Entrepreneurship Initiative Approved Projects: New York
PROJECT: AgriCluster II Rural/Small Business/Community Development
GRANTEE: South Central New York Resource Conservation & Development Project, Inc.
Purpose: To provide family owned and operated enterprises with assistance in developing business plans.
Funding:
| ARC: |
$101,650 |
| Other Federal: |
$41,021 |
| State: |
$15,236 |
| Local: |
$45,730 |
| Total: |
$203,637 |
Description: Grant funds were used to undertake Phase II of the Agri-Cluster project which brought together both family owned and operated farm and non-farm enterprises, providing participants with assistance in developing business plans as well as meeting other technical assistance needs of the participants. The Owego Farmer's Market was established in downtown Owego and currently operates with between 3 and 17 vendors, depending on the season. The Agri-cluster II project worked directly with 34 rural farm and non-farm enterprises in Owego, Catatonk, and Candor, Nichols, Newark Valley (Tioga County). Participating businesses increased sales from 0% to 100%. Higher degrees of individual business success proved to be contingent on the levels of active participation. NY State DOT responded with assistance by installing street and road signs in the downtown area and on the interstate, thereby directing traffic to the Owego Farmer's Market. Ten business owners completed business plans. Completed outcomes include the involvement of 34 participants and the creation of 9 new jobs.
PROJECT: Business Resource Program Development Project
GRANTEE: Southern Tier West Business Resource Center, Inc.
Purpose: To promote small business development and assist business start-ups in the Southern Tier West Business Resource Center.
Funding:
| ARC: |
$55,000 |
| Other Federal: |
$0 |
| State: |
$0 |
| Local: |
$55,000 |
| Total: |
$110,000 |
Description: Grant funds were used to promote small business development and assist business start-ups in the Southern Tier West Business Resource Center. This facility includes small business incubator space, distance learning classrooms, computer laboratories, etc. This year, ARC assisted in the marketing of the Business Resource Center, and to date 60 percent of the facility has been rented out. In addition, business development training programs were developed and during the last six months of the program more than 100 people were trained. During this first year of operation, five (5) jobs were created. Marketing of the Center will continue to be a major priority during the second year of this grant, as well as meeting the needs of the tenants.
PROJECT: Business Resource Program Development Project, Phase II
GRANTEE: Southern Tier West Business Resource Center, Inc.
Purpose: To promote small business development and assist business start-ups in the Southern Tier West Business Resource Center.
Funding:
| ARC: |
$25,000 |
| Other Federal: |
$0 |
| State: |
$0 |
| Local: |
$25,000 |
| Total: |
$50,000 |
Description: Grant funds were used to promote small business development and assist business start-ups in the Southern Tier West Business Resource Center. This facility includes small business incubator space, distance learning classrooms, computer laboratories, etc. This second year of the project was successful. At least sixteen businesses received technical assistance and training, and two new businesses were started during this period. As a direct result of this grant, twenty-five jobs were retained in the area, and nine new jobs were created. In addition, business development training programs were developed and during the year more than 100 people were trained. Of particular note is that in October 2000 four doctors moved into the Center. About 10,000 sq. feet of space was finished and occupancy occurred in mid-October. This has given the Center a different feel, however, it now has many people visiting and becoming knowledgeable about what the Center has to offer.
PROJECT: Catskill Watershed Entrepreneurship Management Training and Development
GRANTEE: Catskill Watershed Corporation
Purpose: To provide existing and emerging entrepreneurs with training and technical assistance services.
Funding:
| ARC: |
$50,000 |
| Other Federal: |
$0 |
| State: |
$5,000 |
| Local: |
$79,050 |
| Total: |
$134,050 |
Description: This project will enable the grantee to provide existing and emerging entrepreneurs with training and technical assistance services. The Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC) will implement a series of focus groups for local industry and survey seasonal residents to determine business priorities. A one-day summit will be organized, focused on local leaders, to build enthusiasm for addressing business development issues. Subsequently, the CWC will create an on-going business roundtable comprised of 15 – 20 private sector leaders to create an economic development vision for the region, and to identify strategies to meet business training and other development needs. Activities which may be undertaken include: establishment of a "one-stop-shop" for business development needs; development of a telecommunications infrastructure; improved access to capital; targeted marketing support for local businesses; and basic and advanced business skills training. ARC funds will be used to support costs of undertaking the survey, the economic development summit/conference, and the convening of the business roundtable. Projected outcomes include support for 200 businesses.
