Mayor Galime Awards $166,741 in grants to 12 Minority and Women-Owned Businesses
Mayor Galime Awards $166,741 in grants to 12 Minority and Women-Owned Businesses
UTICA, NY – Mayor Galime, in cooperation with the Department of Urban and Economic Development (UED) is providing over $165,000 in funding to support 12 local businesses. This funding was made available to woman- and minority-owned businesses with five or fewer employees that are located within the City of Utica. Federal regulations require that either the business owner qualify as low- to moderate-income at time of award or at least one job be created that is available to persons of low- to moderate-income.
The program was funded through the City’s 2024-2025 allocation of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Awards ranged from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $15,000 and can be used for the purchase of capital assets such as machinery, equipment inventory, or for working capital. Awardees will be required to complete a training program through the Mohawk Valley Small Business Development Center.
“Small businesses are the backbone of any thriving community, including Utica. Given the diversity of our city, I have long felt that it was important to offer financial assistance to emerging entrepreneurs and business start-ups,” said Mayor Galime.
The Mayor will be presenting the awards at an invitation-only event at the thINCubator on Wednesday, May 28th from 6:30 to 8:30. Press is welcome to attend. Mary Shepherd of BGM Supply is the keynote speaker, and will discuss growing a business within the City of Utica.
For more information, please contact Jack Spaeth at 315-792-0195 or jspaeth@cityofutica.com
