Discover Small Business Grants in Nassau County: Your 2026 Guide to Local Funding

For small business owners in Nassau County, NY, securing funding is the fuel for growth. A recent push to expand local economic support has opened up new avenues for grants, and this guide provides a clear look at what's available. For anyone running a business from the bustling streets of Hempstead to the waterfront shops in Port Washington, understanding these opportunities is key. This matters because this funding can help local businesses expand, hire, and contribute to our community's vitality without taking on new debt.

This comprehensive resource, created by 516 Update, is designed to save you time and point you directly to the funding you need. We'll break down what's available, who's eligible, and how to position your Nassau County business for success. Instead of just listing websites, we provide a strategic overview of each platform, from massive federal portals like Grants.gov to state-specific engines like the New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) and local powerhouses like PSEG Long Island's revitalization grants, which directly impact downtowns like Garden City.

You will find a detailed analysis of each grant resource, complete with direct links and practical tips for navigating their application processes. We explain which grants are best for tech startups in towns like Jericho versus which are designed for Main Street retailers in places like Rockville Centre. Consider this your go-to list for finding the capital that can help your business not just survive, but thrive right here in Nassau County, NY.

1. Grants.gov

Grants.gov serves as the official, centralized portal for all federal grant opportunities. For entrepreneurs across Nassau County, NY, this is the authoritative starting point for finding federal funding. The platform aggregates listings from every federal agency, such as the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Department of Commerce, ensuring you have access to a comprehensive database without any third-party fees. This is important for local business owners because it provides a single, reliable source for potentially large-scale federal funding that can be brought back into our community.

While the sheer volume of opportunities can be overwhelming, the site’s powerful search filters allow you to narrow down listings by eligibility, agency, and category, helping you find relevant small business grants in New York. The "Workspace" feature is particularly useful for teams, allowing collaborative preparation and submission of complex applications.

Key Features and Considerations

Navigating a federal portal can be intimidating, but understanding its structure is key to success for any Nassau County, NY business.

• Pros:

  • Comprehensive Source: It is the official, all-in-one database for federal grants.

  • No Cost: Searching and applying for grants is completely free.

  • Powerful Tools: Features like application tracking and collaborative workspaces streamline the process.

• Cons:

  • Complex Registration: Getting set up requires multiple steps, including obtaining a Unique Entity ID (UEI) from SAM.gov, which can take several weeks.

  • Limited Startup Funding: Many grants target established non-profits or research institutions, not for-profit startups.

Pro-Tip: Don't wait until you find the perfect grant to register. Start the Login.gov and SAM.gov registration process immediately, as it can be the most time-consuming part of applying for federal funding.

Website: https://www.grants.gov/

2. SBA – Grants for Small Businesses

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) website is a foundational resource for demystifying federal grants. For entrepreneurs from Garden City to Great Neck in Nassau County, NY, this platform serves as an essential reality check, clearly outlining what the SBA does and, more importantly, does not fund. It’s the authoritative source for understanding the narrow scope of federal grants, primarily focusing on specific research, development, and export-related initiatives. This matters to local residents because it helps business owners avoid wasting time on applications that don't fit, allowing them to focus on viable funding sources.

Instead of being a direct application portal, the SBA’s grant page acts as a guide, pointing New York businesses toward legitimate programs like the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). It also provides crucial advice on avoiding grant scams, a valuable tool for any business owner navigating the complex world of small business grants in New York.

Key Features and Considerations

Understanding the SBA's role is crucial for setting realistic funding expectations and avoiding wasted effort for your Nassau County, NY, business.

• Pros:

  • Authoritative Guidance: Provides official, trustworthy information directly from the source on federal grant eligibility.

  • Sets Realistic Expectations: Clearly states that the SBA rarely funds typical for-profit businesses, helping owners focus their search elsewhere.

  • Fraud Prevention: Offers resources to help business owners identify and avoid common grant scams.

• Cons:

  • Limited Direct Funding: The SBA itself does not offer grants for starting or expanding a typical small business.

  • Primarily Advisory: The site mainly directs you to other agencies or specialized programs (like SBIR/STTR) where you will actually apply.

Pro-Tip: Use the SBA website to confirm the legitimacy of a federal grant program you hear about. If it's a real SBA-affiliated program, it will be mentioned here.

Website: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/grants

3. SBIR/STTR – America’s Seed Fund

For innovative tech and biotech firms in Nassau County, NY, from the research corridors near Hofstra University to labs in Oyster Bay, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are a primary pathway to substantial funding. The official SBIR.gov website serves as the central hub for these federal programs, often called "America's Seed Fund." This is significant for our community because it provides a direct line for local R&D-focused businesses to secure major capital for commercializing new technologies, fostering innovation right here.