PROJECT: Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES Entrepreneurship By Design
GRANTEE: Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES
Purpose: To provide entrepreneurship training to students.
Funding:
| ARC: |
$25,000 |
| Other Federal: |
$0 |
| State: |
$0 |
| Local: |
$28,135 |
| Total: |
$53,135 |
Description: The grantee will initiate an entrepreneurship training program for middle school students in the target region. The regional BOCES will send twelve 6th to 8th grade teachers to be trained in Entrepreneurship By Design using the REAL Enterprise curriculum. The teachers will engage 240 students in entrepreneurial activities to include education games, models, math manipulatives, and exploration and discovery tasks. Student participation in Entrepreneurship By Design will be selective; students will have to submit applications to participate. The program will conclude with a regional recognition event for students and awards will be given. ARC funds will be used to support the purchase of curriuclua and teacher training. Specific outcome/output measures include: 12 teachers receiving training in REAL Enterprise curriculum, 240 students participating in the program, and 40 to 80 student business plans created.
PROJECT: CCIC Stage II Marketing Initiative
GRANTEE: Alfred Technology Resources, Inc.
Purpose: To develop and implement a marketing initiative designed to create jobs in the ceramics/glass industry.
Funding:
| ARC: |
$60,000 |
| Other Federal: |
$0 |
| State: |
$0 |
| Local: |
$60,000 |
| Total: |
$120,000 |
Description: Grant funds were used to develop and implement a marketing initiative designed to create jobs in the ceramics/glass industry through the Ceramics Corridor Innovation Center (CCIC) program. CCIC operates incubator facilities and during this grant period 54 new jobs entered the CCIC facilities. Nineteen are new jobs stemming from new tenants and projects, and 35 are from existing firms moving into the facilities due to reorganization and expansion activities. By successfully marketing CCIC's expanded mission, Alfred University and Corning Incorporated have developed a renewed and stronger interest in CCIC. New opportunities in partnering to serve changing resource needs in the industry are being recognized and developed.
PROJECT: Ceramics Corridor Cluster Project
GRANTEE: Southern Tier West Regional Planning & Development Board
Purpose: To support the development of a strategic industrial sector in Southwestern New York State, the ceramics industry.
Funding:
| ARC: |
$60,000 |
| Other Federal: |
$0 |
| State: |
$0 |
| Local: |
$15,285 |
| Total: |
$75,285 |
Description: This project supports the development of a strategic industrial sector—the ceramics industry—in Appalachian New York. Most small and medium-sized firms in Appalachian New York are unconnected to the existing support infrastructure for the ceramics industry. The project undertakes a variety of activities to strengthen entrepreneurial ceramic firms in the region. These activities include the creation of a venture development corporation that supports business start-ups and technology commercialization. They also include the development of a student internship program at the Alfred University College of Business; the organization of the industry in the region to better identify opportunities for growth; and the development of regional ceramics industry conference.
Completed outcomes of the project for the grant period include a survey of nine companies regarding their interest in starting a trade association in the region. Industry members indicated interest in starting an association or affiliating with the existing state ceramics association. Additionally, a major industry conference was co-sponsored in Corning in October 1998, a business plan for a Venture Development Corp was completed, and the Corp was created. Finally, four interns were placed by a subcontractor, Alfred University School of Business, in local businesses and a marketing video for Alfred Technology Resources Inc (ATRI, a ceramics business incubator) was produced.
PROJECT: Ceramics Corridor Cluster Project, Phase II
GRANTEE: Southern Tier West Regional Planning & Development Board
Purpose: To provide support to ceramics industry entrepreneurs in the region.
Funding:
| ARC: |
$60,000 |
| Other Federal: |
$0 |
| State: |
$0 |
| Local: |
$16,025 |
| Total: |
$76,025 |
Description: During the grant period, the state-wide trade association for the Ceramics industry has held two meetings in the region. A quarterly newsletter for the industry was undertaken. No progress has been made on developing / commercializing new technologies through a venture development corporation. 10 students completed internships with eight area companies. Five area businesses are receiving support from the Western NY Technology Development Corp.
