Buffalo Non-Profit Offering Small Business Grants

A local non-profit is teaming up with one of the largest companies in America to help small businesses in the Buffalo area scale and grow in 2022.

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The Local Initiatives Support Corporation of Western New York otherwise known as LISC is partnering with General Motors to offer a grant program targeted toward Black-owned in the 8 counties of Western New York in an effort to help them be able to grow in 2022 and beyond.

LISC WNY and GM recognize that there are several business industries in our region that have a projected demand for their services, yet need capital to scale up to meet that demand. With funding support from General Motors, the ‘Scale Up WNY’ Grant will assist the growth of Black-owned businesses that are under-capitalized, but well positioned for growth.
-LISC WNY

The LISC-GM Scale Up WNY grant is entering its 2nd round and in this round, they expect to fund anywhere between 10 and 30 businesses depending upon the number of applications they receive. Grant award amounts can range anywhere between $5,000 and $15,000. They are looking to fund organizations that operate in some high growth areas such as:

Construction
Childcare Services & Providers
Energy Infrastructure & Climate Response
Broadband, Digitization & Web Services
Medical Suppliers & Telehealth Services
Manufacturing
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion consultants

In addition to receiving financial support from the grant, grantees are also able to receive business support and tutelage from both LISC and GM. Applications became available on Thursday, March 24, 2022, and will be accepted by LISC until Wednesday, April 20, 2022.

During the time that COVID-19 has been having an impact on Western New York, the LISC WNY has provided more than $400,000 in grants to small businesses in the Buffalo area to sustain themselves. In addition to partnering with General Motors, they have also partnered with Verizon and Sam's Club.

You can find more infromation about the LISC-GM Scale Up WNY grant program here on the LISC website.