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. • ESD cannot consider assistance for project activities commenced or committed to prior to September 18, 2025 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.