Unlike general business grants, SBIR/STTR funds are specifically for research and development with commercial potential. The site allows you to search open and upcoming solicitations from participating federal agencies. It also offers invaluable tutorials and proposal preparation resources, making it a critical tool for any tech entrepreneur looking for small business grants in New York.

Key Features and Considerations

This platform is highly specialized, so understanding its niche focus is crucial for determining if it's the right fit for your Nassau County, NY business.

• Pros:

  • Large, Non-Dilutive Awards: Grants are competitive and can provide significant funding without requiring you to give up equity.

  • Transparent Pipeline: The site clearly lists open and upcoming solicitations by agency, helping you plan your application strategy.

  • Extensive Resources: Offers tutorials, event listings, and an awards database to guide you through the complex process.

• Cons:

  • Narrow Focus: Eligibility is restricted to R&D-intensive small businesses, making it unsuitable for most Main Street companies.

  • Program Volatility: Funding and program timing can change based on congressional reauthorization; always verify the current status.

Pro-Tip: Before diving in, use the site's tutorials and review the award database to understand what kind of projects get funded. This research is essential for crafting a competitive proposal.

Website: https://www.sbir.gov/

4. New York State Grants Management – SFS Grant Opportunity Search

While federal grants are a major source of funding, New York State offers its own opportunities. The New York State Grants Management portal is the official gateway for these state-level grants, making it an essential bookmark for entrepreneurs from Oyster Bay to Westbury in Nassau County, NY. It consolidates grant postings from across all NYS agencies into a single database. This matters to local businesses because state funds are often more attuned to the specific economic needs of our region.

This platform provides a transparent view of state-funded programs, from economic development initiatives to technology commercialization grants. You can browse all listings without an account, view Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and find application instructions. The ability to sign up for email notifications ensures you’re among the first to know when new small business grants in New York that match your criteria are posted.

Key Features and Considerations

Understanding how to navigate this state-specific portal can give your Nassau County business a competitive edge.

• Pros:

  • Statewide Coverage: It serves as a one-stop directory for multi-agency grant postings across New York State.

  • Free to Browse: No account or login is required to search and view available opportunities.

  • Direct Links: Listings provide direct access to full RFPs and all necessary application materials.

• Cons:

  • Careful Filtering Needed: Many grants target municipalities or non-profits, so for-profit businesses must carefully filter results.

  • SFS Registration for Application: To officially apply for and manage awards, you will need to register for an SFS account, which is a separate process.

Pro-Tip: Use the "Advanced Search" feature and filter by "Eligible Applicant" to quickly isolate opportunities specifically designated for for-profit businesses.

Website: https://grantsmanagement.ny.gov/search-funding-sfs

5. NYS Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) Portal

The NYS Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) Portal is the gateway to New York's Regional Economic Development Councils (REDC) initiative. For business owners in Nassau County, NY, this portal centralizes applications for numerous state grants and tax credits. It serves as the single entry point for annual funding rounds, making it an essential bookmark for serious grant seekers. This matters because it streamlines access to funds that are specifically allocated to support the Long Island economy, including projects right here in our towns.

This single-application system is designed to simplify access to multiple state agency programs. By creating one comprehensive application, businesses can be considered for several funding sources simultaneously. While this efficiency is a huge benefit, especially compared to federal efforts to cut business fees, the competition is fierce, requiring a well-prepared submission.

Key Features and Considerations

Understanding the CFA's structure and timing is critical for any Nassau County, NY entrepreneur seeking state assistance.

• Pros:

  • Streamlined Access: The single application provides a pathway to dozens of NYS grant and incentive programs.

  • Strong Support: The state provides extensive documentation, guides, and webinars to help applicants.

  • Regional Focus: Applications are reviewed by the Long Island REDC council, ensuring those with local economic impact are prioritized.

• Cons:

  • Highly Competitive: The centralized nature of the CFA means you are competing against businesses from across Long Island for a limited pool of funds.

  • Strict Deadlines: Most REDC-related funding is tied to an annual application round with a firm deadline.

Pro-Tip: Before the annual CFA round opens, review the previous year's application manual. This gives you a significant head start in crafting a compelling project narrative that aligns with Long Island's strategic goals.

Website: https://apps.cio.ny.gov/apps/cfa/

6. CFA Resources & Regional Economic Development Councils

While the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) portal is where you apply, the CFA Resources website is where you do your homework. This companion site is a strategic hub for New York businesses, centralizing program guidelines and region-specific economic data. For entrepreneurs across Nassau County, NY, this platform is essential for understanding the state’s funding priorities and crafting a competitive application tailored to the Long Island region. This is important for local owners because it provides the inside track on what kind of projects get funded in our area.

