How do I apply for a small business grant in Syracuse, Ithaca, or Central New York?

Submit a 60-second video pitch at goodneighbor.fund/pitch. There is no business plan, pitch deck, or formal application — just a short video describing your idea. Pitches from Syracuse, Ithaca, Binghamton, Utica and the surrounding 8 counties are reviewed each quarter by Good Neighbor Fund Central NY's Limited Partners. If selected, you receive $1,000 in belief capital with no equity taken.

Who qualifies for a Good Neighbor Fund grant in Central New York?

Any early-stage entrepreneur living or building in Onondaga, Tompkins, Broome, Oneida, Madison, Cortland, Tioga, or Chemung 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 Central NY 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 Central NY?

In addition to Good Neighbor Fund Central NY, Central NY entrepreneurs can explore the Syracuse Tech Garden incubator, the CenterState CEO Genius NY accelerator, the Ithaca-based Rev: Ithaca Startup Works, the Southern Tier Startup Alliance, Empire State Development's New York State Seed Funding, 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 Central NY 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.

NeighborhoodOS

$1,000 Micro-Grants for Central NY 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 Central New York

Serving Central New York

Good Neighbor Fund Central NY supports entrepreneurs across Central New York — from Syracuse to Ithaca, Binghamton to Utica. Wherever you're building, we believe in your potential.

Onondaga County

Tompkins County

Broome County

Oneida County

Madison County

Cortland County

Tioga County

Chemung 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 Central NY. No overhead. No bureaucracy. Just neighbors investing in neighbors.

Want to help select the next wave of Central New York founders? Join us as an LP.

Become a Limited Partner

Central New York Chapter LPs

Central New York Grant Awardees

Building Central New York's Entrepreneurial Community

Ready to Bring Your Business Idea to Life?

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

Submit Your Pitch Today