About this programme
Grow-NY is a food and agriculture business competition run by Empire State Development and administered by Cornell University's Center for Regional Economic Advancement. It distributes $3 million annually across seven winning companies.
The competition is built around getting winning companies to put down roots in the Grow-NY region: the Finger Lakes, Central New York and Southern Tier.
How it works
$3 million is awarded annually across seven prizes: one $1 million award to a single company, two $500,000 awards, and four $250,000 awards.
All prizes are paid in stages based on business milestones, not as a single lump sum.
Judges evaluate applicants on team cohesion, commercialization viability, customer value, growth potential, innovation contribution, regional job creation, and program participation.
Winners must materially locate and maintain a presence in the Grow-NY region for at least 12 consecutive months, through a principal headquarters, primary manufacturing facility, primary R&D facility, or substantial capital investment there.
Who can apply
Applicants must meet at least two of: the company is less than seven years old, its first product is in testing or pilot production, it is pre-revenue or in early revenue, or its leadership team is working toward commercialization.
Non-scalable businesses, sole proprietorships, nonprofits, retail operations, gaming establishments, and franchise-based outlets are excluded.
How to apply
- Applications open March 1, 2026 and close May 15, 2026.
- Finalists are selected in summer 2026.
- Finalists take part in mentoring and regional visits in late summer 2026.
- Winners are decided at the Pitch Competition & Summit, held November 12-13, 2026.
Frequently asked
How much prize money is available?
$3 million a year, split as one $1 million prize, two $500,000 prizes and four $250,000 prizes, paid in milestone-based stages.
Do I have to move my company to New York?
If you win, yes. Winners must maintain a presence in the Finger Lakes, Central New York or Southern Tier for at least 12 consecutive months, through a headquarters, manufacturing facility, R&D facility, or substantial capital investment.
What kind of company qualifies?
A food or agriculture company meeting at least two of: under 7 years old, product in testing or pilot, pre-revenue or early revenue, or leadership focused on commercialization. Retail, gaming, franchise, nonprofit and sole proprietorship businesses are excluded.
When does the 2026 competition run?
Applications open March 1, 2026 and close May 15, 2026, with the final Pitch Competition & Summit on November 12-13, 2026.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.