The site allows you to access up-to-date manuals and eligibility details for every program available through the CFA. More importantly, it provides a transparent look into the projects that have previously received funding on Long Island. This insight is invaluable for understanding what a successful proposal for small business grants in New York looks like and aligning your project with regional goals.

Key Features and Considerations

Think of this site as your strategic guide before applying. Knowing how to leverage its resources can make a significant difference for your Nassau County, NY, business.

• Pros:

  • Strategic Prep: Saves immense time by helping you understand which programs fit your business before starting an application.

  • Transparent Data: Provides a clear view of previously funded projects, offering a blueprint for success.

  • Free Educational Tools: Offers access to recorded webinars, manuals, and how-to guides at no cost.

• Cons:

  • Not an Application Portal: This is a research tool; you must still submit your application through the main CFA website.

  • Requires Interpretation: The resources provide guidance, but it's up to you to translate that information into a compelling application.

Pro-Tip: Before writing your grant proposal, use the region filters to review past projects funded on Long Island. This will give you a powerful understanding of what our Regional Economic Development Council prioritizes.

Website: https://cfaresources.ny.gov/

7. Empire State Development – Division of Small Business (Small Business Hub)

Empire State Development (ESD) is New York's chief economic development agency, and its Small Business Hub is a primary resource for entrepreneurs across the state. For business owners in Nassau County, NY, this portal aggregates state-run programs, incentives, and Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) resources. This is a valuable starting point for local businesses because it offers a wide range of support systems beyond just direct grants, including certification programs that can open doors to new contracts.

The platform’s real value lies in its "Filter Programs" tool, which allows you to find relevant assistance based on your industry and business stage. Beyond funding, ESD connects entrepreneurs with regional offices, a critical step for getting personalized guidance. Making these local connections is often a key part of growing a business, much like attending local Long Island business networking groups.

Key Features and Considerations

Navigating state-level programs requires understanding the different types of support available. ESD’s hub helps clarify these options for your Nassau County, NY, business.

• Pros:

  • Official State Source: Provides a trustworthy, centralized directory of New York State's small business programs.

  • Targeted Filtering: The program filter helps you quickly identify relevant resources.

  • Beyond Grants: Includes access to MWBE certification, tax incentives, and technical assistance.

• Cons:

  • Not Just Grants: Many listed opportunities are loans, tax credits, or reimbursement programs, not direct cash grants.

  • Fragmented Applications: Each program has its own separate application process and eligibility criteria.

Pro-Tip: Use the regional office contact information. A conversation with an ESD representative can provide insights into unannounced or upcoming small business grants in New York and help you understand which programs are the best fit for your business.

Website: https://esd.ny.gov/doing-business-ny/small-business-hub

8. ESD – Global NY Grant Fund

For Nassau County, NY, businesses ready to expand their reach beyond our borders, Empire State Development's (ESD) Global NY Grant Fund is a powerful tool. This program is designed specifically to help small and mid-sized companies begin exporting or increase their global sales. It offers reimbursable grants to offset costs associated with international market development. This matters to our local economy by helping Nassau County businesses become players on the global stage, bringing new revenue back home.

The fund covers up to 50% of eligible costs, including participation in international trade shows and market research. A standout feature is the hands-on support from dedicated regional Global NY managers, including one for Long Island, who guide applicants through the process. This direct assistance is invaluable for businesses navigating the complexities of international trade for the first time.

Key Features and Considerations

Understanding this program’s focus on exports is crucial for a successful application in Nassau County, NY.

• Pros:

  • Direct Export Focus: The grant is well-defined and aimed directly at generating revenue through international sales.

  • Clear Guidelines: Provides clear categories for reimbursable costs, simplifying the application.

  • Dedicated Support: Regional managers offer personalized assistance to applicants on Long Island.

• Cons:

  • Reimbursement Model: Businesses must have the capital to spend upfront and wait for reimbursement.

  • Niche Purpose: The fund is exclusively for export activities and cannot be used for domestic operations.

Pro-Tip: Before applying, connect with your Long Island Global NY representative. They can help you determine eligibility and strengthen your application by ensuring your proposed activities align perfectly with the fund's objectives.

