Suffolk County Launches JumpSMART Program to Revitalize Downtowns and Support Small Businesses/Nonprofits

Program Overview: Suffolk County, recognizing the vital role of small businesses and the cherished “Main Streets” or downtowns in its communities, is dedicated to their growth and vibrancy. To achieve this vision, the county has introduced the JumpSMART Small Business Downtown Investment Program. This initiative aims to provide crucial funding to fuel downtown growth, ensuring that local businesses and institutions remain competitive. Small businesses are the backbone of the County’s economy, and downtowns are the heart of its communities. JumpSMART will serve as a funding source for projects and programs that support small businesses, strengthen local arts and cultural organizations, promote tourism, and enhance workforce development efforts. This program complements the County’s existing JumpStart program, which focuses on capital investments for downtown revitalization.

Applying for the Grant

• Who Can Apply? Funding is available to both private and not-for-profit organizations, offering a broad spectrum of entities the opportunity to participate in revitalizing downtowns.
• Minimum Funding Request Amount: Applicants are required to request a minimum funding amount of $100,000, ensuring that the awarded grants have a substantial impact on the targeted projects.
• Application Deadline: To be considered for the JumpSMART program, all applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm on September 29, 2023.
• Grant Contract Duration: Awards are anticipated to be announced in the fall of 2023, and the contract term will be determined through discussions with successful applicants, adapting to the scope and needs of each project.
• Funding Level and Number of Applications: There are no limitations on the funding level or the number of applications from a single program, organization, or company. All proposals will be thoroughly reviewed, and the evaluation committee may consider scaling down proposals as needed.
• Number of Awards: While a specific number of awards has not been set, the goal is to make a diverse range of awards that positively impact Suffolk County’s downtowns and small businesses.
• Criteria for Project Evaluation: Projects will be rigorously evaluated based on several key criteria, including proximity to downtown business districts and/or mass transit, potential to enhance regional or local tourism, demonstrated potential for long-term community and economic growth, general impact on the community, enhancement of an organization’s long-term viability, sustainability practices, impacts on water quality through wastewater infrastructure upgrades, cultural impacts, and the ability to improve workforce training and development.
• How to Apply: Interested applicants are encouraged to apply online through the JumpSMART application portal. Applications should include essential information such as organizational history, project description including location, proposed project purpose and need, a detailed timeline and budget, and anticipated impacts and outcomes for both the organization and the community. If additional information is required, applicants will be notified, and the evaluation committee may request further materials or an interview to gain a deeper understanding of the project proposal.
• Applicant Assistance: For any questions or assistance regarding the grant program or the application process, applicants can reach out to the Department of Economic Development and Planning at jumpsmart@suffolkcountyny.gov.
• Review Process: An evaluation committee, consisting of key stakeholders including the County Executive, the Presiding Officer, the Minority Leader, the Commissioner of Economic Development & Planning, and a small business advocate (or their designees), will collaborate with planning professionals from the Department of Economic Development and Planning to make award determinations. This comprehensive review process ensures that the selected projects align with the program’s objectives and benefit Suffolk County’s communities.

In conclusion, Suffolk County’s JumpSMART program stands as a beacon of hope for downtown revitalization and economic recovery. By providing critical funding to support small businesses and breathe life back into Main Streets, the County is taking a proactive step towards a brighter and more vibrant future for its communities. The application portal is open until September 29, 2023 so interested parties are encouraged to participate and contribute to this transformative initiative.