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• Oscar Rachmansky grew OS Group into a $40 million B2B sneaker wholesaler by 2025.
• OS Group thrived during market downturns by targeting inefficiencies in sneaker supply chains.
• Rachmansky aims to expand OS Group beyond footwear into full-service B2B industry solutions.

Whenever an idea pops into Oscar Rachmansky’s head, he whips out a notebook or whatever scrap of paper is closest and writes it down. It’s a habit you might expect from a Gen Xer or elder millennial clinging to analog comfort. Rachmansky is neither.

He’s 24, and the company he founded about five years ago generated $40 million in sales revenue in 2025 (confirmed from documents reviewed by Business Insider).

Going against the grain is kind of Rachmansky’s thing.

When he was 4, he opened a sunflower seed stand while the other kids sold lemonade. As a teenager, he dropped out of college to pursue a business opportunity that he’s since developed into a multimillion-dollar company.

Rachmansky launched OS Group in 2019, before he’d turned 20. The company is a B2B wholesaler of branded footwear and streetwear that he bootstrapped from the ground up, he said.

What started with sneaker sales out of his bedroom has turned into a team of 30 employees distributing about 25,000 items a month from a large New Jersey warehouse. Rachmansky says he always thought he’d run his own business someday. He just didn’t expect it to involve so many sneakers.

The business opportunity that no one saw

Growing up, Rachmansky was a sports kid who imagined himself running a sports agency one day. “I certainly wasn’t at all interested in fashion, sneakers, or anything of the sort,” he told Business Insider.

Still, he began buying and selling sneakers in high school as a side hustle. As he learned the resale market, one thing stood out. “No one was paying attention to the B2B side of this industry,” he said. “And that’s what powers the entire market.”

He launched his B2B company shortly after enrolling at McGill University. His first resale client quickly revealed how fragmented the supply chain was, with retailers jumping through hoops just to source inventory, he said. The inefficiency was obvious. So was the scale.

Then COVID-19 hit. The resale market froze. Rachmansky said he wasn’t making any money and briefly considered walking away. “I was like, well, maybe it wasn’t meant to be, maybe I should just keep studying and figure out what happens.”

College, however, never felt like the long-term plan. Within his first month at McGill, he said he opened his notebook and wrote a prediction: “This is going to be my first and last year of college.”

By 2021, the business had gone from cold to hot. Pandemic-era supply-chain disruptions created one of the lowest sneaker production years in recent memory. At the same time, resale prices for brands like Nike, Jordan, and Adidas soared to two or three times retail.

Rachmansky dropped out of McGill and reinvested the roughly $30,000 he’d earned from his sneaker side hustle into expanding OscarSoles — now OS Group. “I knew that the industry was growing, and I just wanted to go all in,” he said.

From humble beginnings to multimillions

At first, the company operated with more hustle than infrastructure.

“The first warehouse that we had, we didn’t even have offices,” said Isaac Murov, one of OS Group’s original employees, who joined the company in 2021. “We actually made cubicles out of Nike Air Force boxes, so we could have a little bit of privacy,” he added.

Murov met Rachmansky through a mutual friend, and the two hit it off quickly. “He was always a very bright individual, and I think I gravitated toward him for that exact reason,” Murov said.

Even as the resale market cooled after the pandemic, OS Group continued to grow. Rachmansky credits his team above all else. “We’ve been really, really intentional with our hiring,” he said, focusing on people with good attitudes who are coachable and fast.

That growth came with its own learning curve, though. For the first several years, Rachmansky said, he worked 15-hour days. “I’ve always kind of associated output with input — more hours equals better output,” he said. Eventually, however, he learned that working harder wasn’t always the same as working smarter. An early focus on hiring people who added value and growth to the team helped him see that.

The company’s hustle culture was also shaped early on by Rachmansky’s willingness to do whatever the job required. “He always led by example,” Murov said. “Whether that was hacking boxes in the back, he was never really above that.”

Today, Rachmansky wants to take OS Group beyond footwear and past pure transaction volume. His goal is to turn the company into a long-term operating partner, offering services like financing, logistics, and software using the infrastructure OS Group has already built internally. “We really see ourselves as growing into a real operating partner for this industry,” he said, with the ambition of building “the entire B2B ecosystem.”

