Microenterprise Program, City of Cortland

Microenterprises are businesses with five or fewer employees.  In 2010 the City of Cortland was awarded $200,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding from the NYS Office of Community Renewal to complete a City-wide Microenterprise Program. Program participants were eligible for up to $35,000 in grant funds for such things as equipment, training, and working capital. Thoma Development Consultants was hired by the City to write the application and to administer the Microenterprise Program on its behalf.  

Cortland's Microenterprise Program, completed in early 2012, was successful in providing assistance to six small businesses, including two new businesses, which resulted in the creation of six jobs.  Four of the businesses are located in downtown Cortland, and one is in the East End Neighborhood, complementing the City's efforts in Main Street Revitalization and expanding business services to East End residents. The Program will help these six businesses to be more economically viable, give start up businesses a greater chance of long-term success, provide a more stable source of income for business owners, and increase essential services to City residents. 

The East End Bakery and downtown Cortland's Indulge received funds for equipment purchase and training.