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Onondaga County Business Retention Team
A number of programs and agencies within Onondaga County can help you grow your business. Seasoned business development professionals from these agencies work collaboratively to provide one-stop, seamless and comprehensive service to businesses at all stages of growth – from start-up to maturity.
The Onondaga County Office of Economic Development welcomes being your single point of contact to the retention team. Our representatives will talk with you about your business needs and coordinate the team members that serve you best. We also will guide you through agency programs, helping clarify applications and compliance processes.
Contact the Onondaga County Business Retention Staff.
On-line resources
- Essential Connections is an on-line community information resource that highlights the technical, research, and entrepreneurial assets in Central Upstate New York.
- Essential NY Jobs is an on-line site for recruiting workers and jobs.
- Log in to the James J. Hill on-line business library for a variety of powerful business information tools from sample business plans, articles, forms, and much more.
- Starting a new business? Click here for our new business primer with terms, contacts, and links.
Local resources listed by provider
The retention team members offer programs & services to support the acquisition of equipment and real estate; workforce recruitment, retention and training; and improved company operations. The retention team also can connect you with specialized programs offered by other regional allies, state agencies, universities and nonprofit business service organizations, not listed.
Information listed by service
- Business Assistance Program Liaisons — City and County Economic Development
- Business Loans — CNYRPDB, City and State Economic Development, GSBDC, NYBDC
- Business Planning — Onondaga County Library, SBDC, SCORE, Southside Innovation Center, TDO, WBC
- Capital Investment & Working Capital — CNYRPDB, County IDA, City IDA, GSBDC, NYS Economic Development, SBA
- Empire Zone — City and County Office of Economic Development
- Empire Zones are geographically specific areas within the City and County. Businesses located in one of these areas may qualify for special incentives. Both the City and County operate their own zones.
- Employees — Chamber, CNY Works, MACNY, MDA
- Empowerment Zone — City Office of Economic Development
The Syracuse Empowerment Zone includes census tracts within the City of Syracuse and 3 "developable sites" outside the city. This federal program offers tax credits and other benefits for companies locating in the zone and meeting qualifying criteria.
- Entrepreneurship, Business Start-Up — Chamber, MDA, SBDC, TDO
- Incubators: Chamber, Syracuse University
- International Business — County Office of Economic Development, TDO, US Department of Commerce
- R&D, Product Development, and Product Commercialization — County and City Economic Development, MDA, SBIR, Syracuse University, TDO
- Workforce Development, Retention & Attraction — BOCES, Chamber, CNY Works, County IDA, MACNY, NYS DOL, OCC, TDO
- Process & Productivity Improvement — MACNY, TDO
- Transitioning & Troubled Businesses — County & City Economic Development, MACNY, TDO
- Zoning and Building Permits – Local town and village Government
- Within Onondaga County, each town and village government is responsible for its zoning and permitting. Click here for a list of towns, villages, and contact information.
BOCES (Onondaga - Cortland - Madison)
BOCES offers opportunities for individuals and companies in several core manufacturing skilled areas. Individuals looking to change careers, companies looking to improve workforce skills, and organizations looking for trained, job ready employees can all find assistance at OCM BOCES. A directory of adult continuing education is available online. Customized training is also available to companies. Look for our new course offerings, beginning in the Fall of 2008 as OCM BOCES creates an avenue for individuals and companies to build entry-level skilled electrical and mechanical individuals. (www.ocmboces.org)
Chamber of Commerce (Greater Syracuse)
The Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit business organization whose mission is to create an economic climate that enhances growth, prosperity and quality of life for all who live and work in Greater Syracuse. The Chamber is the largest business organization in Central New York with almost 2,200 members employing an estimated 160,000 local residents. The Chamber and its affiliated organizations offer services in benefits management, education and training, workforce solutions, development financing, travel and tourism, and new venture development. Membership and other services can be found at www.SyracuseChamber.com.
Technology Business Incubator
The Syracuse Technology Garden, a 33,000 sq. ft. incubator center in downtown Syracuse is dedicated to stimulate technological creativity and foster entrepreneurial activity in Syracuse and Central New York. The Garden offers flexible client relationships, customized support services, state of the art facilities, and comprehensive events for education and networking. Visit their website at www.GrowSyracuse.com.
