Empire State Development news and press releases

Selected Teams from Around the World Will Compete for a Total of $3 Million in Investments and Participate in yearlong UAS Accelerator in CNY Program is supported by “CNY Rising” the region’s comprehensive strategy to revitalize the community and grow the economy Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the five teams selected to take part in round seven of the innovative GENIUS NY business accelerator program. Supported by the CNY Rising Upstate Revitalization Initiative and administered by CenterState CEO and The Tech Garden in downtown Syracuse, these startup, uncrewed systems industry companies will participate in a yearlong program. The five finalists include teams with international and New York state representation and were selected from a pool of more than 450 submissions. They will compete for $3 million in direct investment, with one grand prize of up to $1 million and four $500,000 awards. The program is the largest business accelerator for the UAS industry in the world. GENIUS NY participants are required to commit to operating their business in Central New York for at least one year. “The GENIUS NY accelerator has helped to establish Central New York as a hub for uncrewed aerial systems by attracting the next generation of innovative entrepreneurs," said, Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight. "New York State's ongoing UAS investment will ensure that continued industry leadership, bringing top-quality jobs and growth to the region and beyond.” Starting July 12, the five selected companies will move into downtown Syracuse where they will begin to refine work on their business cases, which they present at the Pitch Finals event  on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. Kara Jones, director of GENIUS NY, said, "This round's teams bring an exciting new mix of technologies being developed in the uncrewed systems space," said Kara Jones, director of GENIUS NY. "We are excited for their arrival in Central New York in just a few short weeks, and to work with them over the coming year as they connect with local businesses and partners on strategic opportunities for collaboration and growth. Our goal is to not only support startups so they succeed in the UAS industry, but so that they can do so right here in our region, well after their participation in the program." The five selected finalists are: Aloft (Silver Spring, Maryland), an FAA-approved UAS Service Supplier (USS) for LAANC, powering the vast majority of recreational and commercial airspace authorizations. Aloft also has an exclusive public-private partnership with the FAA to power B4FULY. Through state-of-the-art technologies and sophisticated data services, Aloft aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of drone operations, facilitating their integration into the National Airspace System. Blueflite (Detroit, Michigan), a company designing and manufacturing a logistics drone platform to solve the modern-day challenges in the logistics industry. Blueflite’s drones offer faster and greener deliveries at a lower cost compared to conventional transport. The unique and patent pending tiltrotor design features vectored thrust giving it unrivaled maneuverability and the ability to operate under challenging conditions. The digital element of the platform allows for integration into an all-automated supply chain for high-speed deliveries at scale. Greenjets (Milton Keynes, UK) Greenjets, which is building next generation electric propulsion systems for advanced air mobility. Their ducted fan propulsion technology is the quietest, safest and most efficient of its class. The Greenjets team has over 300 years of deep domain knowledge carried over from Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems & Formula 1. Learnings from these experiences are reflected in a unique design & manufacturing methodology, which allows production of propulsion systems at an unrivalled pace. Voltela (Brooklyn, NY) provides connectivity assurance for commercial drones. Remote pilots must rely on reliable Command and Control connections. The mobile network was not built for aerial connectivity and changing the infrastructure is not viable. Voltela’s patented software operates with off-the-shelf modems enabling prioritized connections with guaranteed low latency via any mobile network. Voltela’s superior connectivity performance achieves aviation-grade reliability levels and is the foundation for building the Aerial Virtual Network Operator. Votix (Weston, Florida) is an American Enterprise Drone Orchestration and Automation platform and the first universal (hardware-agnostic) drone operating system for commercial operations at scale. VOTIX integrates the entire drone ecosystem, ensuring high-quality results, and safe and robust operations, guaranteeing compliance with regulators and stakeholders, creating synergies within the industry’s ecosystem, reducing process time and generating superior intelligence. VOTIX supports VLOS/EVLOS while enabling BVLOS operations, autonomous flights, real-time cloud video streaming and AI, precision landing, drone-in-a-box integration and much more. Throughout the program teams will have access to free workspace at The Tech Garden, experts and other founders specific to their industry, executive advisors, recruiting, marketing and fundraising support, programming and events, the opportunity to apply for the UAS Job Fund, as well as other perks like access to platforms such as PitchBook,  and offer companies AWS credits. The goal is to encourage all participants to put down roots and stay in the region following the conclusion of the program. Rob Simpson, president of CenterState CEO, said, "Each year, the strength of our applicant pool and the finalist teams - from across the country and globe - continue to speak to the strength of the GENIUS NY program and that Central New York is the single best place to grow your UAS company,” said Robert Simpson, president of CenterState CEO. “We are excited to welcome this new cohort to see their innovative technologies and platforms accelerate through the GENIUS NY program, and our ecosystem of partners and resources." Since 2017, GENIUS NY has invested $18 million in 32 companies from around the world and brought them to Central New York to participate in the yearlong in-residence accelerator where they receive assistance with product development, business development, and networking opportunities with investors and business leaders. Participants are also integrated into the larger regional effort to grow