Lendistry, the only nationwide fintech CDFI and the largest minority-led deployer of capital in COVID relief funding, announces today that it will power Empire State Development's NY State Seed Funding Grant Program. This $200 million program will provide grants of $5,000-$25,000 to viable small and micro businesses, for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations, and independent arts contractors that were established on Sept. 1, 2018, or later.

"Since 2020, Lendistry has scaled up its platform to help underserved small businesses access the grants they need to keep serving their communities. We've deployed record amounts of state-funded relief in New York, Pennsylvania, California and more states to come," says Lendistry CEO Everett K. Sands. "We know how to get the funds where they're needed most, and we're excited to partner with Empire State Development to continue supporting New York's small business owners."

Empire State Development (ESD) created the NY State Seed Funding Grant Program to support early-stage businesses as they grow in a recovering economy. 

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The pandemic has had profound impacts on our economy and our small and micro businesses were among the hardest hit, especially in New York State. Supporting our State's small businesses has been a priority of Governor Hochul's administration and the steps taken to expand eligibility and get funding out the door has helped countless businesses stay on track. The $800 million Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program and now the new Seed Funding Grant Program marks unprecedented support for New York State's small businesses and for our economic success moving forward."

Lendistry has a proven track record of distributing grants and loans efficiently and fairly. In fact, the majority of the relief funds Lendistry has disbursed through SBA programs and state-funded grants to date have been awarded to underserved businesses, including minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and businesses located in low-income areas. An innovator in the small business finance space, Lendistry applauds ESD for making an impact on future influencers in New York State's economy.