PROJECT: Ceramics Corridor Cluster Project, Phase III
GRANTEE: Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Development Board
Purpose: To continue the Ceramics Corridor Cluster Project.
Funding:
| ARC: |
$50,000 |
| Other Federal: |
$0 |
| State: |
$0 |
| Local: |
$50,000 |
| Total: |
$100,000 |
Description: This project built on the accomplishments of the first two years of operation. 12 student interns worked with five firms over the project period.
The grantees cluster development activities have only achieved limited results: they have curtailed the publication of the sector newsletter, and have worked with the state ceramics association to hold three meetings in the region. Project technical assistance partners are in the process of providing direct assistance to seven firms, and are discussing project implementation with an additional 10 firms. The creation of a private business development entity / investing group has not progressed. Over three years of project activity, project technical assistance partners report that one firm in the region has reported sales increases of $4M, one firm cost savings of $60,000, and four firms reported creation of 70 new jobs and retention of 344 jobs. In addition, two firms have achieved ISO registration, and three firms have revised / updated their plant layout.
PROJECT: Christian Neighborhood Center Youth Entrepreneurship Training
GRANTEE: Christian Neighborhood Center of Norwich, Inc
Purpose: To establish the a youth entrepreneurship program.
Funding:
| ARC: |
$75,000 |
| Other Federal: |
$0 |
| State: |
$0 |
| Local: |
$89,140 |
| Total: |
$164,140 |
Description: Grant funding will be used to establish the Chenango Place Products Youth Entrepreneurship Program (CPP YEP), which will provide entrepreneurship training for forty participants over an eighteen-month period. The project will increase youth entrepreneurship activity, youth employment opportunities, help develop a labor force and increase markets for small, local producers. The majority of participants will be youth from low-income families who are enrolled in, and referred from the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Youth Program. These youth will meet income, academic and/or "at-risk" eligibility requirements. The grantee will recruit and enroll up to five youths who do not meet WIA eligibility requirements but have demonstrated a high interest and aptitude for youth entrepreneurship. All forty youth participating in the program will complete the REAL Entrepreneurship Program. Forty (40) young adults will complete the entrepreneurship training program, including the REAL Entrepreneurship curriculum. Twenty (20) participants will be placed at local producer work sites for short-term work experience. Thirty (30) project participants will find competitive employment or continue post secondary education upon completion of the program. Five (5) youths will start a small business upon program completion.
PROJECT: Development Venture Capital Regional Co-Investment Fund
GRANTEE: Community Development Venture Capital Alliance
Purpose: To create an Appalachian co-investment fund to support development venture capital efforts across the region.
Funding:
| ARC: |
$300,000 |
| Other Federal: |
$0 |
| State: |
$0 |
| Local: |
$300,000 |
| Total: |
$600,000 |
Description: The Community Development Venture Capital Alliance (CDVCA) is creating a regional Co-investment Fund to provide mentorship and training to nascent development venture capital (DVC) funds in the Appalachian region. Experienced fund managers will co-invest with newer DVC funds, helping them learn details of deal due diligence, deal structuring, and negotiation. $100,000 of this grant will be used to provide technical assistance and provide investment support. The remaining ARC grant funds will be matched with $300,000 the grantee obtained from the US Department of Treasury CDFI Fund to capitalize the corpus of the Co-investment Fund. It is anticipated that additional investors will be identified to expand the corpus of the fund. Five co-investments will be made with 2 to 4 different regional DVC funds, resulting in the creation or expansion of five firms.
PROJECT: Enterprise Center Evaluation and Replication Assessment
GRANTEE: Southern Tier East Regional Planning Development Board
Purpose: To assess the potential of selected facilities for redevelopment as enterprise centers.
Funding:
| ARC: |
$15,000 |
| Other Federal: |
$0 |
| State: |
$0 |
| Local: |
$5,952 |
| Total: |
$20,952 |
Description: This project assessed the potential of selected facilities for redevelopment as enterprise centers based on information derived from an evaluation of the Eaton Center, a successful enterprise center development project located in Norwich, New York. The evaluation/assessment revealed that the Eaton center is sustained primarily of actively involved community and business support organizations that are extremely responsive to the needs and concerns of small businesses. Among the services provided by affiliation are: technical assistance, insurance programs, business referrals, and pooling of purchasing power. The Eaton Center's location within a state enterprise zone also confers tax credits, exemptions, and low-interest loans upon businesses in the area. The overall cost of tenancy was noted as the primary reason that companies moved to the Eaton Center. Other factors such as nearby public transportation, daily package delivery service, and centralized location were also seen as important. The grantee's original projections of 180 new jobs and 20 new businesses within a 3-year period are unchanged. The grantee also evaluated other potential incubator sites using the key factors of the Eaton Center as selection criteria.
