Empire State Development #Entrepreneur AI Technical Assistance Program, RFA

Specialist EAC Sought for Statewide Entrepreneur AI Technical Assistance Program

Empire State Development (ESD), a New York State agency, is seeking a Specialist Entrepreneurship Assistance Center (EAC) to lead the Entrepreneur AI Technical Assistance Program: - The selected EAC will serve as the statewide AI hub, supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs across New York State. - Key responsibilities include: - Providing AI-focused one-on-one technical assistance to at least 150 entrepreneurs and small business owners - Developing a standardized AI curriculum and integrating it into the EAC Learning Management System (LMS) - Delivering a minimum of four train-the-trainer sessions to prepare the EAC network - Creating at least five digital or in-person entrepreneur success stories highlighting AI adoption - The program budget is up to $280,000, with a required 10% cash or in-kind match from the selected EAC - Eligible expenses include salaries for AI specialists, AI software tools, subscriptions, licenses, curriculum development, workshops, outreach, travel, and LMS content creation - Notable requirements: - Compliance with a new Gender-Based Violence Workplace Policy - All curriculum and materials developed will be owned by ESD (full IP ownership) - Digital content must meet accessibility standards - No specific OEMs or vendors are named; only current EACs in good standing with ESD and New York State are eligible to apply - The program period is 18 months, with annual reporting and deliverables required throughout

Description

Empire State Development (ESD) is soliciting applications for the Entrepreneur AI Technical Assistance Program to strengthen New York State's small business ecosystem by providing AI literacy and practical applications to entrepreneurs and small business owners. The program will fund one Specialist Entrepreneurship Assistance Center (EAC) to provide AI-focused technical assistance, develop and integrate an AI curriculum into the EAC Learning Management System, and support statewide training through a train-the-trainer model. The grant award is up to $280,000 with a required 10% cash or in-kind match, and the program period is 18 months starting January 1, 2026.

View original listing