NY S07729

Establishes a Small Business Kitchen Incubator/Shared-Use Kitchen Program within the New York State Urban Development Corporation to award competitive grants from the Empire State Economic Development Fund to local development corporations, municipalities, educational institutions, and not-for-profit organizations.

Grants may be used for construction, rehabilitation, equipment purchase, training, technical assistance, and other costs necessary for starting or expanding kitchen incubator/shared-use kitchen facilities that serve small and emerging businesses.

Kitchen incubator/shared-use kitchen facilities must be operated by not-for-profit corporations or government agencies and provide low-cost space below market value and support services including business planning, management assistance, financial packaging, and coordination with training sources.

Individual grants are capped at $250,000 per year, with preference given to applicants in highly distressed areas or supporting Empire Zones, those providing local matching funds, and those developing plans to assist businesses with purchasing New York State agricultural products.

Applicants must submit management and business plans demonstrating local business interest, ability to deliver services, fee structures, tenant entrance/exit policies, and facility self-sustainability without requiring long-term state operating subsidies.