Business Opportunity & Economic Development

Here's a fact: the cost of doing business in upstate New York's Rensselaer Gateway is comparably lower than both regional and national averages.

It's true. Tax cuts and other business-friendly legislation and initiatives during the past several years are making New York State and our Rensselaer Gateway region more and more attractive to businesses looking to relocate or expand. Packaged with an ideal geographic location--at the crossroads of the Northeast--and a high quality of living for individuals and families, the Rensselaer Gateway has it all.

From single-employee businesses to thousand-member corporations, in industries ranging from farming to high tech manufacturing, the Rensselaer Gateway provides opportunities for businesses to succeed. Natural resources, educational institutions and convenient, modern transportation access combine to giving our businesses an edge over the competition. At the Chamber, we'll connect you to a network of supports, whether you're an established business or a new entrepreneur.

The Business Development Center

The Business Development Center (BDC) was established in 1996 as a private, independent economic development organization that works in affiliation with the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce. Funded by member-investor businesses, the BDC works cooperatively with local and state governmental economic development agencies to provide direct, hands-on assistance to businesses. Working with municipalities, banks and other loan funding sources, the BDC helps businesses to identify and secure financing, locate sites and capital for expansion and relocation, and navigate government regulatory issues.

Tangible examples of the BDC’s work include its role in helping to secure the $4 million Fujicolor Processing facility in East Greenbush, a company that brought many new jobs to the area. In addition, the BDC was part of a team effort to bring OPTUM, a health information services operation to Hedley Park Place in Troy, also bringing more new jobs to the County. Through the BDC’s participation and co-administration of the City of Troy Loan Fund, the agency has provided assistance to many locally-owned businesses.

In addition, the BDC is proud to offer the "SmartUp" program to the Rensselaer County business community. SmartUp is an educational program designed to help small businesses start up and succeed in Rensselaer County. The SmartUp course is offered as a joint initiative of The Business Development Center and Rensselaer County Economic Development and Planning. For additional information about Smart Up, visit: www.thebusinessdevelopmentcenter.com.

» Find out today if The Business Development Center can help your business get started or expand by contacting us at 518.274.7020