Who qualifies for a Good Neighbor Fund grant in the Capital Region?

Any early-stage entrepreneur living or building in Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Columbia, Greene, Washington, or Warren County is eligible. There are no age, industry, or revenue requirements. We especially welcome women, BIPOC, immigrant, and first-time founders. 80% of past grants have gone to women-owned businesses and 52% to BIPOC-owned businesses.

How much is a Good Neighbor Fund Capital Region micro-grant?

Each grant is $1,000. Funds are awarded as belief capital — no equity, no repayment, no strings. You can use the money however your business needs: inventory, equipment, software, marketing, licenses, or anything else.

What other small business grants are available in Albany and the Capital District?

In addition to Good Neighbor Fund Capital Region, Albany area entrepreneurs can explore the Capital Region Chamber's small business resources, Empire State Development's New York State Seed Funding, the Center for Economic Growth (CEG) programs, the Albany SBDC, and Launch NY mentorship + investment. Good Neighbor Fund is one of the few that requires no pitch deck, no business plan, and takes no equity.

When are Good Neighbor Fund Capital Region grants awarded?

Grants are reviewed and awarded quarterly. Pitches can be submitted any time at goodneighbor.fund/pitch and roll into the next review cycle.

Do I need a registered business or LLC to apply?

No. You can apply with just an idea. We back founders before they're 'ready' — that's the whole point of belief capital. If selected, we'll help you set up what you need to receive the funds.

$1,000 Micro-Grants for Capital Region Business Ideas

We back brilliant ideas before they're "ready." No pitch deck required. No equity taken. Just belief in your vision and potential.

Submit Your Pitch Today

A Good Neighbor Fund community member holding a GNF pennant

Good Neighbor Fund Capital Region

Serving New York's Capital Region

Good Neighbor Fund Capital Region supports entrepreneurs across Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Saratoga Springs and the surrounding counties. Wherever you're building, we believe in your potential.

Albany County

Schenectady County

Rensselaer County

Saratoga County

Columbia County

Greene County

Washington County

Warren County

Our Impact Since 2026

New Business Ideas
Funded

Women-Owned
Businesses

BIPOC-Owned
Businesses

In Micro-Grants
Awarded

Powered by People, Not Institutions

Good Neighbor Fund is a collective giving organization. Our funding comes from Limited Partners (LPs) — local founders, operators, and community members who pool their own capital each quarter to fund the boldest new ideas in the Capital Region. No overhead. No bureaucracy. Just neighbors investing in neighbors.

Want to help select the next wave of Capital Region founders? Join us as an LP.

Become a Limited Partner

Ready to Bring Your Business Idea to Life?

We're looking for passionate founders with bold ideas that create positive impact across New York's Capital Region. No business plan required — just a 60-second pitch video and your authentic vision.

Submit Your Pitch Today

$1,000 Micro-Grants for Capital Region Business Ideas

Serving New York's Capital Region

Our Impact Since 2026

Powered by People, Not Institutions

Capital Region Chapter LPs

Capital Region Grant Awardees

Building the Capital Region's Entrepreneurial Community

Ready to Bring Your Business Idea to Life?