General Resources
Chautauqua County Economic Development Organizational Plan Report
Find Yourself in Chautauqua County
Welcome to Chautauqua County — an affordable, accessible, naturally beautiful place to live, work, play, laugh, and learn all year long. Take a closer look at New York’s far western region. As a predominantly rural community, Chautauqua County offers a unique blend of cultural, historic, educational, and recreational attractions coupled with an environment primly suited to start, build, or expand a business or find employment. The cost of living here is 25 percent less than the national average, and well-paying jobs with advanced manufacturers are readily available. The unemployment rate is low, while resources for training and workforce development are exceptional.This combination creates the opportunity for residents, business owners, and employees of all skill levels to live a well-rounded and fulfilling lifestyle. If you like what you see, please contact the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA).
Growing Food Connections: University at Buffalo study “Food to Table”
http://growingfoodconnections.org/
Double A Vineyards/Dennis Rak
Dennis Rak of Double A Vineyards. Dennis is a long-time CCIDA Board Member, highly recognized in the local grape industry, and a board member of National Grape Cooperative. Find his bio here if you hover over his picture: https://ccida.com/about/board-members/
Small Business Development Center
Free & Confidential Small Business Consulting Services
Start-Up New York
START-UP NY creates tax free zones and other incentives to businesses locating on or near approved colleges and universities throughout New York State, with the goal of attracting businesses that would not otherwise locate in the State.
https://ccida.com/links/start-up-ny/
Energy Programs
Clean Energy Financing
Open C-PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) is operated by Energy
Improvement Corporation (EIC) and provides long-term financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects on commercially owned properties.
Open C-PACE is not a bank loan and differs from traditional financing options:
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- Financing is available for up to 100% of the project cost, or can be combined with other financing
- Competitive private financing from EIC-approved capital providers
- Customizable loan terms up to the expected life of the improvement (generally 20-30 years)
- Repayment is secured through a benefit assessment lien that runs with the property
- Projects must comply with NYSERDA’s Commercial PACE Guidelines
PACE financing is a public benefit, authorized through state and local law, which supports more sustainable and economically vibrant communities.
For more information, visit eicpace.org or call (914) 302-7300 x8114
Energy Efficiency
NYSERDA https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/
National Grid (electric provider)
https://www.nationalgridus.com/Upstate-NY-Business/Default#
National Fuel (natural gas provider)
https://www.natfuel.com/utility/forbusiness/ny/ecodev.aspx
Financing & Local/State Incentives
CCIDA
https://ccida.com/financial/financial-incentives/ Loan funds and tax abatements.
Empire State Development (NYS Incentives)
https://esd.ny.gov/regions/western-new-york Loans, grants, fully refundable tax credits, utility incentives, jobs tax credits, etc.
Western Region Corporation Financing
http://westernregioncorp.org/ Look at Regional and also Downtown Revitalization loans
Southern Tier Venture Fund
http://stcfny.com/about-the-fund/
NYS Alliance Fund
Reference
Chautauqua County Comprehensive Plan
http://www.planningchautauqua.com/comp_plan/index.htm
Statistics and Information
Information, demographics and statistics for Chautauqua County
