How do I apply for a small business grant in Buffalo or Western 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 across the 8 counties of Western New York are reviewed each quarter by Good Neighbor Fund WNY'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 Western New York?

Any early-stage entrepreneur living or building in Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Allegany, Genesee, Wyoming, or Orleans 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 WNY 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 Buffalo and WNY?

In addition to Good Neighbor Fund WNY, Buffalo and Western New York entrepreneurs can explore the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation (BUDC) grants, the Westminster Economic Development Initiative (WEDI), Empire State Development's New York State Seed Funding, the Awesome Foundation Buffalo chapter, 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 WNY 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 Buffalo 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

Fat Daddy's - Good Neighbor Fund $1,000 grant recipient in Buffalo, NY

Fat Daddy's - Past Micro-Grant Awardee

Serving All of Western New York

Good Neighbor Fund WNY supports entrepreneurs across 8 counties in Western New York. Whether you're in the heart of Buffalo or rural Wyoming County, we believe in your potential.

Erie County

Niagara County

Cattaraugus

Chautauqua

Allegany County

Genesee County

Wyoming County

Orleans County

Our Impact Since 2023

New Business Ideas
Funded

80%

Women-Owned
Businesses

52%

BIPOC-Owned
Businesses

$34,000

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 WNY. No overhead. No bureaucracy. Just neighbors investing in neighbors.

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

Become a Limited Partner

Western New York Chapter LPs

Western New York Grant Awardees

Building Buffalo's Entrepreneurial Community

Sansi Bansal at Twin Petrels startup event in Buffalo

Good Neighbor Fund Buffalo chapter kickoff event at Thin Man Brewery

Entrepreneurs networking at Twin Petrels in Buffalo

Western New York Good Neighbor Fund Limited Partners dinner

Ernie's Pop Shop - Buffalo small business grant winner

Buffalo entrepreneur panel discussion at Twin Petrels

Ready to Bring Your Business Idea to Life?

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

Submit Your Pitch Today