Complete a four-session training program
- Owner credit score of at least 600, with case-by-case exceptions
- Not in default on any obligation
- Contribute at least 10% of the project cost in cash equity
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Machinery, furniture, fixtures and equipment
- Technology
- Inventory
- Working capital and other non-construction costs
Ineligible expenses
- Real estate purchase
- Repaying existing debt
- Exterior or interior construction or renovation of any kind
- Building supplies
- Passenger motor vehicles (generally)
How to apply
-
1
Email CEDC for the application
Request the application and checklist at microenterprise@columbiaedc.com; applications are open until December 15, 2026.
~20 min
-
2
Submit the signed application and family income form
The application includes a statement of need explaining why the project cannot be financed by a bank.
~4 hrs
-
3
Complete the training program if accepted
The checklist lists the training certificate among the documents due once an applicant is accepted into training.
~8 hrs
-
4
Send the full document package
Business plan, SBA forms 413, 912 and 1624, two years of tax returns, bank statements, proof of the 10% equity.
~6 hrs
-
5
Sign the agreement, spend, then claim reimbursement
Grant funds are paid only after proof of expenditure, up to three disbursements.
~5 hrs
Lead with the statement of need: the form asks why a bank cannot finance the project, and the grant is meant for businesses without that access. Line up a written quote for every item in the budget and cash for the 10% share before you apply.
Deadline & timing
The page says "The application deadline is December 15, 2026." Applications are being accepted now. The application is requested by email to microenterprise@columbiaedc.com.
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Required documents
- Signed grant application and family income form
- Business plan with financial projections
- SBA Form 413 (personal financial statement), Form 912 (personal history) and Form 1624 (debarment certificate)
- Training program certificate of completion
- Two years of personal and business federal tax returns
- Interim financial statements and two months of bank statements
- Documentation of the budgeted funds, including at least 10% owner equity
- Articles of incorporation, DBA or membership agreement
- NYS-45 for the last two quarters (existing businesses with employees)
- Unique Entity ID (free at sam.gov), required before funds are paid
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Last updated November 8, 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.