> Small Business Resources
Grants
Town of Bethlehem Microenterprise Grant
First launched in 2014, the Town of Bethlehem Microenterprise Grant program provides grants ranging from $5,000 to $35,000 to support the purchase of capital goods, including machinery, furniture, fixtures, equipment; and/or to provide working capital to support business operations. Businesses must have 5 or fewer employees and must be located (or planning to locate) in the Town of Bethlehem. The program supports both existing businesses and startups. Grants can cover up to 90% of eligible costs, with a 10% owner equity match requirement.
New York State Seed Funding Grant Program
The New York State Seed Funding Grant Program was created in 2022 to provide assistance to early-stage small businesses. Eligible applicants include small businesses, micro-businesses and for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations that started business on September 1, 2018 or later and have been operational for at least six months. Grants can provide up to $25,000 to reimburse eligible expenses incurred between September 1st, 2018 and January 1st, 2022, including payroll, rent, property taxes, insurance, utilities, and more. Additional eligibility criteria apply.
SizeUp Bethlehem
SizeUp Bethlehem is a free platform for business as well as business developers and advisors. Find demographic and economic data that you need to complete a business plan, or support your business needs and assessment. Sponsored by the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce and Bethlehem IDA.
Loans
Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region
The Community Loan Fund provides low-interest loans to small businesses owned by women, minorities, and people of low-income in the Capital Region. Loans can be used to acquire property or fix it up; purchase equipment or inventory; assist with cash flow; create additional working capital; or invest in green technology or sustainability. The maximum loan amount for starting a small business is $25,000. If you have an existing business that has been operating for at least 1 year, the maximum loan amount is $50,000.
Capital Region Chamber of Commerce Microloan Programs
The Capital Region Chamber administers several micro loan programs that can provide up to $25,000 for startups, and up to $50,000 for existing businesses with a proven track record. Loans are typically used to fund fixed assets, startup costs, real estate, or for working capital. Each business and application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. There is a special emphasis on lending to minority and woman owned companies.
Al Tech Loan Fund
The Al Tech Loan Fund, administered by the Advance Albany County Alliance, offers economic development financing at competitive interest rates to supplement traditional bank lending. Manufacturing, technology, retail, wholesale, and service businesses located in or looking to locate in Albany County are eligible to apply for funding, which can be used for the acquisition of owner-occupied real estate, acquisition of fixed assets, or working capital. Loan amounts range from $50,000 – $1 million.
Pursuit Lending
Pursuit works with banks, economic development organizations and more to provide small businesses lending programs that create transformation and growth. Loan products include SBA 504, SBA 7(a), and SBA Microloans.
Technical Assistance
Albany Small Business Development Center
The Albany Small Business Development Center provides technical assistance to both startups and existing businesses. It can work with individuals to create a business plan; discover sources of funding; prepare for e-commerce; identify avenues for exporting goods & services; develop marketing plans; assess an invention’s viability; and comply with licensing & regulations.
Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region
In addition to its loan products, the Community Loan Fund provides a range of training programs to small businesses. Programs include free one-on-one mentoring; a comprehensive 9-week business planning course; and a full calendar of individual workshops.