CNY Regional Planning and Development Board
CNY Regional Planning and Development Board (CNY RPDB) is a public planning agency established in 1966 by the legislative bodies of Cayuga, Madison, Onondaga, and Oswego Counties. The CNY RPDB was formed to help address a range of issues affecting the quality of life in Central New York. The agency administers a comprehensive economic development program that includes project development planning, a business loan program, regional marketing, and research activities. For more information, call the CNY RPDB at (315) 422-8276 or visit www.cnyrpdb.org.
Central New York Enterprise Development Fund Loan Program
Private sector job creation and capitalization is the goal of the loan program. Borrowers must be manufacturers or service related businesses that can demonstrate they are bringing new revenue into the region (net wealth generators). Eligible business must have less than 100 employees and an existing facility in the counties of Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga and Oswego. A loan must be no more than 50 percent of a project cost and cannot exceed $100,000. For more information, visit www.cnyrpdb.org.
CNY Works
CNY Works is a nonprofit corporation that coordinates local workforce activities for employers and job seekers. The organization brings together employers, who are in need of skilled workers, with trained job seekers, who are ready to work. It develops education and training programs & grants for incumbent workers, youth, and adult job seekers who need to enhance their employment opportunities. Through the CNY Works career center system, employers can obtain customized service for recruitment, training and retention of employees. For more information, visit www.cnyworks.com.
Empire State Development
As New York State's economic development arm, Empire State Development (ESD) provides one-stop access to the entire array of the State's products and services for business. ESD offers a full menu of choices, ranging from financial incentives to technical expertise, to assist businesses in expanding or locating in the State. In the Counties of Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga and Oswego, contact ESD's Central New York Regional Office at (315) 425-9110. If additional information is required, call its business hotline at 1-800-STATE-NY or visit them on the web at www.empire.state.ny.us.
Greater Syracuse Small Business Development Corporation
GSBDC offers a variety of funding programs targeted to business start-ups, expanding local businesses, business retention and business attraction projects. Although many of its programs target projects related to acquisition of fixed assets, working capital funding is also available. GSBDC is often able to offer below-market fixed interest rates and lower down payments as a complement to traditional financing. For more information please visit: www.gsbdc.com or call 315-470-1880.
SBA 504 Loan Program
Long term, fixed rate financing for acquisition of owner-occupied, commercial real estate and/or machinery and equipment.
Central New York Quasi-Equity Fund
Available for early stage manufacturing and producer-service firms in need of unconventional financing, possibly due to their business structure or lack of adequate collateral.
Revolving Loan Fund
Available for establishment and expansion of non-retail business in Onondaga County that will encourage economic development in the form of additional jobs and provide a product or service for sale outside the Greater Syracuse area.
Manufacturers Association of Central New York
Founded in 1913, MACNY, the Manufacturers Association, helps manufacturers thrive in New York. MACNY offers an array of services including training, purchasing solutions, advocacy, human resource consulting and networking opportunities. With this portfolio of professional services designed specifically for manufacturers, MACNY has long provided companies with the tools, information, people and resources they need to compete in both New York and the global market. For more information, visit www.macny.org.
Metropolitan Development Association (MDA)
The MDA is a not-for-profit corporation, representing the business leadership of Syracuse and Central New York. Membership of the MDA is limited to the chief executive officers of the largest corporations and institutions in the region with acknowledged leadership in manufacturing, finance, distribution, bio-technology, real estate, construction, medical technology, education and law. The MDA's agenda is project oriented, reflecting the basic policy and work program of our organization. Over the years, the MDA has established the reputation for utilizing a highly effective team approach in assisting companies interested in relocation or expansion in Central Upstate New York. For more information, visit www.mda-cny.com.
Essential Connections
Essential Connections is an on-line, community information resource that highlights the technical, research, and entrepreneurial assets in Central Upstate New York. It provides a clearinghouse to these assets and allows regional stakeholders to:
- Communicate ideas, interests, and strengths with other organizations
- Learn about peer companies in the region to foster new connections
- Identify potential business, collaboration and commercialization partners
- Discover regional resources that can be connected to create mutual benefit
- Find new ways to grow their business
To learn more go to: www.essentialny.com.
EssentialNYJobs.com
Essential NY Jobs is a free job search resource created specifically to identify employment opportunities in the Central Upstate New York Region. The region covers 12 counties (Cayuga, Cortland, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Seneca, St. Lawrence, Tompkins) and includes the areas surrounding Syracuse, Auburn, Cortland, Ithaca, Little Falls, Lowville, Massena, Oneida, Oswego, Rome, Seneca Falls, Utica and Watertown. You will find thousands of opportunities available in Central Upstate New York. You can start by using your own keywords (job titles, company names, etc.) or browse available jobs using already created customized searches. To learn more go to: www.essentialnyjobs.com.