Rachmansky no longer works 15-hour days and says he has a better work-life balance. “A fear that motivates me is not being able to do everything that I want to do with my life,” Rachmansky said, adding that he hopes to travel more in the future. “My dream day 10 years from now is probably waking up somewhere that I wasn’t the week before.”

• The 2026 Golden Globes were held at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on Sunday.
• Behind-the-scenes photos offer a glimpse at what the Globes were like for the A-list attendees.
• Photographers captured stars celebrating their wins and sharing kisses with their partners.

Awards season is heating up, and the 2026 Golden Globes didn’t disappoint.

Stars gathered at the Beverly Hilton in their red-carpet best — and worst — for the awards that celebrate the standout film and television of the year.

The live show saw Nikki Glaser, who hosted for the second year in a row, poke fun at everything from Leonardo DiCaprio’s dating history to CBS News in her opening monologue. “The Pitt” and “One Battle After Another” led the charge in award wins for the night, though Timothée Chalamet and Jessie Buckley took home trophies for “Marty Supreme” and “Hamnet.”

The show was definitely fun to watch, but behind-the-scenes, candid shots of the Golden Globes offer a more intimate view of the glamorous evening, from A-list meetups to celebrity kisses.

Take a look at some of the best photos you might have missed from the 2026 Golden Globes.

Timothée Chalamet seemed to be having a blast at the Golden Globes.

Chalamet, who won the Golden Globe for best actor in a drama for his performance in “Marty Supreme,” was photographed laughing mid-ceremony.

His partner, Kylie Jenner, accompanied him and sported an equally big smile.

Creator, showrunner, and executive producer R. Scott Gemmill wasn’t afraid to celebrate when “The Pitt” won for best drama series.

After he accepted the award for the medical drama, Gemmill let out a yell of excitement and held up his award backstage.

Noah Wyle, who won the Golden Globe for best actor for the show, and Dakota Fanning, who presented the award, grinned alongside him.

Erin Doherty had a sillier reaction to winning a Golden Globe.

Doherty took home the Golden Globe for best supporting female actor in a TV show for her performance in “Adolescence.”

She appeared to be giddy about her award, sticking out her tongue and pointing to the statue backstage.

Rose Byrne couldn’t seem to believe she was taking a Golden Globe home.

Byrne was awarded a Golden Globe for her performance in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.”

When she was photographed getting her name engraved on the award, her mouth was still open in shock.

Other winners, like Teyana Taylor, celebrated with their costars.

“One Battle After Another” costars Chase Infiniti and Teyana Taylor held up the paper that said Taylor won for best supporting female actor for the film in this sweet shot.

Infiniti, who was nominated for best female actor in the film, looked elated for her costar.

“Hamnet” costars Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal were caught giggling together.

After “Hamnet” won the Golden Globe for best motion picture — drama, Buckley and Mescal embraced and laughed together as they walked backstage.

Buckley also won the Golden Globe for best female actor in a drama for her performance in the film.

Other costars, like Hailee Steinfeld and Wunmi Mosaku, celebrated real-life milestones together.

The cast of “Sinners” was spotted together throughout the Golden Globes, and cast members Delroy Lindo, Steinfeld, Mosaku, and Miles Caton posed for a photo together.

Steinfeld and Mosaku both cradled their baby bumps in the shot.

Some costars got silly together at the Golden Globes, including Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie.

The “Heated Rivalry” stars presented at their first Golden Globes on Sunday, but they also found time to pose with oversize bottles of Moët Champagne together.

Although it’s an awards show, the Golden Globes also gave celebrity pals like Jennifer Lawrence and Kylie Jenner a chance to catch up.

Lawrence was nominated for her performance in “Die My Love” at the 2026 Golden Globes, while Jenner was Chalamet’s date for the evening.

The pair laughed and spoke together, with Jenner leaning forward to embrace Lawrence.

The friends also posed for a chic photo together.

The stars looked over their shoulders for the photo, showing off the detailing on the backs of their gowns.

Jenner posed for a similar photo with Elle Fanning at the 2025 Golden Globes.

Kate Hudson seemed to take her buddy Leonardo DiCaprio off guard.

Hudson and DiCaprio were both nominated as lead actors at the 2026 Golden Globes: Hudson for “Song Sung Blue” and DiCaprio for “One Battle After Another.”

