Economic Development

Comprehensive Economic Strategic Planning Process

Southern Tier West annually undertakes a comprehensive economic development strategic planning process for the region, leading to the annual publication of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) document, a strategic economic development plan for the region that provides direction for diversifying and strengthening our region's economy. The CEDS analyzes our region's economy, specifies regional goals and objectives, specifies a regional plan of action for achieving these goals and objectives (i.e. strategies for doing so), and identifies priority projects and funding sources to implement these strategies. Southern Tier West continuously accepts input and content suggestions for the CEDS.
The CEDS document is prepared according to federal (US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration or EDA) specifications regarding planning process, document format, and document content.

For more information contact: Tom Barnes, Sr. Regional Economic Development Coordinator
716-373-8880 tbarnes@southerntierwest.org

Grant Assistance

Southern Tier West annually solicits grant proposals for regionally significant projects through the Appalachia Regional Commission's (ARC) Areas Development Program. Review priorities are given for projects that will advance the goals and objectives of the Appalachian Regional Commission and at least one of New York State's Implementing Strategies for the investment of ARC's federal funding within the region. Southern Tier West seeks a diverse range of project proposals from area non-for-profit organizations and municipalities and provides individualized technical assistance to work with the applicants in the development of grant proposals that meet the region's eligibility requirements and exemplify measurable outcomes that support both ARC's and New York State's development goals.
Each year ARC provides funding for several hundred investments throughout the Appalachian Region, in areas such as business development, education and job training, communications, infrastructure, community development, rural healthcare, asset-based development, and leadership, and capacity development.
CLICK HERE to view/print/or download the FY2020 Grant Application materials and forms.
Southern Tier West also assists the Economic Development Administration EDA in providing funding for economic development projects in the region through planning, project development assistance, financial priorities, project monitoring, and program and project evaluation. Occasionally, STW will sponsor an EDA-funded project.
CLICK HERE to view/print/or download more information on STW's Economic Development Assistance.

For more information on ARC Grant Assistance, contact: Fileve Palmer, Regional Development Associate
716-945-5301 Ext. 2205 fpalmer@southerntierwest.org

For more info on EDA Grant Assistance, contact: Tom Barnes, Sr. Regional Economic Development Coordinator
716-373-8880 tbarnes@southerntierwest.org

Topical Economic Development Strategic Planning

Southern Tier West frequently undertakes planning related to specific economic development, community development, or regional development topics. In many cases, these planning processes lead to reports or study documents. CLICK HERE to view our planning documents.

For more information contact: Richard Zink, Executive Director
716-945-5301 ext. 2203 rzink@southerntierwest.org

Small Business Finance

STW helps businesses to conceptualize and develop their projects and maximize the probability of success; and assemble financial packages of funding that meet their needs. Southern Tier West also administers a small business loan programs operated by affiliates STEDO and WRC. Through these organizations, STW helps businesses obtain funding for their projects, often in conjunction with other public and private funding sources.

For more information contact: Halley Kasperski, Economic Development Associate
716-945-5301 ext. 2207 hkottwitz@southerntierwest.org

Young Entrepreneurs Academy

The Young Entrepreneurs Academy is a program that transforms local middle and high school students into real, confident entrepreneurs. Through the year-long program, students grades 6-12 generate business ideas, conduct market research, write business plans, pitch to a panel of investors, and launch their very own companies. Teaching kids how to make a job, not just take a job.