New York Business Development Corporation
The NYBDC mission is to promote economic activity within New York state by providing innovative loans to small and medium-size businesses; to assist our partner banks in making such loans; and, particularly, to assist minority and women-owned businesses by offering credit opportunities not otherwise available to them.
NYBDC is a complement to conventional banking, working in partnership with banks to provide term loans, many of which do not meet the requirements for traditional financing. Our goal is to be more creative in our underwriting. In many cases, we include multiple participations, SBA guarantees, flexible amortization and long-term payouts. (www.nybdc.com)
New York State Department of Labor
The New York State Department of Labor (DOL) provides labor exchange and labor market information programs to promote economic development in Central New York. DOL employer recruitment services are available at the local, workforce development organizations (CNYWORKS), DOL offices statewide, and nationally on America's Job Bank. Economic statistics, available workforce, local wages, firm expansions and much more is available from DOL and partner agencies at www.wdsny.org/cnyes.
Onondaga Community College
Onondaga Community College (OCC) can address credit bearing and noncredit bearing training requirements of local companies and employees. The College can design and implement custom training programs that will accomplish a company's specific requirements. Contact Corporate and Public Partnerships, 498-2543, www.sunyocc.edu.
Onondaga County Office of Economic Development
Onondaga County Office of Economic Development is responsible for the efforts to expand and attract business in the County. The office offers a team-based support system that has developed strong partnerships with the public and private sectors. Whether you are considering moving a business into the County, growing your existing business, or starting your own business, we can help. The office has management responsibilities of the Industrial Development Agency (OCIDA), the Onondaga County Empire Zone Administrative Board, the Onondaga County Economic Development Corporation; implementation of the Business Attraction Marketing Plan; and the administration of the Foreign Trade Zone. Download a brochure detailing our role.
Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency
The Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency (OCIDA) is a public benefit corporation of the State of New York created in 1970. It is committed to assisting established business and industry expand their local operations and to facilitate the location of new firms to the area. The goal of the agency is to help existing and new companies to invest and grow in Onondaga County. The agency offers business assistance in four core categories: financing, tax management, employee training grants, and infrastructure support. For more information, visit the Industrial Development Agency page of this site.
Onondaga County Public Library
The Onondaga County Public Libraries offer a variety of resources and seminars to assist you in starting a business. Check out www.businesshelp.lpl.org/ for current seminars, links, and resources.
SCORE
Syracuse SCORE is an organization comprised of retired business owners and professionals who volunteer their time to educate and guide potential small business owners. They can answer many questions, using experience they have garnered during their careers. If you would like to make an appointment for a free and confidential SCORE counseling session, call (315) 471-9393 ext. 245 between 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday thru Friday. Find out more about SCORE at www.syracusescore.org or by emailing them at info@syracusescore.org.
Small Business Administration (US)
The US Small Business Administration (SBA) offers several loan programs, the most popular being the 7(a) loan program. The 7(a) guarantees major portions of loans, reducing the risk to lenders, and helping to make loans more obtainable to the average borrower. The SBA employs a committed staff that makes it their mission to find banks and lenders to help facilitate the growth of small businesses in Central New York. The SBA helps small businesses with government procurements. Working closely with the nation's large contractors, the SBA works to ensure that small businesses obtain a fair share of government contracts and subcontracts. The SBA can be contacted by calling (315) 471-9393 or visiting them at 401 South Salina Street, Monday thru Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Find out more about the SBA and their services at www.sba.gov/ny/syracuse.
South Side Innovation Center
South Side Innovation Center (SSIC) is a business incubator that provides ovvice space and business support for start up businesses and budding entrepreneurs, sharing common costs and equipment to reduce the expenses incurred in starting new businesses. The SSIC provides educational programs, meeting space for the recently incorporated South Side Entrepreneurs Association, and space for student consulting teams to meet with entrepreneurs already in business. For more information: 443-8600 or http://whitman.syr.edu/eee/ssic.