Hudson came to greet DiCaprio at the show, reaching for him from behind with a smile. The actor grinned up at her, putting a hand to his mouth.

Julia Roberts also shared a laugh with DiCaprio.

The pair stood together in the crowded room, laughing with big smiles.

Roberts was nominated for her performance in “After the Hunt” at the Golden Globes.

Roberts, Martin Short, and George Clooney were all laughs as they spent time together.

Short gave Clooney a tight hug, and both men laughed as they embraced. Roberts laughed and smiled in their direction as she sat nearby.

Like Roberts, Clooney and Short were also nominated on Sunday. Short was nominated for “Only Murders in the Building,” and Clooney was up for an award for his performance in “Jay Kelly.”

Clooney also posed for a photo with his wife.

Amal Clooney accompanied her husband to the Golden Globes, and the pair leaned together to take a sweet photo during the ceremony.

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco got cozy for their own photo.

Blanco took advantage of the strapless neckline of his wife’s Chanel gown, kissing her shoulder as she grinned for a picture.

Gomez was nominated for “Only Murders in the Building” at the Golden Globes.

Celebrity exes were also photographed mingling at the awards ceremony.

Miley Cyrus and “The White Lotus” actor Patrick Schwarzenegger were spotted hugging at the Golden Globes. Cyrus smiled as they embraced.

Cyrus, who was nominated for her song “Dream As One” from “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” and Schwarzenegger briefly dated in late 2014 and early 2015. The pair seemed to be on good terms despite their romantic history, based on their Golden Globes squeeze.

Cyrus is engaged to musician Maxx Morando, while Schwarzenegger is married to model Abby Champion.

Unexpected celebrity groupings appeared to be having a blast together.

Kevin Hart, Seth Rogen, and Michael B. Jordan chatted and laughed together during the ceremony.

All three were nominated at the event, with Rogen winning for best actor in a comedy series for “The Studio.” Hart was nominated for his comedy special, and Jordan was nominated for his double performance in “Sinners.”

Jacob Elordi made Teyana Taylor laugh.

The “Frankenstein” actor and Taylor were photographed talking for a while at the Golden Globes, and at one point in their chat, Elordi made Taylor laugh so hard she covered her mouth and doubled over.

Elordi was nominated for both his performance in “Frankenstein” and the limited series “The Narrow Road to the Deep North.”

The Golden Globes also gave peers, such as Ryan Coogler and Guillermo del Toro, the chance to talk.

The directors, who were nominated for “Sinners” and “Frankenstein” respectively, posed for a photo as they chatted at the show.

Rhea Seehorn and Ayo Edebiri smiled for a photo together.

Seehorn won the Golden Globe for best actor for the series “Pluribus,” and Edebiri was nominated for her performance in “The Bear.”

The actors took a break from the ceremony’s fanfare to talk and take photos together.

Old pals Rashida Jones and Maya Rudolph made time for a hug at the Golden Globes.

The comedians embraced at the Golden Globes, with Rudolph closing her eyes and leaning into the moment.

Rudolph was supporting her partner, Paul Thomas Anderson, at the event, while Jones was nominated for best female actor in a limited series for “Black Mirror.”

Unexpected pair Steven Spielberg and Ariana Grande also shared a sweet hug.

The legendary director and the “Wicked: For Good” star chatted at the show, sharing a sweet hug as cameras documented the unlikely moment.

Grande was nominated for her performance as Glinda in “Wicked: For Good.”

A shot of Keegan-Michael Key and Mila Kunis offered a glimpse at what it’s like backstage at the Golden Globes for presenters.

Before they presented an award together, Kunis and Key sat in directors’ chairs and watched the Golden Globes on a screen.

Key held the envelope that listed the winner of the best animated film category. It was a peek into the calm before the glitz and glamour of being onstage at the Golden Globes.

The cameras captured beautiful moments between celebrity couples.

“The Pitt” star Noah Wyle and his wife, Sara Wells, turned back to smile for a photo before heading into the Golden Globes.

The couple exuded Old Hollywood glamour as they posed for the photo, a fitting start to an evening that ended with Wyle leaving with two Golden Globes.

They also captured intimate moments between A-list stars at one of Hollywood’s biggest events.

