Description

New 2026 Moriah Microenterprise Grant Program
Funded by the Town of Moriah via Essex County Occupancy Tax Funds
Ticonderoga, NY – January 9, 2026: The Town of Moriah is pleased to announce a new small business grant program, offered in partnership with the Essex County Industrial Development Agency (ECIDA) and the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC). The 2026 Moriah Microenterprise Grant Program, funded by the Town of Moriah through Essex County Occupancy Tax funds (via the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism), officially launches today - marking a strong and strategic economic development initiative between the municipality and the collaborating agencies.

Local businesses interested in learning more are encouraged to attend a public information meeting on January 20 th at 6:00 PM in the Town of Moriah/Court House (42 Park Place – Moriah, NY). Representatives from the TACC and the ECIDA will provide key details about the program, including eligibility requirements, permitted use of funds, application steps, required training (February 2 nd , 2026), financial assistance opportunities, and the overall timeline. Information on additional business support resources will also be shared.
“This collaborative initiative between the Town, ECIDA and TACC demonstrates our collective commitment to economic development and to building partnerships that strengthen our business community and are building a strong future for Moriah. I am truly grateful for the partnership between the Town, TACC, and ECIDA. Their dedication, foresight, and commitment to making programs like this available to Moriah businesses is truly commendable,” said Matthew Brassard, Town of Moriah Supervisor.
In addition to the ECIDA and TACC, the Town is coordinating with the North Country Small Business Development Center at SUNY Canton to implement the program and provide enhanced assistance to applicants. A designated grant review committee will evaluate all final applications. For transparency and fairness, the Town Supervisor, ECIDA Executive Director, and TACC President and CEO—who coordinate the grant program—will not serve on this review committee.

“The microgrants will help address small businesses’ lack of access to capital and support their ability to offer a more relevant mix of wares, goods, and services. This will strengthen business viability, improve resilience, and promote job retention and creation. The community will be investing in amenities that encourage visitors to stay longer while improving residents’ access to local resources, enhancing quality of life and leveraging private funding sources. Overall, these grants will help tourism-related businesses become more economically viable. The IDA looks forward to continued partnership with the Town of Moriah, TACC, and the Small Business Development Center,” said Carol Calabrese, ECIDA Co-Executive Director.
Printed 2026 Moriah Microenterprise Grant Program booklets—which provide extensive information relevant to this new program—are available from the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Moriah.
“We are always working hard for our Members and the area business community. Every day, we strive to live our mission and advance our vision. We listen to the needs of those we serve and respond to the best of our abilities. The launch of this new initiative, in coordination with the Town of Moriah, the ECIDA, and other partner agencies, is an example of the TACC proactively fostering business and economic growth for all the communities we serve. We are grateful for the agencies that have made this grant program possible. We continue to explore additional opportunities for the business community and will be making more announcements throughout the year. Our communities are growing and continued great things are ahead. We have no intention of slowing our efforts down. Together, anything is possible,” said Matthew Courtright, TACC President & CEO.
For more information about the 2026 Moriah Microenterprise Grant Program or the upcoming
public meeting on January 20th, visit:
• ticonderogany.com
• porthenrymoriah.com
You may also call the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce office at 518-585-6619.