Getting business guidance in Tech Valley is easy with a variety of services – especially for small businesses – including assistance with training, business planning, financing and obtaining loans.
Entrepreneurs, as well, will find help in business plan development, financial packaging and state certification assistance.
Business groups work with entrepreneurs on a one-on-one or small group basis. Some offer training courses that walk participants through the steps of owning and operating a business and provide access to successful local business leaders for sharing insights on business ownership.
Adirondacks/North Country
Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton and Warren Counties including the cities of Plattsburgh and Glens Falls and the villages of Lake George, Lake Placid and Speculator.
The Plattsburgh North Country Chamber of Commerce provides valuable counseling and educational services through its Clinton/Franklin/Essex Chapter of SCORE, its official SBA Resource Center and its Lending Library. Businesses have access to dozens of publications, fact sheets and guides on all types of business topics. Education support services are actively extended by the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, Clinton Community College, North Country Community College and Champlain Valley Tech. As the business and finance center of northern New York, the Chamber has all of the support services businesses need. The Essex County Business Council assists business owners through its small business answer service, offering answers to a wide range of business questions, from regulatory compliance and employment law to contacts and financing programs.
Capital Region
Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Washington Counties including the cities of Albany, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady and Troy and the towns of Bethlehem, Colonie, Guilderland, Greenwich, Mechanicville and Schoharie.
New York state’s Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (EAP), administered locally by the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber and funded by the Empire State Development Corporation, provides business assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs, increases the formation of new businesses and strengthens the operations of businesses during the early stages of development. The New York Small Business Development Center offers direct counseling to businesses and provides a range of management and technical assistance services, including: business plan development or redesign, financial planning, cost-analysis, workshops and seminars, and employee management. SmartUp is a comprehensive course designed specifically to help entrepreneurs who wish to start or grow their small businesses in Rensselaer County. Covering critical topics from accounting and insurance to market analysis and business management, the program delivers the essential knowledge business professionals need.
Hudson Valley
Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange and Ulster Counties including the cities of Hudson, Kingston, Newburgh and Poughkeepsie and the town of New Paltz.
The Hudson Valley Technology Development Center (HVTDC) helps small- to medium-sized manufacturers, businesses, inventors, and entrepreneurs in the Hudson Valley area to become more competitive in the marketplace. HVTDC provides direct assistance or locates outside resources to help with business development, operations, sales and marketing, workforce development, technology advancement and integration, and entrepreneurial initiatives. HVTDC serves as NYSTAR’s designated Regional Technology Development Center for the Hudson Valley and is one of nearly 350 MEP locations across the country that works directly with regional companies to increase their competitiveness and profitability.
Mohawk Valley
Herkimer, Fulton and Montgomery Counties including the cities of Amsterdam, Gloversville, Herkimer, Johnstown and Little Falls.
Chambers of Commerce collaboratively coordinate and leverage the energy, talent and leadership of individuals and business to make the Mohawk Valley a better place to do business. Through various programs, projects and activities, these Chambers contribute to improving the quality of life for everyone, businesses and residents. Resources connect business professionals to informative seminars, professional development programs and many other products and services. Through networking, Chambers serve as venues for important connections with potential customers, decision makers, as well as business, community and governmental leaders. Whatever mentoring or advice you need, business and economic development professionals are always ready to help.