Jenner and Chalamet were cozy much of the night, sneaking hugs and kisses as they spoke to other Golden Globes attendees.

Photographers captured one smooch between the couple, with Chalamet, who thanked Jenner in his Golden Globes acceptance speech, leaning in to kiss his partner.

• Polymarket, the prediction market platform, has partnered with the Golden Globes.
• Users are betting on several Golden Globe categories, including Best Motion Picture.
• The 83rd Golden Globe Awards air on Sunday.

The awards show ballot was once an innocent watch-party game.

Now, millions of dollars are at stake.

Fans planning to watch the 83rd Golden Globe Awards are plowing money into prediction markets, hoping for a windfall if they correctly choose a winner.

Millions have so far been bet on Golden Globe winners on Polymarket, one of the leading prediction market platforms. This year, Polymarket partnered with the Golden Globes, which airs on CBS and Paramount+ on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.

“The collaboration will bring real-time, market-driven insights across the Golden Globes live events and a broad digital and editorial ecosystem touching fans’ greatest passion points across entertainment, fashion and pop culture,” a joint press release said.

Prediction markets, such as Polymarket and Kalshi, allow users to buy and sell shares on the outcomes of future events, including sports games or presidential elections, potentially resulting in a payday. Polymarket also provides real-time updates, meaning the data can provide insights into how consumers and investors think.

The relatively new markets are not strictly regulated, leaving room for those with insider knowledge to game the system. A last-minute bet on Polymarket last week that Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro would be ousted netted strong returns after the US captured Maduro in a surprise raid hours later. A new bill proposed last week in response would prohibit government officials from insider trading on prediction markets.

For the Globes, fans have already bet nearly $2.5 million in contracts across 30 awards show categories on Polymarket, including Best Director and Best Motion Picture, as of Sunday afternoon.

So, who do betters think will win?

Predicted Winners on Polymarket

Best Director

On Polymarket, betters think Paul Thomas Anderson, whose film “One Battle After Another” also snagged Golden Globe noms, has a 94% chance of winning Best Director. Ryan Coogler, director of “Sinners,” is behind Anderson at 3%.

Best Actor — Drama winner

Betters gave Wagner Moura, who starred in “The Secret Agent,” a 73% chance of winning Best Actor in a motion picture drama. Michael B. Jordan of “Sinners” had a 24% chance.

Best Actor — Musical or Comedy winner

Timothee Chalamet, star of “Marty Supreme,” led with a 70% chance to win Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy motion picture on Sunday afternoon. Leonardo DiCaprio followed Chalamet at 17% for his work in “One Battle After Another.”

Best Actress — Drama winner

“Hamnet” star Jessie Buckley had a 96% of winning Best Actress in a drama motion picture. Behind Buckley, betters gave Renate Reinsve of “Sentimental Value” a 3% chance of winning.

Best Actress — Musical or Comedy winner

Polymarket betters think Rose Byrne has a 76% chance of winning a Golden Globe Award for her role in the film, “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.” Emma Stone, star of “Bugonia,” came in second at 12%.

Best Motion Picture — Animated winner

On Polymarket, users gave Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” a 92% chance of winning the top animation prize. “Acro,” written and directed by Ugo Bienvenu, followed at a 5% chance.

Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy winner

Betters on Polymarket threw their money behind “One Battle After Another” to win this category at 97%, beating “Marty Supreme,” which had a 2% chance.

Best Motion Picture — Drama winner

“Sinners” had the highest chance to win Best Motion Picture in the drama category on Polymarket at 55%. “Hamnet” came behind that at a 31% chance.

• I worried my toddler would wander out of the house after leaving her crib.
• I used a home security system to alert me if doors opened at night.
• The system helped me sleep once she adjusted to her new bed.

When I switched my then-2-year-old daughter from a crib to a bed, my biggest concern was resistance.

I wanted to help her sleep soundly in her new “big girl” bed. But once she did, I didn’t expect my own sleep to continue to be disrupted as well.

I woke up at every creak of the house, wondering if it was my daughter roaming around, exploring her newfound freedom. I knew it was incredibly unlikely, but I feared that she would unlock the door and walk outside in the middle of the night.

I looked for gadgets designed for this exact situation; there are dozens of devices meant for securing small children in their rooms. The solution I decided on surprised my friends: a home security system. While home security traditionally focuses on keeping intruders out of the house, it also works surprisingly well at keeping tiny humans in.

