Small businesses will soon be able to apply for grants of up to $35,000 through a new program aimed at supporting local growth
by Austin Wheelock | ooc@oswegocounty.org
A strong, small business ecosystem is essential to a thriving local economy.
Small businesses in Oswego County provide critical goods and services, create jobs and bring investment and opportunity to our communities.
Their success contributes to the strength of our region and helps create a more resilient and sustainable local economy. More than ever, supporting these businesses means investing in the people, communities and economy that makes Oswego County a great place to live and work.
That’s why Operation Oswego County is proud to announce the launch of the first Oswego County Micro-Enterprise Grant Program, made possible through a partnership with Oswego County government and funding from New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR).
OOC will administer the program and provide small businesses across Oswego County with vital access to grand funding, training and resources to help them grow and succeed.
Why The Program Matters
OOC recognized the need for a program like this for a multitude of reasons. While Oswego County has a variety of financial and technical resources available and is ready to assist businesses of all sizes, we have not previously been able to offer a grant program specifically designed for very small businesses with five employees or less to utilize for business growth. The Micro-Enterprise Grant Program will help fill that gap with grants up to $35,000 and give our small businesses another opportunity to access funding to support their growth and success. The program can be used on its own or combined with our lending programs to leverage additional dollars.
Small businesses play an essential role in the economic vitality of any community and Oswego County is no exception.
From family-owned businesses that have been part of our communities for generations, to start-ups that began with nothing more than an idea, these businesses help drive our local economy, create jobs and foster a strong sense of community. However, smaller businesses can sometimes face greater challenges when seeking funding and resources to make investments in their businesses, particularly in rural areas where a small business may be one of the only employers and job creators in the community. This program is intended to help address that need and give eligible businesses an opportunity to invest in their future.
Our Goals and Priorities
Through this grant program, we hope to prioritize businesses in Oswego County’s rural communities that can sometimes be overlooked when it comes to funding opportunities. We are especially looking to connect with businesses in agriculture, small-scale manufacturing, tourism and hospitality and provide them with an opportunity to grow and invest in their businesses. By reaching businesses in these industries and communities, OOC hopes to strengthen what makes Oswego County a great place to live, work and do business.
With the funding currently available through the grant, we anticipate supporting approximately 10 to 12 projects. Through the success of this program, we hope to build on the projects and businesses we assist and recapitalize the fund to continue supporting small business growth in this way for years to come.
Grant Requirements
Our focus with this grant is on supporting very small businesses, so applicants must qualify as a micro-business, meaning they have between one and five employees. To further our goal of helping businesses that may not have access to traditional funding opportunities, the business must be owned by a low-to-moderate-income individual and the project must result in the creation of at least one low- to moderate-income job. Grant recipients will also be required to provide a minimum 10% cash match of their own toward the project.
OOC wants to see our small businesses succeed, which is why the Micro-Enterprise Grant Program will include required training sessions for businesses applying for funding. Applicants must complete our in-house Micro-Enterprise Training Program, which will consist of a series of classes designed to provide businesses with valuable tools and resources. Previous completion of similar courses or programs will not make an applicant eligible for the grant.
The grant funds can be used to support a variety of business needs, including capital, inventory, equipment and machinery. These eligible expenses are intended to help small businesses make investments that support their operations, growth and long-term success. However, grant funds cannot be used for construction-related expenses.
Continuing our Commitment
OOC is proud to support our small businesses through this grant program which will start in late 2026. Our hope is that this program will create new opportunities for small businesses while also helping us continue to expand the resources and support we can provide to entrepreneurs across Oswego County.
As we continue preparing for the launch of the grant program, stay tuned for updates and additional information on eligibility qualifications, the application process and training schedules.
If you have any questions, please reach out to the OOC office at 315-343-1545 or by email at ooc@oswegocounty.org.
Austin M. Wheelock, certified economic developer (CEcD), is the executive director of Operation Oswego County, Inc. For more information, call 315-343-1545 or visit www.oswegocounty.org.
