Community & Regional Partnerships RFA

The Empire State Development (ESD) Small Business and Technology Development division is seeking applications for the Community and Regional Partnerships Request for Applications (RFA), a funding opportunity designed to support micro and small businesses across New York State. The program will provide up to $5 million in funding through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), which must be matched 1:1 with private investment funds. Successful applicants will be accelerators, incubators, or similar entities that can provide programmatic support, mentorship, and technical assistance to high-growth potential companies, with a particular focus on businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI). Applicants must demonstrate extensive experience in cultivating and supporting entrepreneurs, a proven track record of successful acceleration efforts and investments, and the necessary infrastructure and management team to attract and support scalable companies. The RFA requires applicants to develop comprehensive plans for tracking, measuring, and reporting program outcomes, with funding exclusively used for equity investments in eligible beneficiary companies located in New York State. The solicitation will remain open for 5 years or until funds are depleted, with monthly application review cycles and questions accepted throughout the period. The initial submission deadline is November 1, 2027, at 3:00 PM, with subsequent rounds following over the next five years and anticipated contract start dates approximately 30 days after award notification.

The RFA has no specific Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Set Aside or Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) participation goals, making it broadly accessible to various business entities. Eligible applicants must be prepared to provide 1:1 private funding matching and commit to tracking data on beneficiary companies for 10 years. The program prioritizes applications that focus outreach and support on underserved areas of the state and SEDI-owned businesses. Funding is not available as direct loans to individual businesses but rather to support accelerator programming that will benefit micro and small businesses in New York. Interestingly, eligible beneficiary companies do not need to be located in New York State prior to program participation, providing flexibility for emerging businesses. The RFA allows applicants to apply to multiple State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) programs if they meet eligibility criteria. While no incumbent vendors are specified, the program emphasizes creating new opportunities for business growth and development across all New York State counties, with a total potential funding allocation of $5 million to be distributed through multiple rounds of competitive selections.