PROJECT: Entrepreneurial Assistance Program
GRANTEE: Accord Corporation
Purpose: To provide business assistance to small and emerging businesses within the target region.
Funding:
| ARC: |
$39,424 |
| Other Federal: |
$0 |
| State: |
$7,500 |
| Local: |
$7,000 |
| Total: |
$53,924 |
Description: The non-profit Accord Corporation provides intensive, one-on-one counseling to individual small businesses as well as holds workshops on business issues. The goal of the project is to establish an assistance program for graduates of an existing micro-enterprise program and to make classroom instruction available to these graduating entrepreneurs.
Completed outcomes of the project for the grant period included providing business assistance to 8 entrepreneurs, ranging from a machine shop, trucking outfit, locksmith, Bed & Breakfast, restaurant, and an arts related firm. The counseling focused on business plan development, financial structuring, and marketing support.
PROJECT: Entrepreneurship Training Program
GRANTEE: Institute for Entrepreneurship
Purpose: To support an Internet-based youth entrepreneurship education program.
Funding:
| ARC: |
$169,964 |
| Other Federal: |
$0 |
| State: |
$0 |
| Local: |
$57,636 |
| Total: |
$227,600 |
Description: The grantee presented an Internet-based youth entrepreneurship curriculum, BizTech, produced by the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) to 35 teachers and 1,400 students in Appalachian New York. The course curriculum was developed by NFTE and Microsoft Corporation. During the grant year, 45 schools, including 57 teachers and 1800 students participated in the program. Also, 19 business plans were submitted by student groups (a total of 62 students participated), with 19 plans being awarded recognition awards by a panel of independent judges. 27 students completed an entrepreneurship internship with local employers. Additionally, 37 students from 4 schools took an on-line exam to receive college credit for this program, with 21 students passing the exam and earning SUNY credit. An independent evaluation of the program was completed.
PROJECT: Farm to Customer Marketing Project
GRANTEE: Center for Agricultural Development & Entrepreneurship, Inc.
Purpose: To assist agricultural producers and small food processors in the Cooperstown area to develop their products to meet national consumer expectations.
Funding:
| ARC: |
$95,000 |
| Other Federal: |
$14,625 |
| State: |
$16,000 |
| Local: |
$64,375 |
| Total: |
$190,000 |
Description: he goal of this project was to assist agricultural producers and small food processors in the Cooperstown area to develop their products to meet national consumer expectations. Individual producers worked to develop business plans and financial projections and to develop labels, packaging, ordering and shipping systems. There were 14 individual farms participating in the project, 2 cooperatives and a total of 58 individuals. Project participants were unified under the name Cooperstown Area Products (CAP). The project created a total of 8 full and part-time jobs.
PROJECT: Ithaca Business Innovation Center
GRANTEE: Tompkins County Area Development
Purpose: To establish a new program that provides targeted managerial services to entrepreneurs and their new ventures.
Funding:
| ARC: |
$37,842 |
| Other Federal: |
$0 |
| State: |
$0 |
| Local: |
$80,918 |
| Total: |
$118,760 |
Description: This project provides business planning and other assistance services to new businesses and entrepreneurial start-ups, most of which are spin-offs from Cornell University's research activities. In addition to providing services directly, Ithaca Business Innovation Center (IBIC) brokers services from a number of attorneys, accountants, and other consultants. IBIC has a network of providers and already has commitments worth approximately $19,500 in pro bono services.
Completed outcomes of the project for the grant period include providing 250 hours of direct assistance to over 30 local firms, resulting in the placement of capital funds, execution of a marketing and distribution agreement, and the holding of 3 regional meetings. The Business Innovation Center will continue its work with funding from the County and Cornell University.
PROJECT: Mentoring Program
GRANTEE: Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Development Board
Purpose: To create a Mentoring Program to serve the Southern Tier West region.