Website: https://esd.ny.gov/global-ny-fund-grant-program

9. NYSERDA – Funding Opportunities

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers targeted funding for businesses investing in energy efficiency and clean technology. For entrepreneurs in Nassau County, NY, looking to lower utility costs or innovate in the green sector, this platform is a goldmine. This matters to local residents because these grants help our businesses become more sustainable and reduce their environmental footprint, benefiting the entire community from the Great Neck peninsula to the shores of Jones Beach State Park.

The platform lists all current solicitations, making it easy to find opportunities relevant to your industry, whether you run a restaurant in Garden City or a manufacturing plant in Hicksville. These funds are designed to help New York State meet its ambitious climate goals, offering a direct financial pathway for businesses to become more competitive.

Key Features and Considerations

Understanding the specific nature of these funds is crucial for a successful application for your Nassau County, NY, business.

• Pros:

  • Targeted Funding: Provides significant cost-share and incentive dollars for energy-related upgrades.

  • Direct Impact: Helps businesses lower long-term operational costs through efficiency.

  • Clear Contacts: Opportunities list specific technical contacts to answer detailed questions.

• Cons:

  • Highly Specific: These are not general cash grants and require a technical proposal or cost-sharing.

  • Competitive: Many opportunities are competitive and require detailed, well-researched applications.

Pro-Tip: Review past awards on the NYSERDA site to understand what kind of proposals get funded. Aligning your project with New York's stated energy goals is key.

Website: https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/funding

10. PSEG Long Island – Main Street Revitalization & Business First Grants

For brick-and-mortar businesses in Nassau County, NY, PSEG Long Island’s revitalization programs offer some of the most accessible and practical funding available. These initiatives provide direct grants aimed at improving storefronts and beautifying downtown areas from Mineola to Merrick. This is a hyper-local resource that matters because it directly invests in the visual and economic health of our local Main Streets, making towns like Rockville Centre and Port Washington more vibrant for everyone.

Unlike broad state or federal programs, these grants are specifically designed for the tangible needs of local storefronts. The programs include the Main Street Revitalization grants for renovations and Vacant Space Revival incentives for new tenants. This targeted approach is a key reason why many entrepreneurs see it as a primary source for small business grants in New York, particularly on Long Island.

Key Features and Considerations

Understanding these local programs can give your Nassau County, NY business a direct path to funding for physical improvements.

• Pros:

  • Hyper-Local Focus: Exclusively serves businesses in PSEG Long Island's service area (Nassau and Suffolk counties).

  • Practical Funding: Directly supports tangible projects like facade improvements and filling empty storefronts.

  • Proven Impact: Has delivered millions in documented support to Long Island communities since 2018.

• Cons:

  • Variable Availability: Program funding and specific grant caps can change from year to year.

  • Potential for Pauses: Programs may close to new applicants once annual funds are fully depleted.

Pro-Tip: Engage with your local Chamber of Commerce. They often partner with PSEG Long Island on these initiatives and can provide guidance and support for your application.

Website: https://www.psegliny.com/inthecommunity/revitalization/mainstreet

11. New York State Contract Reporter (NYSCR)

The New York State Contract Reporter (NYSCR) is the official state portal for public contracting notices. While its primary focus is on bids and contracts, entrepreneurs in Nassau County, NY, can find significant value here, as it sometimes lists grant-adjacent opportunities. It’s a resource for proactively engaging with state agencies rather than passively waiting for grant announcements. This matters for local businesses because it can uncover funding channels that aren't widely advertised.

By registering for the NYS Business Registry, your business becomes visible to state agencies searching for partners. The platform allows you to subscribe to alerts for relevant opportunities, ensuring you're notified when notices are posted. This can be a strategic backdoor to finding small business grants in New York.

Key Features and Considerations

Think of NYSCR as a government marketplace; understanding how to navigate it is key to uncovering hidden funding for your Nassau County, NY, business.

• Pros:

  • Direct Visibility: Offers free visibility to state agencies and prime contractors actively seeking business partners.

  • Hidden Gems: Occasionally surfaces grant programs or incentive-adjacent opportunities tied to state contracts.

  • Official Source: Provides direct access to official procurement notices without any intermediary.

• Cons:

  • Contract-Focused: It is primarily a contracting portal, not a dedicated grant board, so finding grants requires effort.

  • Requires Filtering: You must actively filter through numerous contract bids to find grant or funding-related notices.

Pro-Tip: Set up highly specific keyword alerts for terms like "grant," "small business funding," or "economic development" in addition to your industry-specific terms.

