News from Westchester’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Featuring news, entrepreneur profiles, and mentorship and growth opportunities

Launch of $30 Million Pre-seed and

Seed Matching Fund Program

The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) is providing $30 million for the Pre-seed and Seed Matching Fund Program (“Program”) to support high growth start-up companies at the earliest stages of their growth and development. The Program will offer early-stage businesses growth assistance from $50,000 up to $250,000 with matching from the private sector (there must be at least $1 of private sector investment for every $1 NY Ventures invests). In addition to financial support, Empire State Development offers the tools and key introductions needed to help companies reach the next level.

Investment Eligibility

Pre-Seed or Seed-stage companies across all technology markets, with a focus on:

● Advanced Manufacturing

● Agricultural Tech

● Climate Tech

● Consumer Products

● Data/SaaS/AI

● Fintech

● Healthcare

● Life Sciences and BioTech

● Medical Devices

More information and how to apply can be found here.

Ready to start a business? Sign Up to Be Notified About Launch1000 Applications!

Since 2020, more than 360 new ventures have emerged from Launch1000. Alums from the first cohort have already created over 425 jobs and generated more than $5.4 million in revenues for Westchester’s economy. We are preparing for our 2023 program, and encourage anyone interested in launching a new business to sign-up to be notified when applications open in mid-January. Whether a seasoned entrepreneur, a student or a retiree interested in turning a passion to a profit, this program (offered to residents at no cost), will help participants evaluate the viability of their idea, test it with potential customers, and adapt it so it is most likely to succeed.

Get on the list to be notified when applications open for Launch1000.

Apply for Element 46 Tech Accelerator Powered by Cela

Are you a tech startup in Westchester County? Apply today for the Spring 2023 cohort of the Element 46 Tech Accelerator Powered by Cela. The program offers a 12-week virtual curriculum, pitch and networking events for founders, access to a mentor network of investors and successful technology entrepreneurs, corporate and technology partnerships, and cutting edge technology and business skills.

Apply today.

Ossining Innovates! Accelerator Accepting Applications

Deadline: January 15

Apply today to join the next cohort of entrepreneurs with new ideas for a business or nonprofit. The OI! Accelerator is designed for people who:

have a clear idea of something new* for your business/nonprofit and don’t know what business to model it after
have conducted at least some initial research about the industry or sector you are looking to enter
are intent to get started without investor funding, and
hope to launch within the next year or so

OI! looks to serve a diverse community of entrepreneurs. The program is offered for free. No equity stakes. Learn more and apply here . The application deadline is January 15.

Interested in the Life Sciences Sector? Sign Up for Our Newsletter Today!

Are you an entrepreneur in the life science space? Sign-up to receive our weekly life sciences newsletter, which features news, events and industry trends. Click here to register and to see an archive of past newsletters.