Funding:
| ARC: |
$70,000 |
| Other Federal: |
$0 |
| State: |
$0 |
| Local: |
$70,000 |
| Total: |
$140,000 |
Description: The grantee proposed to create a mentoring program to provide long-term technical assistance and incentive financing for emerging entrepreneurs. The project is designed to create new partnerships between the entrepreneurial community, the academic community, the public sector economic development community, and the business community. Program components include: encouraging the development of business plans; the provision of mentoring services; and non-traditional economic development financing. In addition, the grantee will hold a business plan competition and provide mentoring services from a team selected specifically for the entrepreneur's individual needs.
The grantee received only two business plans in the proposed business plan competition. These business plans did not fit the program parameters. The grantee, through program partners, identified 5 entrepreneurs in need of mentoring. Four of these entrepreneurs did not participate in the mentor program, and instead received other support services from program partners. To date, only one entrepreneur has received mentor services.
PROJECT: Multi-Regional Initiative to Promote Entrepreneurism
GRANTEE: Southern Tier East Regional Planning & Development Board
Purpose: To provide direct technical assistance to small and emerging businesses, develop continuous training resources, and facilitate access to financing.
Funding:
| ARC: |
$63,309 |
| Other Federal: |
$0 |
| State: |
$0 |
| Local: |
$15,828 |
| Total: |
$79,137 |
Description: This project focused on four work elements. The first work element involved the identification of impediments to small business growth. The goal of this work element was to streamline and consolidate the numerous revolving loan funds in the region. The second element involved the identification of added agriculture opportunities in the region. The third work element was to develop enhanced small business training, in which a section of Southern Tier East's (STEs) library was organized to maintain entrepreneurial resources. The last work element was small business technical assistance.
Due to the problems encountered with the work elements, above, STE requested that the grant be amended to provide support to a Minority and Women's Business Enterprise Development (MWBE) Center conference. The event was held in October 1999 and attracted 89 students from 11 high schools in the area. The program was well documented and highly successful in motivating minority students to consider entrepreneurship.
PROJECT: Professional Business Services and Training
GRANTEE: Minorities & Women Business Enterprise Development Center, Inc.
Purpose: To assist in Broome County's economic revitalization by providing professional business services to small business owners.
Funding:
| ARC: |
$23,913 |
| Other Federal: |
$0 |
| State: |
$0 |
| Local: |
$57,679 |
| Total: |
$81,592 |
Description: The Subsidized Professional Business Services and Training Program (SPBST) served 68 small businesses during the grant period. These clients received a variety of professional services from attorneys, accountants, computer specialists, community professionals, and staff of the Minorities and Women Business Enterprise Development Center, Inc. (MWBE). During the one-year the project has been in operation, 19 new businesses were started with 25 new jobs created. In addition, 22 businesses were retained as were 15 jobs. This project was successful in assisting in Broome County's economic revitalization by providing professional business services to small business owners.
PROJECT: Regional Conferences on Entrepreneurship Education and Training
GRANTEE: Broome Community College
Purpose: To expose many local policymakers and practitioners to currently available models and approaches for entrepreneurship education and training.
Funding:
| ARC: |
$20,000 |
| Other Federal: |
$0 |
| State: |
$0 |
| Local: |
$0 |
| Total: |
$20,000 |
Description: This grant supported one of three sub-regional conferences on entrepreneurial education and training. Over 90 local education service providers, policy makers, and funding entities from four states attended this event in Binghamton, New York. The conference location and grantee were selected through a competitive grant-making process. The aim of this sub-regional conference was to encourage national best practice tailored to the particular needs of local communities. The three main groups that the conference targeted included: educational service providers (teachers, principals, superintendents, board members, guidance counselors, community colleges, four-year institutions); funding entities (departments of education, department of commerce, Governor's offices); and state and local policymakers (county commissioners, mayors, state legislators, college presidents, and chambers of commerce). The conference was held in Binghamton, New York, on October 21, 1999.
PROJECT: SCOPED Venture Development Center
GRANTEE: Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development (SCOPED)
Purpose: To provide technical assistance to entrepreneurs in the most rural area of Schuyler County with assistance targeted for entrepreneurial enterprises in agriculture, technology, arts and crafts, wood working, and tourism.
