A competition that’s creating more job opportunities and boosting the economy for upstate New York is back for its latest round.
Empire State Development (ESD) has opened applications for round five of Grow-NY’s food and agriculture competition, according to a press release. The competition is open to Black agritech startups globally to apply to win the grand prize of $1 million.
“The fifth round of the Grow-NY agribusiness accelerator will help to build on the incredible success of earlier competition winners whose entrepreneurial ideas are fueling economic growth Upstate,” Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight shared in a press statement. “These innovative companies have attracted significant investment throughout the Grow-NY region and around the world, and I can’t wait to see what the next crop of selected, forward-thinking entrepreneurs will bring to the table.”
The press release details that the Grow-NY competition is funded by Finger Lakes Forward, CNY Rising, and Southern Tier Soaring.
What’s more, over 200 new jobs and millions of dollars have been added to the Grow-NY region thanks to the competition.
“The Grow-NY food and agriculture competition helps to boost our upstate economy and spread the word that New York State is a great place to make some of the best, freshest, most innovative products in the world,” said State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball. “I thank Governor Hochul for her continued support of this initiative and encourage businesses big and small to apply for round five and show us the agricultural products of the future.”
Applications for the Grow-NY competition close on June 15 at 5 p.m. EST. By August, 20 finalists will be selected, who will receive entrepreneurial support, training, and more.
To learn more, click here.