I struggled during the transition

I did nearly everything wrong during the crib-to-bed transition with my daughter. I made the switch on the same week we returned from an international trip, which involved a 15-hour time difference and jet lag that made us both feel delirious. And, instead of researching recommended ways to introduce her to the bed and help her learn to stay in her room at night, I just winged it. I sat outside her door, exhausted, and put her back into bed every time she came out.

Night after night, it did not get any easier.

Finally, I changed my approach and researched the best ways to transition toddlers to a bed. Once I learned the best practices, it clicked, and I kicked myself for not starting there in the first place. I successfully reintroduced my toddler to her new bed, and, as proud as I felt once she started falling asleep peacefully, I still felt unsettled.

Even though she was staying in her room until she fell asleep, I kept wondering what would happen if she wandered out in the middle of the night? The idea that she might slip outside while I was asleep felt far-fetched, but the tiny chance that it could happen lingered in my mind.

I debated locking her door

There is a heated debate among parents and experts on whether it is appropriate to lock your toddler in their room at night. Some experts cite the concern as a safety issue: in the event of a fire or other emergency, the child wouldn’t be able to get out. Though I realized that when my daughter was previously in her crib, she wouldn’t have been able to get out on her own either, which made the safety argument feel less clear-cut to me. Others argue that locking a child in can create emotional distress.

There’s also the other side: preventing a toddler from leaving their room can help keep them safe. I feared that my daughter might get confused in the middle of the night and wander not just out of her room, but out of the house entirely if she wasn’t secured in. My daughter is cautious, but toddlers are unpredictable, especially if they unexpectedly wake in the middle of the night. I weighed using a baby gate or doorknob cover, but ultimately decided to get a home security system instead.

I got a home security system to keep her safe inside

While there are plenty of DIY home security systems, I’m not handy and didn’t have the time or energy to devote to figuring it out. I decided to go with Vivint, a smart home security company, instead. My top priority was getting door sensors so that I would be alerted if anyone opened an outside door at night. This ensured that I didn’t have to worry about my daughter quietly leaving the house in the middle of the night. Who knows? This may continue to be beneficial when she becomes a teenager as well.

From the catalog, I also added an outdoor camera so I could keep an eye on her in the backyard if she is out playing while I am cooking dinner. I also started planning ahead for features that would be useful when she’s older; I decided to get a smart lock for the front door. When she’s older and more independent, she will be able to enter the house with a code instead of carrying a key.

During the day, the Vivint app is programmed to alert me to different activities around the house. So, I get alerted if my daughter forgets to close the sliding door when she comes inside, among other things. At night, the system is programmed to be armed between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., which means that if anyone opens a door, a loud alarm will sound and the security company notified.

When I go to bed, I’m reassured knowing that if my daughter does wander outside at night, whether out of curiosity or confusion, I’ll know about it instantly. Now, instead of waking up at every small noise, checking her baby monitor to make sure she’s still safely in bed, I finally sleep more soundly.

A security system won’t solve bedtime struggles. But it helped me get more rest once my daughter was sleeping well in her new bed. While home security may typically be used to get bad guys out, it can also give you peace of mind that you’re keeping your toddler in.

• President Donald Trump on Sunday said Cuba would no longer receive oil or money from Venezuela.
• Trump warned Cuba to cut a deal with the US in a post on Truth Social.
• “I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE,” he wrote.

President Donald Trump on Sunday delivered a warning to Cuba, advising Havana to strike a deal “before it is too late.”

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the island nation would no longer receive oil or money from Venezuela.

“Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela,” Trump wrote. “In return, Cuba provided ‘Security Services’ for the last two Venezuelan dictators, BUT NOT ANYMORE!”

“THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA – ZERO!” he continued. “I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.”

Trump turned his attention to Venezuela’s oil industry after the US captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in Caracas last week. Maduro has been indicted in the Southern District of New York on weapons and drug charges.

On Friday, American oil executives met with Trump and senior administration officials to discuss a proposed $100 billion plan to invest in Venezuela’s oil operations.

Trump earlier said the government may reimburse oil companies for growing their operations in Venezuela. The Big Oil executives at the meeting, for their part, appeared largely hesitant to reenter the volatile country before major reforms are made.

