If you have or are planning on launching a small business in the state of New York, you may want to consider a few key resources that will contribute to your overall success. In New York state, there are a variety of resources small business owners can utilize, including state and city agencies, non-profit organizations and online platforms. These resources can help you with everything from business planning to financing to networking and licensing. Here are some of the top resources every New York small business owner should know about.
Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York State’s chief economic development agency. Their focus is on building a strong and diverse economy across New York and supporting businesses that help their cause. ESD offers financial assistance programs, tax incentives, and grants to small businesses to encourage the creation of new jobs and economic growth.
According to ESD, small businesses make up 98% of New York State businesses and employ 40% of New York’s private sector workforce. They are happy to support the rise of these small businesses with their resources, which will allow them to prosper.
New York State Small Business Development Center
The primary goal of the New York State Small Business Development Center is to assist new and existing small businesses at all stages. They have 20 regional centers, over 70 satellite locations, and hundreds of dedicated experts. Whether you are just starting your business or hoping to expand it, this organization offers free and confidential expert-approved guidance to entrepreneurs across New York State that will allow them to succeed in today’s competitive business environment. Whether it be a personalized business development plan catered toward your specific goals or connecting you with lenders and investors, the New York State Small Business Development Center is determined to help your small business thrive.
Small Business Administration
Even though this is a nationwide administration, New York small business owners can still obtain valuable resources from the Small Business Administration (SBA). They are dedicated to the advocacy and protection of the interests of small businesses. They offer several loan programs that are intended to guarantee loans from partner lenders. These programs include 504 loans for business equipment and real estate, 7(a) general-purpose business loans, and disaster loans for businesses affected by natural disasters and emergencies.
