Geneva launches MAP program

Could you use $25,000 to help you build or expand your business in the City of Geneva? The City of Geneva is excited to announce the 2016 Microenterprise Assistance Program (MAP) is once again launching on Monday, February 8, which could potentially provide you with grant funding you need for growing your business venture. What does Microenterprise mean? If you have a business idea, or currently have a business that you would like to expand, which has five or fewer employees, you could be eligible for MAP funding. Grants will be available for up to seven interested parties. “The City is excited to offer the MAP for the fourth time, because it continues our commitment to revitalizing the City and assisting Geneva’s entrepreneurs. Small businesses are important contributors to Geneva’s economy, and this is an excellent way for business owners to provide more jobs or produce new innovative products or services that will continue the effort of making our City uniquely urban,” said Sage Gerling, Director of the Office of Neighborhood Initiatives. There are several requirements for the program. The business owner must contribute 10% of the project cost in cash, and applicants must complete an approved business ownership or entrepreneurial program. Prior to the submission of an application, participants must also attend a one-on-one business mentoring session with the City’s small business counselor to develop a business plan. Applications are due by April 28, 2016 and are available on the first floor of City Hall in the ONI office and online at www.visitgenevany.com. The City of Geneva Microenterprise Assistance Program is a Federally-funded program administered by the City of Geneva’s Office of Neighborhood Initiatives. Its primary objective is to assist in the establishment and expansion of small businesses and the creation of new jobs. For more information or to apply, please call (315) 828-6585, stop by the ONI office on the second floor at City Hall at 47 Castle Street, or email Collette Barnard at ccb@geneva.ny.us.