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Oneida County Microenterprise Grant Qualification Questionnaire

Thank you for your interest in the Oneida County Microenterprise Grant Program.

Unfortunately, the 2024-2026 funding round has been fully allocated. Mohawk Valley EDGE and Oneida County are applying to New York State Homes and Community Renewal for another round of funding, but additional funds are not expected to be available until Fall 2026.

Before completing this form, please review the basic eligibility requirements below. While specific program requirements may change in future funding rounds, applicants have historically been required to meet the following criteria:
  • The business must be located in Oneida County.
  • The business cannot be located within the City of Utica or the City of Rome, as those communities receive separate funding allocations for small business assistance.
  • The business must have five or fewer employees.
  • The project must result in the creation of at least one permanent full-time job.
  • The business owner and/or the new employee may be required to meet low-to-moderate income eligibility requirements.
  • Applicants are generally required to complete business counseling through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
  • The business owner must provide a minimum 10% match toward the total project cost and be able to document the source of those funds.
  • Grant funds are not provided in advance. Businesses must purchase eligible items and submit documentation of those expenses before receiving reimbursement through the program.
Eligible uses of grant funds have historically included:
  • Equipment and machinery purchases
  • Business supplies
  • Technology and software
  • Working capital associated with business expansion
Ineligible uses of grant funds have historically included:
  • Employee salaries and wages
  • Utilities and other ongoing operating expenses
  • Outstanding debts, taxes, or loan payments
  • Building renovations, construction, or other real estate improvements
Although funding is not currently available, we encourage you to complete this form so that we can learn more about your business and your potential project. This information will help us evaluate future funding needs and it allows us to contact you if additional funding opportunities become available.

If you already have a business plan, we encourage you to share it with us. A business plan helps us better understand your business, your goals, and the challenges you may be facing as you grow.

If you would prefer to speak with someone directly, please contact:

Myron Thurston III, MBA
Vice President of Economic Development
Mohawk Valley EDGE
mthurston@mvedge.org
315-430-7504
1.I understand that funding is not currently available and that submission of this form does not constitute an application for funding or guarantee future funding.
2.Legal name or DBA of your business:(Required.)
3.Applicant Contact Person:
4.Applicant email address:(Required.)
5.Applicant phone number:
6.Is the physical address of your business project within Oneida County?
7.Is the physical address of your business project within the City of Utica or the City of Rome?
8.How would you describe the primary area of your business?
9.Are you able to contribute at least 10% of the total project cost in new equity to your business?
10.Has your business been in operation for 24 months or more?
11.If your business has been operating for three years or more, are you able to provide business financial statements and/or business tax returns for the most recent three years?
12.If requested as part of the eligibility review process, would you be willing to provide personal federal income tax returns for up to the three most recent tax years?