Business Resources

The New York State Department of Labor is New York State’s primary advocate for job creation and economic growth through workforce development. The department administers New York’s unemployment insurance system, labor exchange system, and Welfare-To-Work programs. The department also oversees state worker protection programs, including enforcement of safety and health regulations in the public sector, state labor laws and federal statutes related to working conditions, wages and hours, and laws related to Public Work. The Department of Labor serves as the State’s principal source for labor market information and offers a variety of services designed to help businesses find workers and people find jobs.

When starting a small business in New York, you’re part of a larger community, because small businesses make up 98% of all businesses in the state. When you expand or move a small business to New York State, you are part of a group that employs more than half of our private-sector workforce. Empire State Development’s Division of Small Business directs a wide array of programs and initiatives to support small business growth and help entrepreneurs maximize their opportunities for success. Our mission? To help you develop and expand into tomorrow.

The Wyoming County Business Center, has secured certification and designation to serve as an affiliate of the Kauffman Foundation. FastTrac New Venture Program, is a professional entrepreneurship development program owned by the Kauffman Foundation, the world's largest foundation dedicated exclusively to entrepreneurship development.

The FastTrac New Venture program represents a great opportunity for students and adults who want to start a business. Statistically, 75% of participants who complete the program start a business. FastTrac New Venture is a series of 10 training sessions (one night a week, 6:00-9:00 p.m., for 10 weeks). The first three training modules are devoted to determining the viability and market potential of the business idea and the last 7 classes help build the framework for a business plan.  The classes are facilitated by an entrepreneur and each class will be assigned an experience business coach to provide additional guidance and support.  After graduation, additional technical assistance will be provided to fully complete unfinished business plans, examine financing options, assist with business locations if needed or provide further guidance.

Looking for a business lawyer and don’t know where to begin? Perhaps you’re interested in learning more about choosing the right legal structure for your business venture, or finding answers to questions about hiring employees or safety in the workplace. Whatever your legal question, chances are you’ll find the answer here.

The BEST Center, located in the Conable Technology Building at Genesee Community College is the recognized regional leader in developing the skilled workforce that powers local area economic growth. The Center provides a wide array of programs and services designed to prepare individual employees as well as businesses and organizations for success in the regional economy.

The BEST Center offers open enrollment seminars and workshops as well as truly customized training designed to assist businesses improve the performance of their people and processes. The Center serves individual employees as well as business both large and small. Federal, State and local grant funding is obtained whenever possible to support the quality workforce that enables companies to thrive and grow.

As part of the Small Business Administration, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at The BEST Center offers a multi-faceted approach to business development by providing prospective and current business owners with a central point of contact for informative advice, knowledge and assistance. Our advisors provide free counseling to owner's of start-up's as well as existing small businesses. Services are designed to help develop a business idea, conduct a market analysis or expand a business plan.

The vision of the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, Wyoming (GLOW) Workforce Development Partnership is an effective, integrated system that understands and responds to the dynamic needs of business, and maximizes the potential of job seekers, resulting in an employer for every job seeker and a skilled worker for every employer.

The IRS has a web site with tax information for small businesses and self-employed individuals.

Information business owners need regarding taxes in New York State. You can download forms and publications directly from the site. Use the search tool to find the information, forms or publications you need.

SCORE is a nonprofit association that has been dedicated for 50 years to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. Because their work is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and thanks to a network of 11,000+ volunteers, they are able to deliver services at no charge or at very low cost. The Chamber of Commerce hosts SCORE Mentors at our conference room and offers a place for private consultation. 

SCORE can provide:
Volunteer MENTORS who share their expertise across 62 industries; Free, confidential business MENTORING in person or via email; Free business TOOLS, templates and tips online; Inexpensive or free business WORKSHOPS (locally) and webinars (online 24/7); 320+ chapters hold events and workshops locally across the U.S. and its territories, and match up entrepreneurs with local, volunteer mentors.

The U.S. Small Business Administration, established in 1953, provides financial, technical and management assistance to help Americans start, run, and grow their businesses. With a portfolio of business loans, loan guarantees and disaster loans worth more than $45 billion, in addition to a venture capital portfolio of $13 billion, SBA is the nation’s largest single financial backer of small businesses. The link listed above is for the local Buffalo office.

The US Chamber of Commerce is a trusted network of state and local chambers and the US Chamber of Commerce harnessing 100 years of experience helping businesses thrive and succeed. This site provides a host of free business tools and resources, and top quality products and services, all designed to save you time and money, and improve your bottom line.

The Western New York Technology Development Center, Inc. (TDC) is a world-class consulting company working since 1982 to “transform WNY business”. Operating as a private, not-for-profit corporation, the TDC’s mission is to strengthen, expand and diversify the manufacturing and technology base in Western New York State.

Information for small business owners regarding Workers' Compensation Insurance from the New York State Workers' Compensation Board (WCB).

Unshackle Upstate

Unshackle Upstate is a public policy initiative supported by the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with more than a dozen upstate chambers and business groups (and that list continues to grow). The goal: to improve and revitalize the business climate of Upstate.