Genesis Group & NBT Bank launch new small business assistance program for Mohawk Valley By Ray Durso
The Genesis Group and NBT Bank are pleased to announce “The Genesis Group Small Business Assistance Program.” This program will provide grants to support area small businesses and nonprofit organizations with fewer than 50 employees in the Mohawk Valley region. Applicants will be asked to submit a form and proposal to be considered. All eligible grant applications that meet the criteria will be reviewed by a committee in the program's non-competitive review process. The committee will then recommend qualifying applications to the Genesis Group Board of Trustees for final approval. Awards will range from $500 to $1,000. NBT Bank has provided a $5,000 investment to fund the first round of grants. Genesis and NBT Bank are also proud to have Townsquare Media, Hummel's Office Plus and Bondar Tech join us as participating sponsors. Townsquare Media will donate $2,000 worth of radio advertising, Hummel's Office Plus is donating $500 worth of office supplies and Bondar Tech will donate a business telephone system valued at $3,500.
Raymond J. Durso, Jr., Genesis Group President & CEO said, “I believe this is an important program that can help support area businesses and non-profit organizations. The funding and resources being donated will be used to support those businesses and applications that meet the program criteria. I believe that the Genesis Group...along with its partners, are making a positive impact for businesses in our region. NBT Bank Regional President David Kavney said, “As a community bank, NBT Bank believes that the incredible work of our local small businesses and nonprofits is vital to the success and growth of our region. That is why we’re honored to sponsor this grant program, and we look forward to boosting the impact the businesses and organization selected to receive these awards will have on our community.
Karen Carey, Market President Townsquare Media said, “Townsquare Media is proud to participate in this important initiative with the Genesis Group. We want to do whatever we can to support our local area businesses and non-profits because they are the lifeblood of our local community.” Justin Hummel, President & CEO of Hummel's Office Plus said, “Hummel’s has always been a strong supporter of the “Shop Local” programs in our area. We also believe in supporting small businesses along with helping our area to attract, grow, & support new opportunities in Central New York. This Genesis Group grant program falls into supporting both of these initiatives along with our Corporate Mission of supporting businesses in their logistics & business needs.” Anatoly Bondarchuk, Owner & Senior IT Consultant at BondarTech said, “Small business is the backbone of our community. There are many costs associated with starting a new business, and one of them is communication with the clients. I am pleased to support this grant program that will help set these businesses and organizations up for success from day one, which is what we do here at BondarTech.”
Special thanks to The Genesis Group for this article. The Genesis Group is a civic organization that unites Business and Community Leaders working to advance regional Economic, Social and Cultural interests, and to foster unity and cooperation in the Mohawk Valley region of Upstate New York.
