The Western New York Regional Economic Development Council (WNY REDC) and Empire State Development (ESD) have announced that Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has launched Round VII of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative, which offers over $800 million in state economic development resources. To better prepare Chautauqua County stakeholders for this competition, Chautauqua County Executive Vine Horrigan encourages local stakeholders to attend a Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) Workshop to learn more about the process.

A CFA Workshop will be held on Thursday, May 4, 2017 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the State University of New York at Fredonia, Williams Center, 280 Central Ave. in Fredonia. Parking for the event is available in the Park and Ride lot near the student apartments and a shuttle will be available to the Williams Center.

Participants will join representatives from the Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Economic Development, ESD, and multiple New York State Agencies to learn about the CFA online application process, eligibility criteria, and available funding programs. There will also be breakout sessions with state agency representatives.

“Last year, 23 projects in Chautauqua County were awarded over $4.7 million through the CFA process,” said Horrigan. “These municipalities, non-profits, and businesses’ successful applications will help bring economic development and revitalization to the area. I strongly encourage anyone interested in submitting a grant application to attend.”

This year’s competition will be open to applicants starting on May 1, 2017 and the submission deadline is 4 p.m. on Friday, July 28, 2017.

The WNY region’s 2011 strategic plan, “A Strategy for Prosperity,” leverages the region’s strategic advantages in key industry sectors including advanced manufacturing, agriculture, bi-national logistics, energy, health and life sciences, higher education, professional services and tourism. The plan focuses on strategies that promote smart growth, prepare our workforce and foster a culture of entrepreneurship. For Round 7, the Council is seeking applicants that not only reflect the priorities that are most important to address Western New York’s opportunities and challenges, but will also create, retain or fill jobs; maximize a return on investment; and are ready for implementation.

To register for the workshop or to learn more about the WNY REDC and its strategic plan, visit https://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/content/western-new-york .

To learn more about the Consolidated Funding Application, visit: https://apps.cio.ny.gov/apps/cfa/