Southwestern New York State Economic Plan

About

Engagement

Background & SWOT

Action Plan

Evaluation

Conclusion

Data Visuals

Full PDF Plan

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  Business and Industry

OBJECTIVE 1
Support Companies in Becoming Employers of Choice

Action Items

• Workforce lens: Provide funding and training for employers to improve workplace culture
• Encourage employers to provide incentives for employee referrals for new employees
• Workforce lens: support employers in facilitating transportation and childcare options for employees

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OBJECTIVE 2
Create a Welcoming and Supportive Environment for New Businesses

Action Items

• ​Develop and advertise shovel-ready sites for industry. Resilience lens: ensure that design follows smart growth principles and is prepared for increasing weather events.​
• Educate developers in the potential for brownfield development & incentives available
• Create industrial incubators for new small-scale manufacturers to start up and test ideas
• Equity lens: Support businesses in acquiring MWBE certification and market the certified businesses the region already has
• Equity lens: improve access to financing for minorities and women and underserved groups
• Increase communication with employers to share the resources available to them
• Make one-stop regional package of all resources, grants, loans in one place
• Equity lens: create a small business boot camp that can travel throughout the region meeting the needs of small, rural communities to reduce transportation barriers to support
• Reduce barriers to technology access and education for small businesses. Equity lens: target support into underserved communities.
• Support emerging artists and arts/cultural businesses as a critical part of the economy

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OBJECTIVE 3
Develop a Regional Strategy for Business Retention & Expansion

Action Items

• Conduct a regional mapping project of all existing businesses and create a CRM system at the regional level​
• Resilience lens: Begin collecting data through annual economic outlook survey
• Resilience lens: Identify and support businesses that need succession planning
• Establish regular communication between higher education, economic development and the business community

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OBJECTIVE 4
Develop an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem​

Action Items

• Create business incubators and tech hubs to foster small-scale, locally owned wealth. Equity lens: work to make spaces accessible and affordable
• Create more coworking spaces including in rural outlying communities
• Develop skills trainings and support programs for new business owners

Number of clients served by the Small Business Development Center at Jamestown Community College, 2018-2023*
*note that 2023 data is January - May only, indicating increase over 2022

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Business Focus: Destination & Tourism Action Plan