Entrepreneurial Assistance Program
Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) invites not-for-profit corporations, community
colleges and boards of cooperative educational services to submit proposals for funding from ESDCs
Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (the Program). The Program awards grants to organizations to
provide instruction, training, counseling and support services to individuals who have recently started
their own business or are interested in starting a business. The programs EAP centers are strategically
located throughout the State. EAP assists new and aspiring entrepreneurs in developing basic business
management skills, refining business concepts, devising early-stage marketing plans and preparation of
action plans. In addition, the program actively assists EAP client efforts to obtain business financing.
Two-thirds of the centers operate or are formally affiliated with a micro-loan fund. Read this entire RFP
carefully before beginning work on a proposal, and take care to address all requests for information
contained herein.
This years appropriation will allow for the potential award of up to $73,500 per applicant. This
is not representative of future appropriations. However, positive outcomes may ensure overall program
recognition.
Please be aware that ESDC will carefully evaluate proposals in terms of the applicants
performance in meeting the goals and reporting requirements established.
If your organization would like to be considered for this Program, complete the enclosed request
for proposals (RFP). Ten copies of the completed proposal must be received no later than 5:30 p.m.
Monday, July 13, 2009.
