Empowering the Heart of Our Economy: The Allegany County MicroEnterprise Grant Program

At the Allegany County Industrial Development Agency (ACIDA), we believe that our small businesses are more than just shops and services—they are the backbone of our economy and the soul of our Main Streets. Since 2021, we have been proud to partner with Allegany County and the NYS Office of Community Renewal to deliver critical capital through the MicroEnterprise Grant Program.

Today, we are thrilled to share the remarkable results of this initiative, which has funneled over $680,000 in direct investment into 24 of our local small businesses.

Real Dollars, Real ImpactThe program targets "true" microenterprises—businesses with five or fewer employees. By providing flexible grants ranging from $10,000 to $35,000, we are helping entrepreneurs modernize, expand, and create local jobs.

The Results Through December 2025:

• Job Growth: 33 new jobs created and 46 jobs retained.
• Unmatched Stability: A 100% business retention rate among all grant recipients.
• Future-Focused: 58% of our grantees are already planning further expansions.
  
  

"The fact that we have seen a 100% business retention rate proves that when we invest in our own neighbors, the entire county stays stronger." — Brooke Harris, Allegany County Legislative Chairman

Jason Milburn (left) and Josie Kozlowski (right), owners of Canaseraga Soup and Coffee Co., stand in front of their original Canaseraga café. Following the success of this flagship location and support from the Allegany County MicroEnterprise Grant Program, the duo expanded their operations by opening a second café in Wellsville.

Success Stories Across Allegany County
From agribusiness to high-end retail, these grants are fueling diverse industries across our region:

• Step Ahead (Swain): This stair contractor used the grant to expand their customer base fivefold and is now moving into a larger production facility.
• Living Acres Farm (Alfred Station): By adding a seedling greenhouse and an online storefront, they’ve merged traditional farming with modern efficiency.
• Triple Brew (Canaseraga): This retail destination has successfully recaptured revenue that previously went to neighboring counties.
• Peligan Inspections & Excavation (Belmont): Through repeat funding, they are expanding into lead removal, which will create four new jobs in 2026.

More Than Just a Check: Building Resilience
Success in a rural economy requires a solid plan. That is why every grantee receives professional entrepreneurship training through ACCORD Corporation or IncubatorWorks, with final business plan development guided by The Harrison Studio. This hands-on approach ensures that our smallest operations have the same professional backing as a large corporation, creating a resilient foundation for years to come. 

Join Our Growing Community
The ACIDA remains dedicated to promoting sustainable economic development through these vital public-private partnerships. Whether you are a start-up or an established micro-business, we are here to help you thrive.

See the full report HERE.

Keep an eye out for upcoming news about our request for another round of MicroEnterprise Funding!