NYSERDA and Small Business Development Center Announce Cost-Free Business Services

Albany, NY—The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the New York State Small Business Development Center (SBDC) today announced the second monthly business-assistance services meeting for existing and start-up businesses will be offered at the Saratoga Technology + Energy Park® (STEP®), located in Malta. This cost-free service on Wednesday October 14th, and continuing on the second Wednesday of every month, will help lay the groundwork for optimal business development related services for start-up and emerging companies to maximize job creation and retention and allow companies to compete in state, national and global marketplaces.

“Small businesses and emerging clean energy and environmental technology companies are the backbone of our economic recovery,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA. “As a national leader in the development and promotion of energy-efficient and clean technologies, NYSERDA and our partners are committed to providing companies the services they need to undertake new ventures, expand into new markets, and create jobs. Under the leadership of Governor David A. Paterson, developing and supporting clean energy and environmental technology companies, as well as other small businesses, will not only help meet our energy and environmental challenges, it will continue to position New York as a leader in the clean energy economy.”

A business advisor with the SBDC at the University at Albany will be available from 9:00am-12:00pm at 10 Hermes Road in Malta. SBDC’s services will include assisting start-up and existing businesses in developing strategic business plans, identifying funding sources appropriate to businesses, marketing assistance, market research, preparation of financial statements, export/import assistance, and cash flow analysis.

“Small businesses require accessibility to resources to ensure a successful venture. Collaboration between SBDC and NYSERDA provides a business friendly venue and a strong combination of resources to benefit small business development,” said Bill Brigham, Director of the University at Albany based SBDC. “The SBDC Business Advisors and Technology Entrepreneur in Residences will provide expert onsite technical assistance in business planning, marketing, access to capital, and financial analysis services that will accelerate the development of energy technology companies, as well as small businesses in general. The goal of these efforts is to provide Capital Region entrepreneurs with the facts and business acumen they need to help their organization start or expand.”

This service is free of charge. For more information or to make an appointment, please contact John Skrobela at 518-485-7647.

Earlier this year, separate agreements were signed by NYSERDA with the SBDC and Center for Economic Growth allowing each organization to provide business and technology support to established, emerging, or future clean technology or other small businesses throughout the State and for tenants at STEP. Because the economic development missions of each of the organizations include the support for small businesses and emerging clean energy and environmental technology related companies, each party understands the importance of fostering growth within the clean-tech sector and the importance of collaborating to leverage each others’ expertise and resources.

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