Website: https://www.nyscr.ny.gov/

12. Long Island Small Business Development Center (Farmingdale) – Grants & Advising

For entrepreneurs in Nassau County, NY, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Farmingdale State College is an indispensable local ally. The SBDC acts as a strategic partner, offering no-cost, confidential, one-on-one advising to help businesses navigate the complex world of funding. Their team helps local owners from Mineola to Merrick prepare competitive grant applications, significantly improving their odds of success. This is a vital community asset because it provides expert, hands-on support to our local businesses for free.

The LI SBDC maintains a pragmatic and up-to-date grants page that highlights legitimate small business grants in New York and flags potential scams. This grounded approach, combined with hands-on assistance, makes it a vital resource for any Long Island business serious about growth. Their local focus provides a level of support that national databases simply cannot match, similar to the community-centric resources offered by a Nassau County Chamber of Commerce.

Key Features and Considerations

Leveraging this free, local expertise can be a game-changer for your grant-seeking efforts in Nassau County, NY.

• Pros:

  • Local, Hands-On Help: Get expert, personalized guidance on complex grant applications at no cost.

  • Realistic Guidance: Advisors offer honest feedback on grant viability and suggest alternative funding if needed.

  • Vetted Opportunities: Their curated list helps you avoid scams and focus on legitimate programs.

• Cons:

  • Not a Direct Funder: The SBDC provides advising services and does not award grant money directly.

  • Dependent on External Programs: The availability of grants is tied to programs currently open from state and federal agencies.

Pro-Tip: Engage with the SBDC early in your funding search. Their advisors can help you develop a strong business plan, which is critical for any application. Meticulous financial records are also crucial, so consider resources on understanding which receipts to keep for tax purposes.

Website: https://www.farmingdale.edu/small-business-development-center/grants.shtml

NY Small Business Grants: 12-Resource Comparison

Stay Ahead of the Next Opportunity

Navigating the landscape of small business grants new york can feel like a full-time job, but opportunities for Nassau County, NY, entrepreneurs are abundant with the right strategy. From federal databases to the hyperlocal focus of PSEG Long Island and the invaluable guidance from the Long Island SBDC in Farmingdale, a wealth of resources is available. The key is not just knowing where to look, but how to look and what to do when you find a potential match.

This guide aimed to transform the grant search from a daunting task into a manageable process. We've moved beyond simple lists and delved into the practical application of tools like the New York State Grants Management portal and the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA). The goal was to equip you, whether you're launching a startup in Hempstead or scaling a business in Port Washington, with the tactical knowledge to effectively pursue free capital for your venture.

Key Takeaways for Nassau County Business Owners

Your journey toward securing grant funding is a marathon, not a sprint. Remember these core principles:

• Proactive Monitoring is Non-Negotiable: Grant deadlines are firm and opportunities can appear with little warning. Regularly checking portals like the New York State Contract Reporter and setting up alerts should become a routine.

• Local Resources are Your Greatest Allies: The advisors at the Farmingdale SBDC and your local Chamber of Commerce (be it in Garden City or Oyster Bay) are strategic partners. They offer free, expert guidance tailored to the Long Island economic environment.

• Preparation is Paramount: Successful grant applicants have a "grant-ready" folder with a polished business plan, financial projections, and clear project goals ready to be adapted for any application.

• Alignment is Everything: Don't waste time applying for every grant you see. Focus only on opportunities where your business's mission and community impact directly align with the funder's stated goals. A clean energy grant from NYSERDA has very different criteria than a Main Street revitalization grant.

Your Actionable Next Steps

Feeling motivated? Here’s how to channel that energy into immediate action:

1. Schedule a "Grant Strategy" Hour: Block off one hour this week to bookmark the top 3-4 portals from this list that are most relevant to your business in Nassau County, NY.

2. Book a No-Cost SBDC Appointment: Visit the Long Island SBDC website and schedule a meeting. Go in with a specific question, such as, "Can you help me identify state-level grants for my retail business?"

3. Create Your "Grant-Ready" Digital Folder: Start a new folder on your computer. Begin by saving your current business plan, your most recent profit and loss statement, and a one-page document outlining your company's mission.

Securing a grant is a significant achievement, but it's just one piece of the financial puzzle. Consider exploring comprehensive resources for small businesses to help streamline your operations. By combining a proactive grant strategy with solid financial practices, you build a resilient foundation for sustainable growth right here in Nassau County.

The world of small business grants new york is dynamic, but with persistence and the right tools, you can position your business to capitalize on the next big opportunity. For more news and resources relevant to our community, don't forget to check our events page.

Stay on top of the latest local economic news, new grant announcements, and networking events across Nassau County. 516 Update delivers the essential, no-fluff information that matters to local business owners like you. Subscribe to the 516 Update daily newsletter to ensure you never miss a funding opportunity or a critical community update.