Empire State Development (ESD) will host the second installment of its North Country “Lunch & Learn” virtual series, scheduled for 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24. The upcoming session will provide an in-depth look at two state initiatives: the POWER UP and FAST NY Shovel-Ready grant programs.
These programs are designed to eliminate the infrastructure barriers that often delay industrial and commercial projects. Following the presentation, ESD officials will host a live Q&A session to answer specific questions from regional stakeholders.
The session will highlight two primary funding vehicles:
FAST NY Shovel-Ready Grant Program ($400M): Grants to prepare and develop sites statewide to jumpstart New York’s shovel-readiness and increase its attractiveness to large employers, including high-tech manufacturing, particularly semiconductor manufacturing, interstate distribution and logistics businesses. The program will help diversify New York State’s economy while propelling new investments for businesses, communities and job creation.
POWER UP Grant Program ($300M, allocated over three years): Grants to develop the electric infrastructure of sites statewide to create a network of power-ready sites with upgraded electrical capacity to significantly shorten the time between business site selection and operational launch. By modernizing and expanding electric infrastructure, POWER UP enhances New York’s competitiveness in attracting high-quality jobs, particularly in advanced manufacturing.
RSVP for the March 24 event on the North Country Regional Economic Development Council website here. A Zoom link will be provided ahead of the meeting.
The Lunch & Learn series is designed to educate and connect North Country stakeholders with state resources. This virtual initiative provides a platform for businesses, nonprofits, labor groups and academic leaders across the seven-county region to explore funding and growth opportunities.
Going forward, the 2026 series will include:
April 22 – New Market Tax Credits
May 19 – Global NY
June 23 – County Infrastructure Grant Program
August 25 – Lending and Financial Resources
October 27 – Workforce Development
Community news stories come from press releases and other notices from organizations, businesses, state agencies and other groups.
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