Who is eligible to apply?

Entrepreneurs who are an authorized NYCHA public housing or NYCHA Section 8 resident. Authorized resident means you are listed on the lease and are current on rent.

Disclosure: Open to all authorized NYCHA public housing/Section 8 residents, in good standing.

Past Boss Up Veterans and Boss Up NYCHA winners are not eligible.

What if English is not my first language?

The application, presentation, and classes will only be offered in English. However, if you know someone who can help translate for you, you may participate with their support.

What supporting documents do I need to provide along with my online application?

Entrepreneurs selected to present in the third round will be required to submit Proof of Business Ownership (one of the following): Business Certificate, NYS Corporation Documents, Tax Statements or Bank Statements.

What is the award and how is it structured?

The selected winners will receive a grant of $20,000 paid in 2 installments:

• $5,000 upon selection

• $15,000 upon completion of the technical training

How can I stand out in my application?

The Selection Committee will be paying close attention to what a candidate plans to do with the grant. Here, you want to be as specific as possible. If you have a budget, use it to show where the money will go. If you have marketing materials and want the grant for advertising, show what you have created and how much it will cost to distribute them. Candidates should take their time to thoughtfully explain how the money will go to good use. There is also a space to upload files. Use that to upload and addital materials that will inform the judges about your current business and projections for the future.

What are the IRS/tax implications of the award?

The Awardees will be required to complete a W9 Form and the grant will be reported to the IRS and NYS.

Entrepreneurs should speak with a tax professional about the tax implications of the $20,000 grant if you are selected as a winner.

Will NYCHA count the grant as income?

According to NYCHA, because the grant is not a recurring payment, the $20,000 will not be counted as income. You can confirm this with your housing assistant or the Leased Housing Department.

Who is eligible to apply?

Veteran entrepreneurs whose businesses are located in the five boroughs.

The NYC Charter, Chapter 75, Section 3101 defines Veteran as a person who serves/has served in the active military service, including navy, Coast Guard, air force, marines, army, space force, and their respective national guard or reserve components, regardless of discharge status or time served. Veteran also means a person who serves/has served in the US public health service, or a commissioned member of the oceanic and atmospheric administration. Past NYC Boss UP NYCHA or NYC Boss UP Veterans winners are not eligible to apply.

What if English is not my first language?

The application, presentation, and classes will only be offered in English. However, if you know someone who can help translate for you, you may participate with their support.

What supporting documents do I need to provide along with my online application?

Entrepreneurs selected to present in the third round will be required to submit:

• Proof of Business Ownership (one of the following): Business Certificate, NYS Corporation Documents, Tax Statements or Bank Statements

• Proof of Veterans Status: DD-214* or Veteran ID

*To request a copy of your DD-214, contact the National Archives. If you have any questions about or need assistance in locating your DD-214, please contact DVS at connect@veterans.nyc.org or 212-416-5250.

What is the award and how is it structured?

The selected winners will receive a grant of $20,000 paid in 2 installments:

• $5,000 upon selection

• $15,000 upon completion of the technical training

How can I stand out in my application?

The Selection Committee will be paying close attention to what a candidate plans to do with the grant. Here, you want to be as specific as possible. If you have a budget, use it to show where the money will go. If you have marketing materials and want the grant for advertising, show what you have created and how much it will cost to distribute them. Candidates should take their time to thoughtfully explain how the money will go to good use. There is also a space to upload files. Use that to upload and addital materials that will inform the judges about your current business and projections for the future.

What are the IRS/tax implications of the award?

The Awardees will be required to complete a W9 Form and the grant will be reported to the IRS and NYS.

Entrepreneurs should speak with a tax professional about the tax implications of the $20,000 grant if you are selected as a winner.