By Women Who Influence | The Influence
Funding watch · Verified October 29, 2026
For an established New York City employer, a training need may have a funding pathway. NYC Small Business Services’ Customized Training Program supports eligible employee training through reimbursement, rather than providing unrestricted startup money.
Past deadline: The October 30, 2026 pre-application date covered here has passed. Check NYC Small Business Services for the next listed deadline.
What the city lists
- Grant range: $10,000–$400,000, reimbursing up to 60% of total training costs.
- Business criteria: NYC-based, for-profit and operating for more than one year.
- Training size: at least five employees; smaller firms can ask about a joint consortium application.
- Cash requirement: businesses pay training costs upfront and receive quarterly reimbursements.
- Other conditions: training must be completed within one year, and wage increases are required upon completion.
- Next listed pre-application dates: October 30, 2026, and January 5, 2027.
The process begins with an eligibility checklist, followed by a screening conversation and a final application supplied by the program team. Confirm the current timetable and any application cost directly with SBS; the public overview does not specify an application fee. The program is competitive and has additional guidelines.
Connect the training to a business problem
Our perspective: employers should explain the problem the training would solve, the staff involved and how they would measure improvement. They should also assess whether they can carry the upfront expense and meet wage commitments.
Because the October date is close, contact SBS promptly to confirm the required sequence. Do not assume training purchased before approval will qualify.
Official program and application access: NYC Customized Training Grant Program. Read the linked guidelines and FAQ before making commitments.
