MASSENA -- The Town of Massena is currently accepting applications from local micro-businesses for up to $30,000 in grant funding to help their businesses and create job opportunities for low-to-moderate income households.

The $200,000 grant program, administered by the Business Development Corp. for a Greater Massena (BDC), will provide grants to both existing and startup businesses with five or fewer employees (including the owner), for the acquisition of machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures, working capital, inventory and other valid business purposes. Construction, renovations and the acquisition of real property are not eligible uses of the grant.

“I encourage anyone interested in the program to contact me to talk about their plans before submitting an application,” said Jim Murphy, executive director of the Massena BDC. “We advise businesses not to spend any money for their project until they have been officially approved for the grant and have discussed their project with the Massena BDC to ensure that expenses are eligible for reimbursement. We would also recommend that applicants do not automatically seek the maximum grant award, but an amount that fits the project, need and each individual budget.”

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all the funds are expended. A Grant Review Committee designated by the Town of Massena will meet in late August to review the first round of applications. Applications for this round should be submitted to the Massena Business Development Corporation by Aug. 21. Applications received after that date will be considered in September, if funding is still available. The Grant Review Committee will consider applications on a monthly basis until all funds are expended.

Businesses selected to receive grant funding will be required to complete an eight-hour entrepreneurship training course and meet certain job creation requirements. Recipients will also be expected to contribute 10 percent equity to the project.

Applications are available by contacting the Massena BDC at (315) 769-8484 or via email at jamesmurphy52@me.com. Applications are also available at the following link:

https://massena.us/DocumentCenter/View/1358/Town-of-Massena-Microenterprise-Fund-Application-Packet