Applications Open: CenterState CEO’s Southeast Gateway Initiative Mini Grant Program

Posted On
October 26, 2021

Image
Screenshot 2021 10 27 At 10 47 18 Seg Re Mini Grant 2021

CenterState CEO’s Southeast Gateway Initiative has opened applications for its mini grant program. The organization will invest $15,000 in small business real estate development and property improvement projects. The three $5,000 grants will be made to small business and/or mixed-use property owners to support property improvements within the Southeast Gateway Neighborhood.

The program seeks to build on other large-scale development projects happening in or near the Southeast Gateway Neighborhood including the $2 billion I-81 project, JMA Wireless’ $25 million renovation of the Coyne Building, the $11.3 million investment in the mixed-use Salina 1st facility, and the more than $300 million Blueprint 15 redevelopment.

“The Southeast Gateway Neighborhood is experiencing an economic renaissance anchored by a series of transformative investments and we want to ensure they are complemented by neighborhood-based projects,” said Calvin Corriders, manager of Neighborhood Economic Development at CenterState CEO. “These grants will target projects that can best leverage Syracuse’s recent economic growth and further position the Southeast Gateway as a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable community.” 

Grants are available to existing or aspiring business owners, property owners and developers located, or planning to invest, within the Southeast Gateway's geographical boundary. 

"The purpose of creating the Southeast Gateway Initiative is to build upon the established business initiatives within the corridor with the goal of igniting new economic opportunities and ensuring those living in the Southeast area are included in the area’s resurgence," said Assemblymember Pamela J. Hunter, New York State 128th Assembly District. “This funding opportunity builds on the Gateway’s mission of neighborhood inclusion by providing for small business and residents. I look forward to this investment contributing to the transformation of this vital corridor.”

ELIGIBILITY

  • Business, property owner or prospective property owner.
  • Project located in a commercial or mixed-use property.
  • For-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations are eligible, and must meet the following criteria: business applicants must be an XBE business; defined as minority, woman, veteran, or disabled owned business; OR nonprofit applicants must have Black leadership in the senior executive position and/or at least 51% Black membership on their Board or steering committee.
  • Must be located or will be locating in the Southeast Gateway footprint.
  • Project cost must be $150,000 or less.
  • Projects can include, but are not limited to: expansions, renovations, repairs, purchases, beautifications, facade improvements, tenant build outs.
  • Any business owner directly affiliated (i.e., employee, board member) with the organizations associated with this grant are not eligible.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Applications will be reviewed and scored by a committee consisting of Southeast Gateway stakeholders. Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria.

  • Community/neighborhood impact
  • Environmental Impact
  • Ability to complete the project
  • Completeness of application
  • Need for funding
  • Project supports minorities, women, veteran and disabled persons, empowers neighborhood residents and rehabilitates distressed real estate
  • Engagement of XBE contractors & vendors

APPLY BY NOV. 19, 2021

CONTACT: If you have questions or need help with your application, please contact Cal Corriders, ccorriders@centerstateceo.com.

Other
CEO News

Image
INSPYRE Innovatoin Hub
CEO News | 04/22/2025

INSPYRE Innovation Hub is the New Name of CenterState CEO’s Expanded Business Incubator

CenterState CEO announced at its 2025 Annual Meeting the new name of its expanded business incubator in downtown Syracuse: CenterState CEO’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub.

Image
Message from President Rob Simpson
CEO News | 05/09/2025

A message from the President

CenterSate CEO President Rob Simpson shared a message with members and stakeholders announcing his decision to take a sabbatical, stepping away from work, June 30 and returning Sept. 29.

Image
RS Budget Graphic
CEO News | 05/09/2025

CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson Comments on 2026 State Budget

Robert M. Simpson, president of CenterState CEO, in Syracuse, issued this statement following passage of the FY 2026 New York State Budget.

Image
Rob Simpson at CenterState CEO's 2025 Annual Meeting
CEO News | 04/29/2025

Read President Rob M. Simpson's 2025 Annual Meeting Remarks

CenterState CEO President Rob M. Simpson delivered the following remarks at the 2025 Annual Meeting

Image
best companies logo
CEO News | 04/29/2025

CenterState CEO Listed as One of New York's Best Places to Work

CenterState CEO is pleased to announce it is once again listed as one of the top small employers in the state.

Image
Board of Directors Election 2025-2028
CEO News | 04/24/2025

CenterState CEO Announces 2025 Annual Elections to its Board of Directors

Following the 2025 Annual Meeting of its members, CenterState CEO has announced new and returning members to serve on the Board of Directors.

Image
Congratulations Business of the Year Winners 2025
CEO News | 04/23/2025

Meet the 2025 Business of the Year Winners

CenterState CEO's Business of the Year Awards recognize the outstanding achievements of regional businesses and organizations in five categories.

Image
Annual Meeting 2025 Crowd
CEO News | 04/22/2025

CenterState CEO Celebrates 15th Anniversary at 2025 Annual Meeting

CenterState CEO Celebrates 15th Anniversary at its 2025 Annual Meeting; Businesses of the Year Winners Announced.

Image
CenterState CEO GSBDC graphic
CEO News | 04/10/2025

CenterState CEO and Greater Syracuse Business Development Corporation form New Partnership

CenterState CEO and the Greater Syracuse Business Development Corporation (GSBDC) announced a new strategic partnership to scale GSBDC’s lending resources and better serve the region’s small businesses.