Business Model Request for Applications

Snapshot

• Eligibility
  • Community anchor institutions, such as hospitals, libraries, and schools; Nonprofit and community organizations; Small businesses or startups; Co-operatives; Partnerships of Eligible Applicants listed above with a designated Lead Applicant; Any other entity type deemed appropriate by ESD
• Funding Amount
  • ConnectALL anticipates awarding a total of $5 million
• Deadline for Applications
  • January 9, 2026 11:59PM ET

ConnectALL is not currently accepting applications.

Applications must be submitted through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) Portal.

This Business Model Request for Applications (RFA) under the ConnectALL Connectivity Innovation Program seeks to identify ownership, business and revenue models with innovative, collaborative and unique business structures created to prioritize connectivity in low-income or rural communities.                

The Connectivity Innovation – Business Model RFA is part of the ConnectALL Connectivity Innovation Program. Read the Connectivity Innovation Program Guidelines for more information on the Program.

Read the Press Release

September 29, 2025: Request for Applications (RFA) Issued, opening of the New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) Portal

January 9, 2026: Application Deadline, 11:59PM ET, submitted through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) Portal

Eligible Applicants are:

• Community anchor institutions, such as hospitals, libraries, and schools
• Nonprofit and community organizations
• Small businesses or startups
• Co-operatives
• Partnerships of Eligible Applicants listed above with a designated Lead Applicant

Any other entity type deemed appropriate by ESD 

Complete application information is forthcoming

Connectivity Innovation Business Model RFA (reissued 12/12/25)

Application Instructions and Checklist Connectivity Innovation Business Models

Budget and Business Model Templates

View the Connectivity Innovation Business Models information session recording and presentation slides.

Questions and Answers on the Business Model Request for Applications

All questions or requests for clarification must be in writing, sent by email to [email protected]. Please include “Applicant Connectivity Innovation RFA - Business Model" in the subject line of the email.

To sign up for a ConnectALL mailing list or ask a question unrelated to the Connectivity Innovation Program, use this contact form.