Utica Offers Grants to Longstanding Businesses
The city's Legacy Business Assistance program provides up to $20,000 to businesses operating at least 25 years.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Utica has announced Legacy Business Assistance grants of up to $20,000 for businesses that have operated for at least 25 years. The program is funded with $280,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant funds.
Why it matters
The program aims to recognize businesses that remained open through the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayor Michael Galime said it has long been a goal to highlight and support small businesses that have withstood the test of time.
The program offers up to $20,000 to businesses operating at least 25 years, funded by $280,000 in federal CDBG dollars within a $768,000 economic development total for 2026. The source does not say how many businesses will receive grants or how the funds will be divided.
The players
Michael Galime
Mayor of Utica, who announced the Legacy Business Assistance program in an Oct. 28 statement and has pursued support for small businesses that have endured over time.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
The federal agency that approved the 2026 program year allocation of Community Development Block Grant funds used to finance the program.
The details
Legacy Business Assistance grants are funded through 2026 program year Community Development Block Grant funds approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Nov. 27 and are available on the city's website.
Timeline
Oct. 28: Mayor Michael Galime announced the Legacy Business Assistance program.
June: $138,000 in awards went to minority- and women-owned businesses.
September: $350,000 in Façade Improvement Program grants were awarded.
Nov. 27, 4 p.m.: Legacy Business Program application deadline.
Market Landscape
The Legacy Business Assistance program uses 2026 federal Community Development Block Grant allocations approved by HUD, extending the same funding stream that supported this year's Façade Improvement Program awards. It positions Utica's small-business support around businesses that survived the Great Recession and COVID-19, rather than new startups.
Eligible Utica businesses operating at least 25 years can apply for grants of up to $20,000 before the Nov. 27 deadline. The application requirements and forms are posted on the city's website at www.cityofutica.com.
The takeaway
Utica businesses that have operated for at least 25 years should review the eligibility requirements and submit applications before the 4 p.m. deadline on Nov. 27. Questions can be directed to Jack Spaeth, the city's Economic Development Program Specialist.
What happens next
Legacy Business Program applications are due by 4 p.m. on Nov. 27, 2026.
Further reading
Explore more in Openings & Closings for Utica.
More information
Applications and requirements for the city website with Legacy Business Program applications are available online.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Time Telegram.
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