PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 18, 2025

Mohawk Valley, NY — The Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, Inc. (MVEDD) is pleased to announce it has been awarded funding through the USDA Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP). This grant will enable MVEDD to expand its support for rural microenterprises across the region, offering targeted technical assistance and financial guidance to help small businesses thrive.

The RMAP award will allow MVEDD to deliver a series of hybrid workshops and one-on-one consulting services designed to help rural entrepreneurs identify and secure funding opportunities, strengthen their financial planning, and position their businesses for long-term success.

“Our region is rich with entrepreneurial spirit, and this funding allows us to meet small businesses where they are—providing the tools and guidance they need to grow,” said Stephen Smith, Executive Director of MVEDD. “We’re proud to continue building a resilient rural economy in the Mohawk Valley.”

Upcoming Workshops Will Cover:

· Funding and Accessing Grants: Basics for finding and applying for grant funding

· Capital Stacking: Strategies for layering public and private funding

· Budgeting for Your Project: Building realistic and fundable budgets

· Proforma 101: Understanding financial projections

· Financial Documentation: Why it matters and how to get it right

All workshops will be offered in a hybrid format, welcoming participation from rural businesses throughout the Mohawk Valley. In addition to group sessions, MVEDD will provide individualized support to help businesses identify grant opportunities and help prepare competitive applications.

MVEDD encourages rural entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners to take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen their operations and access new funding pathways. For more information or to register for upcoming workshops, please visit: mvedd.org/usda-rmap