Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Entrepreneurship Assistance Centers (“EAC”) Program was established under the Omnibus Economic Development Law of 1987 to provide services to entrepreneurs and small businesses in New York State that are seeking to: start or are starting their own business; or expand their early-stage business. ESD is seeking Requests for Applications to make grant awards to qualified New York-based not-for-profit corporations, including local development corporations, chambers of commerce, community-based business outreach centers and other community-based organizations, universities, community colleges, or university/college-affiliated organizations, and boards of cooperative educational services (hereafter referred as “organizations”) in good standing to establish, develop and manage an EAC Program. The EAC Program emphasis is on helping entrepreneurs and small business owners develop lasting businesses and acquire problem-solving skills so that socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (“SEDI”), minority, women, veterans, and individuals with special needs learn to independently and successfully manage and grow and generate concrete results related specifically to business creation, increased sales, expanded employment, and securing financing. ESD seeks applications from qualified community-based organizations that are established in their communities, have close ties with local residents, and can adapt their services to meet needs and demands of the community. ESD will consider applications from organizations located in New York State and in an area accessible to SEDI, minority group members, women, and other target populations. ESD will balance individual application scores with priorities for geographic distribution across New York State. Application Schedule Date Release of Request for Applications April 26, 2024 Information Session (Email:EACRFA2024@esd.ny.gov to request invitation to session) May 6, 2024 at 3 PM EST RSVP by May 3, 2024 Deadline for Submission of Questions May 10, 2024 Deadline for ESD to Respond to Questions May 13, 2024 Submission of Applications May 20, 2024 Anticipated Announcement of Selections June 20, 2024 Anticipated Contract Start Date July 1, 2024 4 • ESD cannot consider assistance for project activities commenced or committed to prior to July 1, 2024 or without the grantee’s written acceptance of an offer of award from ESD; • Submission of an application does not guarantee funding and ESD in its sole discretion reserves the right to award partial funding or no funding to the project; • ESD staff may request additional information or clarification, including financial projections; and • Previously issued awards do not guarantee awards in this or future EAC grants.