For Cuba, losing access to Venezuelan oil would be a big blow to its already uncertain economy. According to the US Energy Information Administration, Cuba imports the majority of its oil from Venezuela — about 30,000 to 35,000 barrels a day, per most estimates.

Speaking to reporters last week on board Air Force One, Trump said Cuba appeared “ready to fall.”

“I don’t know if they’re going to hold out,” he said. “But Cuba now has no income. They got all of their income from Venezuela, from the Venezuelan oil.”

Asked whether the US would take military action in Cuba, Trump said he did not think it would be necessary, adding: “I think it’s just going to fall.”

In his post on Truth Social, Trump also positioned the US as Venezuela’s protector moving forward, saying that most of the Cuban security personnel stationed in Caracas had been killed in the operation to seize Maduro.

The Cuban government announced that 32 of its nationals died during the US raid on the capital.

• Building tiny backyard homes can be expensive. The units can range in cost — from under $100,000 to over $300,000. 
• Three states will help with the cost by providing homeowners with grant money. 
• Here are the programs, how much homeowners can receive, and who is eligible to apply. 

If you’ve looked into building a tiny home in your backyard, you’ve probably discovered what many have: While they may save you money in the long run, they can be expensive to build.

These backyard homes, called accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, are small housing units ranging from 150 square feet to 1,200 square feet, depending on where you live.

The average cost of a unit can range from $100,000 to $300,000, not to mention the permit cost, and securing a loan to build an ADU can be challenging.

In California, where most backyard homes are being built, ADU building permits cost anywhere from $450 to $15,000 — even before construction starts, Backyard Unlimited, a company that builds ADUs, said.

That’s not all: Other costs could include site preparation, which includes anything from inspections to running utility lines. 

To put it another way, if you don’t have cash available or the ability to access financing for the project, it can be cost-prohibitive, making it harder for middle- and low-income homeowners to actually build one, studies have shown.

To combat this disparity, promote equity, and ultimately propel the construction of much-needed housing, some states — as well as nonprofits in select cities — have established grant programs to provide assistance.

The deadlines for these programs vary from state to state. Those interested in building an ADU should be prepared for next year’s application cycles, as they often experience high demand.

Here are the ADU programs available nationwide.

California: Up to $40,000 per grantee

Previously, the state provided $40,000 to Californians for pre-construction ADU costs, including design, permitting, and soil inspections. However, as of 2026, no money had been allocated for the program, a spokesperson with the California Housing Finance Agency told Business Insider.

Who can apply? As of now, the application window is closed. In the past, Californians who fell in the range of low- to moderate-income limits were eligible.

Total funding available: $100 million was allocated in 2021, but by 2023, the money had been fully distributed. The program’s funds were supplemented with $25 million in grant funding for the 2023-2024 period, but by 2026, the program had no remaining funds.

When are applications open? The program is no longer accepting applications.

Previous requirements:

• Homeowners do not need to live in the primary home or the ADU they build.
• For single-family lots, you can be approved for one ADU (attached or detached) up to 1,200 square feet and one Junior ADU up to 500 square feet.
• For multi-family lots, you can build multiple ADUs attached to existing structures and up to two detached ADUs on the property.
• Homeowners can build an ADU at least 800 square feet, up to 16 feet high, and must be set back 4 feet from side and rear yards.

Agency or Department in charge of distribution: California Housing Finance Agency

New York: Up to $125,000 per grantee

The Plus One ADU Program provides eligible New Yorkers up to $125,000 to build or convert an ADU on their property. The program is a part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s five-year housing plan, which aims to create or preserve 100,000 affordable housing units.

Who can apply? Any municipality can apply through the competitive funding round, and nonprofit housing organizations may also seek ADU funding in partnership with local governments.

Homeowners apply directly through the nonprofits, and households earning up to 120% of the area median income are eligible.

Total funding available: In 2026, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) plans to roll out a fourth funding round, committing the remaining funds authorized under the $85 million, five-year housing plan.

HCR says nearly $74 million has already been allocated to 85 municipalities statewide. The fourth round is expected to support the construction of more than 550 ADUs.

When are applications open? Applications are not yet open; HCR will post them on its website once they become available.

Requirements:

• Applicants must confirm that local zoning explicitly allows ADUs, preferably through an adopted local resolution.

