GENESEO, N.Y., Sept. 4, 2025 — Grow LivCo, Livingston County’s Economic Development Office, is launching Small Business->Big Boost, a new program aimed at providing training, funding and resources to help local entrepreneurs start or expand businesses in Livingston County. 

The free small business development program will focus on creating employment opportunities for low- to moderate-income families, expanding the local business mix, and assisting existing businesses with significant expansion into new business concepts. Selected applicants will be eligible for up to $35,000 in grant funding through the program. Eligible grant-funded purchases include inventory, furniture, fixtures, equipment and operating capital. Participants will be required to complete entrepreneurship training through Grow LivCo before applying for any funding awards.  

Small Business->Big Boost Important Dates

• Application to participate due: Monday, Sept. 15, 2025
• Entrepreneurship Training Sessions: Sept. 23 & 30; Sept. 27 & 28; Oct. 9 & 16
• Application for funding due: Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025
• Awards announced: Monday, Nov. 10

“Small businesses are the beating hearts of our communities, and this program will provide the essential tools, resources, and funding our local entrepreneurs need to thrive,” said Economic Development Director Bill Bacon. “Through this program, we’re building stronger communities and creating opportunities for local families. I encourage all the eligible businesses or aspiring business owners in our area to apply today.”

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants can be a new business start-up or expansion of an existing business.
• Applicants must be a private, for-profit business entity.
• Existing businesses must have five or fewer employees, one or more of which is the principal and owns the enterprise at the time of application. This includes both part-time and full-time employees.
• Applicants must income qualify or create at least one full-time equivalent job.
• Applicants are not required to be residents of Livingston County.
• Priority will be given to first-time grant applicants.

Applications, program details and more are available online at GrowLivCo.com. Those interested may submit applications by email, mail, or in person. Applications may be hand delivered or mailed to Livingston County Economic Development, 6 Court Street, Room 306, Geneseo, NY 14454, or submitted electronically to info@growlivco.com.

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About Livingston County:

Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is home to more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.