Syracuse Industrial Development Agency Approves Grants to More than 50 Small Businesses and Non-Profits for COVID-19 Response

Mayor Walsh thanks SIDA for increasing funding after requests more than doubled allocation

The Syracuse Industrial Development Agency (SIDA) Board of Directors today approved 52 grants and one loan to small businesses and non-profits to help them respond to the continuing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. From plumbers to fitness centers to theaters, SIDA will provide $308,000 dollars in assistance to businesses and non-profits located in or doing business in the City of Syracuse.

SIDA initially announced it would allocate $175,000 for the loan and grant program. After receiving applications totaling more than $500,000, the Board increased its allocation by an additional $133,000.

“The pandemic affects our lives every day, and it continues to take a steep toll on small businesses and non-profits. Many are in jeopardy of closing their doors, which would be devastating to our City,” said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh. “The response to SIDA’s offering is an indication of the need that exists. I want to thank SIDA for increasing its commitment to help more small businesses and non-profits get through this very difficult time.”

SIDA grants were provided to help recipients fund the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) or to acquire and install fixtures to prevent the spread of the virus. Applications were approved for purchases including face masks and shields, thermometers, clear plastic dividers, touchless faucets, and air purification filters for furnaces.

“The costs of responding to the pandemic are especially difficult on small businesses and non-profits. SIDA is pleased to be able to provide assistance to these organizations, which are critical to our local economy,” said Kathy Murphy, president of the SIDA board. “SIDA also appreciates the support of State Senator Rachel May and Assemblyman Al Stirpe, who co-sponsored the state legislation that allowed IDAs to make grants and loans available to respond to COVID-19.”

Grant recipients approved by SIDA are:

SIDA awarded grants to 24 non-profits and 28 businesses. SIDA also awarded a loan to the Volunteer Lawyers Project, a Syracuse non-profit that provides legal assistance to people in needed.

Anything But Beer

AMC Painting Solutions LLC

Band Personal Care Protection

Cellphone Expo

Central New York Jazz Arts Foundation

Chiodo Plumbing & Heating

CNY Dental Arts PLLC

Discovery Center (The MOST)

Dunbar Center

Everson Museum

Force

Funk ‘N Waffles

Gypsy Freedom

Heritage Bread Company

Housing Visions

Huntington Family Center

InterFaith Works of CNY

J B Brady Inc. d/b/a Brady Systems

Laci’s Ventures LLC DBA Laci’s Tapas Bar

Learning Disabilities of CNY dba LAUNCH

LiteracyCNY

M Lemp Jewelers Inc.

Mom’s  Diner

Musical Associates of Central New York (Symphoria)

MZHoque Enterprises

NE Community Center

Pamela McAlpine

Partners In Learning Inc.

Personal Fitness Programs Inc

Redhouse Arts Center Inc.

Salt City Coffee LLC

Samaritan Center Inc.

Scratch Bakehouse

Sky Armory

Southside Fitness LLC

SubCat Studios

Surf City Enterprises of Syracuse

Sweet Praxis

Syracuse Center for Peace and Social Justice

Syracuse Area Landmark Theatre

Syracuse City Ballet

Syracuse Cooperative Federal Credit Union

The Cora Foundation (Art Rage)

The Reading League

The Westcott Inc.

Volunteer Lawyers Project of Onondaga County, Inc.

Westcott Community Center

Yankel & Company Catering (Today’s Special)

Yvette Edwards

Zip Networks Inc

125 East Water Street LLC (The Evergreen Restaurant)

500 West Onondaga Street, Inc.