Summary: CenterState CEO recently opened applications for the Southeast Gateway Initiative Mini Grant Program. The program provides grants of $15,000 to three small businesses to support property improvement in the Southeast Gateway Neighborhood. To be eligible, a business must be minority, women, veteran, or disabled owned. Applications close November 19th.

Applications can be found here. See below for program details from CenterState CEO's press release.

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Applications Now Open for CenterState CEO’s Southeast Gateway Initiative Mini Grant Program

Program will invest $15,000 in three small business real estate development and property improvement projects

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – CenterState CEO’s Southeast Gateway Initiative has opened applications for its mini grant program. The organization will invest $15,000 in small business real estate development and property improvement projects. The three $5,000 grants will be made to small business and/or mixed-use property owners to support property improvements within the Southeast Gateway Neighborhood.

The program seeks to build on other large-scale development projects happening in or near the Southeast Gateway Neighborhood including the $2 billion I-81 project, JMA Wireless’ $25 million renovation of the Coyne Building, the $11.3 million investment in the mixed-use Salina 1st facility, and the more than $300 million Blueprint 15 redevelopment.

“The Southeast Gateway Neighborhood is experiencing an economic renaissance anchored by a series of transformative investments and we want to ensure they are complemented by neighborhood-based projects,” said Calvin Corriders, manager of Neighborhood Economic Development at CenterState CEO. “These grants will target projects that can best leverage Syracuse’s recent economic growth and further position the Southeast Gateway as a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable community.”

Grants are available to existing or aspiring business owners, property owners and developers located, or planning to invest, within the Southeast Gateway's geographical boundary. 

"The purpose of creating the Southeast Gateway Initiative is to build upon the established business initiatives within the corridor with the goal of igniting new economic opportunities and ensuring those living in the Southeast area are included in the area’s resurgence," said Assemblymember Pamela J. Hunter, New York State 128th Assembly District. “This funding opportunity builds on the Gateway’s mission of neighborhood inclusion by providing for small business and residents. I look forward to this investment contributing to the transformation of this vital corridor.”

ELIGIBILITY

• Business, property owner or prospective property owner.
• Project located in a commercial or mixed-use property.
• For-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations are eligible, and must meet the following criteria:

• • Business applicants must be an XBE business; defined as minority, woman, veteran, or disabled owned business

or

• • nonprofit applicants must have Black leadership in the senior executive position and/or at least 51% Black membership on their Board or steering committee.

• Must be located or will be locating in the Southeast Gateway footprint.
• Project cost must be $150,000 or less.
• Projects can include, but are not limited to: expansions, renovations, repairs, purchases, beautifications, facade improvements, tenant build outs.
• Any business owner directly affiliated (i.e., employee, board member) with the organizations associated with this grant are not eligible.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Applications will be reviewed and scored by a committee consisting of Southeast Gateway stakeholders. Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria.

• Community/neighborhood impact
• Environmental Impact
• Ability to complete the project
• Completeness of application
• Need for funding
• Project supports minorities, women, veteran and disabled persons, empowers neighborhood residents and rehabilitates distressed real estate
• Engagement of XBE contractors & vendors

About CenterState CEO

CenterState CEO is an independent and forward-thinking economic development strategist, business leadership organization and chamber of commerce; dedicated to the success of its members and the prosperity of the region. We serve as an advocate and resource for smart business, catalyze and facilitate regional growth, and promote community prosperity through results-driven partnerships, planning and problem-solving. www.centerstateceo.com.