Funding:
| ARC: |
$28,230 |
| Other Federal: |
$0 |
| State: |
$0 |
| Local: |
$7,792 |
| Total: |
$36,022 |
Description: The Center will function as a virtual incubator, providing support to individual entrepreneurs. Additionally, the Center will assess the feasibility of a kitchen incubator and catalogue and direct mail marketing of specialty food products. During the grant period, the grantee achieved many outcomes including: (1) facilitated the creation of 5 new businesses, (2) provided assistance to over 25 existing farm-based and home-based businesses, (3) facilitated the developments of a new market cooperative and a farmers' market, and (4) completed a preliminary feasibility study for a commercial kitchen incubator. The feasibility study concluded that at this time, there were not enough users identified to make the project feasible. Further studies will focus on the potential of attracting beverage (wine, beer, and juice) producers.
PROJECT: SCOPED Venture Development Center, Phase II
GRANTEE: Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development (SCOPED)
Purpose: To support the continuation activities of the SCOPED Venture Development Center.
Funding:
| ARC: |
$40,000 |
| Other Federal: |
$0 |
| State: |
$0 |
| Local: |
$49,400 |
| Total: |
$89,400 |
Description: This grant supports the continuation activities of the SCOPED Venture Development Center, which has led to the creation of 8 new businesses and has served 100 businesses to date. The continuation project expects to serve 60 new or existing businesses and create 5 new entrepreneurial enterprises. The Center provides technical assistance to entrepreneurs in the rural areas of Schuyler County and targets businesses in agriculture, technology, craft, arts, woodworking, and tourism industries. Second year activities include: (1) conducting two seminars on financing and growing small businesses, (2) developing a strategic marketing plan for the Center including extensive use of the Center's website as a marketing tool, (3) conducting five educational forums for small businesses, and (4) creating an arts and culture district in downtown Watkins Glen.
PROJECT: Southern Tier Appalachian Rural Trade
GRANTEE: Empire State Development Corporation
Purpose: To provide technical assistance to eligible firms for the development of export marketing plans.
Funding:
| ARC: |
$100,000 |
| Other Federal: |
$0 |
| State: |
$52,880 |
| Local: |
$20,000 |
| Total: |
$172,880 |
Description: The grantee is a public-private partnership charged with state-wide implementation of economic development programs. They propose to utilize the combined resources and expertise of area colleges and universities along with trade professionals from the grantee's agency to assist small to medium-sized companies in the development of comprehensive international marketing plans and eventually enter the most promising markets as determined through supervised research. Entry mechanisms will be through the implementation of qualified export development projects devised with technical assistance of the grantee. ARC funds would be used for graduate intern stipends, faculty supervision of said interns, associated operations expenses, and mini-grants to participating SMEs for the implementation of approved projects designed to enhance their trade readiness.
PROJECT: Southern Tier Central Entrepreneurship Micro Enterprise RLF
GRANTEE: Southern Tier Central Regional Planning Development Board
Purpose: To capitalize a micro-enterprise revolving loan fund specifically targeted and structured to support entrepreneurship and to provide administrative funds for the start-up phase of the project.
Funding:
| ARC: |
$175,000 |
| Other Federal: |
$0 |
| State: |
$0 |
| Local: |
$175,000 |
| Total: |
$350,000 |
Description: This proposal is for Southern Tier Central (STC) to hold a micro-enterprise RLF at the LDD level. This micro-enterprise RLF will target individuals and businesses not fully served by existing RLF's or private sector financial institutions. These businesses will be more entrepreneurial in nature. The proposed fund will place its primary emphasis on the entrepreneurial character by excluding franchise businesses and professional corporations from lending eligibility. The administrative component is to provide the organizational support necessary to successfully implement the program and support the development of information and promotional material used with area financial institutions and economic development agencies. This funding will provide access to capital for an estimated sixteen entrepreneurial business start-ups or expansions. There will be a minimum of eight full time equivalent jobs created or saved.
PROJECT: Southern Tier East Rural Entrepreneurship Initiative
GRANTEE: South Tier East Regional Planning & Development Board
Purpose: To complete a feasibility assessment for a commercial kitchen/kitchen incubator, and to support the continued formation of agri-clusters.
