North Country Regional Economic Development Council

The Consolidated Funding Application remains open for open enrollment programs, including ESD's Capital Grant Program, and will continue to accept applications.

Program Questions | Program Guidelines | Application Manual | REDC Guidebook | Upcoming Live Webinars

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that $200 million in funding is available through the State's two signature downtown revitalization and economic development programs — $100 million each for Round 7 of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and Round 2 of the NY Forward program, which focuses on revitalizing smaller and rural downtowns. This year's funding brings the total amount of State investment across all rounds of the programs to $1 billion since 2016. Together, the two programs have awarded $800 million in funding to 93 communities across every region of the state. Applications are available on the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward websites. The deadline to apply is September 29 at 4 p.m.

Under New York’s FAST NY Shovel-Ready Grant Program, Empire State Development will provide up to $200 million in grants to prepare and develop sites statewide to jumpstart New York’s shovel-readiness and increase its attractiveness to large employers, including high-tech manufacturing, particularly semiconductor manufacturing, interstate distribution and logistics businesses. The program will help diversify New York State’s economy while propelling new investments for businesses, communities and job creation.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through the CFA portal.

After ESD receives an Intent to Apply form, applicants will receive an email confirming receipt within 7 calendar days. A determination regarding eligibility to submit the full application will be made within 30 calendar days. Full applications will not be accepted until applicants have received an approved Letter of Intent to Apply from ESD.

New Workforce Development Grant Programs

The multi-year OSWD funding includes $150 million for new grant programs administered by ESD that will support employer-driven, high-skilled workforce training programs. 

• Capital Grant Program will support the capital needs of workforce training providers that seek to enhance or expand their offerings. 
• Pay for Performance Grant Program (“P4P”) will support the operational resource needs of training programs offering industry-recognized credentials, skills, and certificates in high-demand fields. The P4P Grant Program will provide flexible funds through two distinct tracks:
  • Flexible Operating Grants
  • Capacity-Building Awards to workforce trainers for successfully placing trainees in a good job

Round 5 of the OSWD grant program will close on Friday, September 29, 2023, at 11:59 PM. Program guidelines, checklists, budget template, FAQ, and all application resources are online here.