Small Business Development Center at Onondaga Community College (NYS)
The NYS SBDC offers free and confidential one-on-one business counseling to new or established businesses addressing their specific needs. Certified business advisors can assist with business plan development, record keeping, market plan analysis, business growth strategy, linkage to financing, access to market research and more. The NYS SBDC also offers regular workshops to assist new and existing entrepreneurs in promoting their business success. For more information: www.onondagasbdc.org.
Syracuse University CASE Center
The CASE Center is NYS Center of Advanced Technology, focusing on computer technology and software engineering. The New York State Science and Technology Foundation, government, private industry, and the University sponsor CASE. CASE combines traditional academic strengths in research and education with the University's role in economic development. CASE serves both as a gateway to other University resources and as a vehicle for introducing leading edge technology more quickly to commercial use. For more information, visit case.syr.edu.
The CASE Incubation Program
The CASE Center incubator program looks to attract and assist young technology or start-up companies, with long-term potential for high growth of revenues and profits. The incubator companies benefit from a rich intellectual and research environment, access to talented faculty and students, modern office facilities, and many networked computing resources. The companies are nurtured to the point where they are ready for venture capital or other investment, and thus "graduate" from the incubator to more conventional business facilities. For more information, visit case.syr.edu/incubation or call 315-443-1060.
Syracuse Economic Development Department (City of)
The Economic Development Department assists businesses with relocation, expansion, and improvement projects within the City of Syracuse. Available assistance can include assistance with site location, financing, permits and regulatory issues, and federal, state and local tax relief. Specific programs include federal tax incentives through the Empowerment Zone program, state Empire Zone benefits, payment in lieu of tax (PILOT) agreements, gap financing, and micro-loans. The Department administers several Brownfields programs that identify environmentally contaminated sites, assess hazards, and develop plans for remediation. The City also facilitates development by coordinating pre-development planning conferences. This process helps to identify a range of zoning, code, special permit, and licensing issues, early in the development cycle. For more information, contact the office at (315) 448-8100 or visit the Department website at www.syracuse.ny.us/EconDev.
Syracuse Industrial Development Agency (City of)
The City of Syracuse Industrial Development Agency (SIDA) is a nonprofit corporation created in 1979 to enhance the City's economic development capabilities. It is empowered to finance the acquisition, construction or reconstruction of manufacturing, warehousing, research, commercial, industrial, and pollution control projects within the city limits.
SIDA assists qualified companies using four primary methods, including financing through both taxable and tax-exempt industrial revenue bonds, payment in lieu of tax (PILOT) agreements, property tax exemptions, and loans for major development projects. Applications for assistance through SIDA are processed by the City of Syracuse Economic Development Department, which can be reached at (315) 448-8062.
TDO
TDO (Central New York Technology Development Organization) is not-for-profit organization that works directly with technology and manufacturing companies to develop successful business strategies, implement state of the art technologies, and smooth the transition from start-ups to mature organizations. TDO is affiliated with the New York State Office of Science, Technology, and Academic Research, and is part of the federal and state Manufacturing Extension Partnership. Based in Syracuse, TDO assists small and medium-sized manufacturing & other net wealth generating businesses in Onondaga, Oswego, Cortland, Madison, and Cayuga counties. For more information, visit www.tdosolutions.com.
The Training Within Industry (TWI)
Training Within Industry (TWI) is a dynamic program using a learn-by-doing approach to teach essential skills for supervisors and team leaders from all industries. TWI offers three programs: Job Relations, Job Instruction, and Job Methods. The programs work together to help supervisors build and maintain positive employee relations; quickly train workers to perform jobs correctly, safely & conscientiously; and improve the ways in which jobs are done. Businesses adopting TWI have consistently increased productivity, reduced training times and improved morale. To learn more about initiating TWI in your company contact the TDO at 315-425-5144.
US Department of Commerce
The Department of Commerce, through the U.S. Commercial Service is the trade promotion unit of the International Trade Administration.
U.S. Commercial Service trade specialists in 107 U.S. cities and in more than 80 countries work with your company to help you get started in exporting or increase your sales to new global markets. Services include: world-class market research, trade events, introductions to qualified buyers, and counseling and advocacy through every step of the export process. (www.commerce.gov/)
The Women's Business Center of New York State (WBC)
The WBC is dedicated to helping entrepreneurial women reach their goals and aspirations for personal and professional development. Users of the WBC will receive the information and expertise they need to plan their economic independence by owning a business of their own. If you are a woman looking to start your own business, please contact the WBC at 1-877-844-9848 or by visiting their website at www.nywbc.org.
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