Microenterprise grants offered

By Anya Tikka
PORT JERVIS — Starting next years, Port Jervis residents and nonresidents alike may be able to snag a grant to start a "microenterprise" business in Port Jervis.

The city’s Community Development Agency is offering grants ranging from $5,000 to $35,000, with only a 10 percent down payment required. A microenterprise operates on a very small scale, usually with a sole proprietor and less than 10 employees.

As long as the business is located in Port Jervis non-residents may apply, although they may have to meet other criteria. Port Jervis residents may apply for the grant even if their business is located outside the city as long as it will employ income-qualified Port Jervis residents.

The agency's director, Valerie Maginsky, said the Community Development Block Microenterprise (CDBG) was awarded to the city after it submitted a competitive application to the New York State Empire State Development Corporation. Port Jervis was selected among other four applications.

Port Jervis will receive $200,000 to be divided among 10 microenterprise business start-up applicants who qualify.

The program aims to help those who would otherwise find it difficult to meet the startup costs of a business venture, Maginsky said. Single people with an annual income of less than $44,750 or a family of four with an income of less than $63,900 are eligible. How much grant money would be granted depends on the amount of down payment the applicants are able to provide. It has to amount to 10 percent of the total.

Low-interest loans will also be available through the City of Port Jervis CDA.

Priority will be given to businesses that support the vision of Port Jervis as a destination location, and to women- or veteran owned businesses.

The whitewater park proposed for the city is moving ahead, and it may become the central part of a waterfront district now also being planned. To promote Port Jervis as a destination location, officials hope at least some of the microenterprise businesses will be located in the area adjacent to the future park and provide services related to it.

Maginsky may be contacted at 845-858-4024 or by pjcda@frontiernet.net.