• For homeowners:

  • The ADU can be within the existing home, such as a basement or attic apartment, an in-law suite, or a completely independent and detached structure.
  • A 10-year restrictive covenant is in place to ensure the home remains the owner’s primary residence and that the ADU is kept in a livable condition.
  • The ADU must be occupied by a tenant or a family member, and it cannot be rented out on a short-term basis.

Agency or Department in charge of distribution: New York State’s Homes and Community Renewal

Vermont: Up to $50,000 per grantee

This program allows Vermonters to receive up to $50,000 to build an ADU on their property. Both landlords and owner-occupied homes with plans to rent are eligible.

Who can apply? Any Vermont homeowner can apply through these five regional organizations: RuralEdge, Champlain Housing Trust, NeighborWorks of Western Vermont, Downstreet Housing and Community Development, and Windham and Windsor Housing Trust. These organizations review applications and oversee projects.

Total funding available: As of 2023, Vermont had a $15 million budget.

When are applications open? Open now, on a rolling basis.

Requirements:

• Those who receive a grant must abide by certain stipulations, such as complying with local ordinances, maintaining HUD Fair Market rent, and matching at least 20% of the grant funds.
• The project must be completed within 18 months of signing the grant agreement.
• Those using their ADU as a rental property must sign a rental covenant or a forgivable loan agreement, committing to charge rent at or below the Fair Market Rent for the entire duration of the agreement.

Agency or Department in charge of distribution: Vermont Housing Improvement Program

Colorado: A new grant program is still rolling out

In 2024, Colorado passed HB24-1152 to assist homeowners in building ADUs. The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) works directly with local governments as they implement regulatory changes to comply with HB24-1152.

DOLA also runs the Accessory Dwelling Unit Grant Program (ADUG), which provides $5 million to jurisdictions that bring their codes into compliance and support ADUs.

Who can apply? For ADUG, jurisdictions can apply for funding to provide technical assistance to low- and moderate-income homeowners.

The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) is also establishing programs that directly support homeowners.

Total funding available: The state has set aside $5 million for ADUG.

The primary homeowner-directed effort channels $8 million into CHFA’s ADU Finance Programs, providing lender support through loans, credit enhancements, and interest-rate buydowns to help homeowners.

When are applications open? Applications for the second round of funding will open on Monday, February 2, 2026.

Requirements: Local governments — including those not covered by HB24-1152 — must be certified by DOLA as an ADU Supportive Jurisdiction under the legislation.

Agency or Department in charge of distribution: The Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority

Hawaii: A couple of counties provide grants or incentives for ADU construction

To help expand the supply of workforce housing, Maui County launched the ʻOhana Assistance program to aid homeowners in building attached or detached ADUs on their properties.

The County of Kaua’i also offers financial assistance for homeowners who build a second unit on their property through the Affordable Additional Rental Unit (ARU) program.

Who can apply? Owner-occupants with qualified residentially zoned property are eligible to apply for both the ʻOhana Assistance program and the Kaua’i Affordable Additional Rental Unit program.

Total funding available: The ʻOhana Assistance Pilot Project provides grants of up to $100,000 for qualifying homeowners.

Kaua’i’s ARU program waives certain county development and permitting fees for homeowners who agree to keep the unit affordable to households earning up to 90% of the area median income for at least five years.

Kaua’i’s website states that the combined fee waivers and subsidies for an ARU certified through the program can total nearly $20,000.

When are applications open? Applicants should consult Maui’s Department of Housing and Human Concerns for the ʻOhana Assistance program. Kaua’i accepts applications year-round.

Requirements:

The Ohana Assistance program: Grant recipients must set ADU rents in line with the county’s workforce housing requirements. The ADU must also be rented to full-time residents of Maui County for a minimum of 10 years.

Kaua’i’s Affordable Additional Rental Unit program:

• Homeowners must own property in a zoning district that allows ARUs.
• The ARU must be no larger than 800 square feet, and one additional parking space is generally required, subject to zoning and County standards.
• The ARU cannot be used as a short-term rental and must be rented for long-term residential use.

Agency or Department in charge of distribution:

Have you built an ADU on your property? We want to hear from you. Email the reporter, Alcynna Lloyd, at alloyd@businessinsider.com to share your story.