The Small Firm Attraction and Retention Grant Program (SFARG) is an initiative designed to assist businesses and not-for-profit organizations with 200 or fewer employees located south of Canal Street in Lower Manhattan. SFARG provides cash grants to eligible entities that commit to leasing space and employing people south of Canal Street for a minimum of five years. The program provides assistance ranging from $3,500 to $5,000 per employee. Businesses that were located south of Canal Street as of 9/11/01 and commit to stay downtown at least 5 years may also qualify for the program.

Applications for initial SFARG disbursements are no longer being accepted. Grantees should submit an application for the second payment of the grant 18 months after the initial application was accepted by ESD, up to the 2-year anniversary of that date. Grants will be calculated based on eligible employment levels as of the date of the 18-month anniversary. (Grantees with three or fewer eligible employees that received the entire grant payment in the first disbursement may submit an application for an additional disbursement if, as of the 18-month anniversary, the number of eligible employees increased to 4 or more.) 

For more information, or to clarify anniversary dates, please call 1-800-I-LOVE-NY (1-800-456-8369), or send an e-mail to wtcgrantprogram@empire.state.ny.us. You may also download the grant application and supporting information below.

Downloads:

FAQ
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Program Guidelines
English (updated 12-10-04)
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18- Month Disbursement Request
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