Funding:
| ARC: |
$75,000 |
| Other Federal: |
$0 |
| State: |
$0 |
| Local: |
$26,500 |
| Total: |
$101,500 |
Description: The grantee will complete an assessment for a commercial kitchen and kitchen incubator, and continue work to support the formation of agri-clusters in the region. The grantee projects that one new commercial kitchen will result from these activities, and 8 new agri-clusters will develop in each of the target counties. The grantee will use staff support and hire a contractor to complete the kitchen incubator assessment, and to implement educational and promotional programs to encourage agri-cluster development.
PROJECT: Southern Tier West Technological Entrepreneurship
GRANTEE: Southern Tier West Regional Planning & Development Board
Purpose: To stimulate the start up of technological businesses.
Funding:
| ARC: |
$70,000 |
| Other Federal: |
$0 |
| State: |
$0 |
| Local: |
$70,000 |
| Total: |
$140,000 |
Description: This project will stimulate the start up of technological businesses by providing access to financial and technical resources. The grantee will identify target businesses enrolled in entrepreneurship training programs at the local Small Business Development Center program. The grantee will partner with the local STEDO Revolving Loan Fund to make capital available to these entrepreneurs. ARC support will enable the grantee to provide consulting assistance to the entrepreneurs, providing access to legal, accounting, operational or marketing support. ARC will defray up to 75% of the costs of these support services, and the private business will pay for at least of 25% of the costs of these services. The grantee projects two businesses will be started resulting in the creation of six new jobs in the region.
PROJECT: SUNY Cobleskill Improve Food Safety in Southern Tier East
GRANTEE: Research Foundation of State University of New York (RFSUNY)
Purpose: To purchase equipment for five specialized culinary arts laboratories.
Funding:
| ARC: |
$49,100 |
| Other Federal: |
$1,775 |
| State: |
$0 |
| Local: |
$10,500 |
| Total: |
$61,375 |
Description: Grant funds will be used to purchase blast chillers and commercial walk-in refrigeration units to be placed in five specialized culinary arts laboratories on the campus of SUNY Cobleskill. Four training sessions on food safety and quick-chilling/refrigerated food storage techniques will be provided to 100 food industry employees or owners in the Southern Tier East. Micro-enterprises, such as small food processors and farmers, will also use the facilities for their commercial products. One hundred (100) food industry micro-enterprise owners, potential owners or their employees will attend one of four customized, short-term food safety training sessions. Ninety-five participants who enroll in the training program will successfully complete it, and 80 of these individuals will improve their knowledge and use of specialized cooling equipment, thereby retaining current employment or obtaining new employment in the food industry.
PROJECT: SUNY of Birmingham Regional Research Innovation Infrastructure Initiative
GRANTEE: State University of NY at Binghamton (SUNY) Research Foundation
Purpose: To help high-tech companies develop and commercialize technology.
Funding:
| ARC: |
$75,000 |
| Other Federal: |
$0 |
| State: |
$0 |
| Local: |
$56,247 |
| Total: |
$131,247 |
Description: The Regional Research Innovation Infrastructure Initiative (RRI3) program will help minimize the barriers to the development and commercialization of technology by fledgling high-tech companies in an eight county area of Appalachian New York. To accomplish this, three operationally linked entities --- a non-profit research foundation (NPRF), a for-profit development corporation (FPDC), and one or more affiliated regional high-tech incubators ---will be established. The Foundation will shop at research institutions for undeveloped technical innovations and will mobilize the resources needed to convert the innovations into pre-commercial start-up businesses that are attractive seed-stage investment opportunities. The Development Corporation will operate a seed-stage venture capital fund that will provide financing to support the early stages of development of the resulting fledgling corporations. The Foundation and Corporation will also provide critically needed interim management and mentoring functions as needed for the various projects being developed. Projected outcomes include the start-up of over 26 high-tech regional companies and the creation or retention of over 16,000 high-paying jobs.
PROJECT: Worker Ownership Resource Center Entrepreneurial Partnership
GRANTEE: Worker Ownership Resource Center
Purpose: To provide training and technical assistance to entrepreneurs in Chemung, Steuben and Schuyler Counties.
Funding:
| ARC: |
$55,179 |
| Other Federal: |
$0 |
| State: |
$0 |
| Local: |
$13,795 |
| Total: |
$68,974 |
Description: During the grant period, 441 clients were served by this project through a range of business training workshops and one-on-one technical assistance. 15 new businesses were started resulting in the creation of 18 new jobs and the retention of 11 positions. Additionally, over $500,000 in capital was secured for client firms.
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