uncrewed aerial systems in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley, and will have access to world-leading infrastructure and testing assets. Participants also have opportunities to connect with investors for follow on funding. Since 2017, GENIUS NY companies have raised more than $100 million in follow-on funding and have created over 80 jobs in New York. State Senator Rachel May, said, “It’s exciting to see the continued success of the GENIUS NY business accelerator program, adding to Central New York’s rapidly growing technology and innovation sector. This program is now integral to our burgeoning drone industry, bringing more high-quality jobs to our area and benefiting the community in many other ways. Congratulations to the five teams that have made it this far. I’m looking forward to seeing what you do in the future,” State Senator John W. Mannion, said, “The GENIUS NY accelerator is a great opportunity for startups in the UAS industry to gain access to Central New York’s growing resources and expertise in the field. The program's strong track record of success speaks for itself, and I am confident that the five finalists selected for this year's cohort will be well-positioned to grow their businesses and make a significant impact on the UAS industry in Central New York and beyond." State Assemblymemner Al Stirpe, said, “Since the launch of GENIUS NY Accelerator program, the technological ingenuity and collaborative UAS partnerships flourishing in Central New York has been exciting and a testament of our region’s commitment to the job creating aviation industry of the future. The Tech Garden is an incredibly powerful hub for these tech startups to hone-in on their innovative craft while leveraging the invaluable resources network of CenterState CEO. Congratulations to all five finalists of the GENIUS NY Round Seven program for advancing this far and wish them the best of luck in this globally scaled competition.” Assemblymember William B. Magnarelli, said, “Congratulations to the finalists. The Genius NY Competition continues to help Central New York maintain its status as a hub for innovative companies exploring uses for uncrewed aerial systems and other leading-edge technologies. The partnerships and opportunities created locally during the entrepreneurial stage create a catalyst for growth in our Central New York region.” Assemblymember Pamela Hunter, said, “Congratulations to this round of finalists. I am impressed by the work they have done so far and I’m excited to welcome such diverse teams to Central New York. GENIUS NY is playing a huge role in making Central New York a robust tech ecosystem. We look forward to seeing these leaders grow in Syracuse and diversify our local economy. Onondaga County Executive, J. Ryan McMahon, said, “As we continue our focused work to grow and diversify our local economy, we are incredibly excited to welcome these teams to our community. The GENIUS NY competition continues to serve as a platform to showcase why Central New York is an exceptional place to grow a business. I wish these innovators the best of luck and we are ready to provide them with any support that they may need.” City of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, said, "GENIUS NY is part of a thriving technology ecosystem in Syracuse and Central New York. It has aided in expanding our entrepreneurial and tech cultures and brought energy and excitement to the Syracuse Surge -- our strategy for inclusive growth in the New Economy. I look forward to the innovative ideas the five teams bring to round seven of GENIUS NY, and thank Governor Hochul, Empire State Development and CenterState CEO for their continued investments to keep GENIUS NY soaring." Central New York Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Randy Wolken, President & CEO of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York and Le Moyne College President Linda M. LeMura, said, "Congratulations to the innovative teams selected to take part in round seven of the GENIUS NY competition. We are proud to welcome these imaginative entrepreneurs to the region as they work to grow their forward-thinking ideas. Through the regional council’s continued support for this competition, we are ensuring that New York state remains at the forefront of the growing UAS industry in Central New York, creating new opportunities and jobs for residents in the region for generations to come." To learn more about the GENIUS NY program visit: www.geniusny.com. To learn more about CenterState CEO and the Tech Garden, visit: https://www.centerstateceo.com/about-us/partners-programs/tech-garden. Accelerating CNY Rising  Today's announcement complements “CNY Rising,” the region’s comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on capitalizing on global market opportunities, strengthening entrepreneurship and creating an inclusive economy. More information is available here. About Empire State Development Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NEW YORK,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov. Contact: Shari Vincent | [email protected]| (585)399-7055 | (800) 260-7313 Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313

Seventeen Projects Across the State Will Leverage Nearly $7 Million in Public/Private Funding to Support Almost 2,500 Trainees for Over 100 Business Partners Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the New York State Office of Strategic Workforce Development has awarded nearly $11 million in grants to seventeen projects across the state through the third round of the Workforce Development Capital and Pay for Performance Grant Programs. These grants will support the training of close to 2,500 workers through collaboration between training providers and more than 100 employer partners in fields like IT, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, broadband and construction. The Office, which operates under Empire State Development, is charged with supporting industry-driven workforce development programs and practices to ensure New Yorkers are prepared to meet the needs and priorities of employers. “New York is committed to developing a strong and diverse workforce, and investing in our workers is the most important investment we can make," Governor Hochul said. “This new round of strategic workforce development grants will help New Yorkers acquire the skills they need to succeed in today's economy, while supporting employer-driven, high-skilled training programs that will help New Yorkers thrive in the jobs of the future.” This third round of awards from the Office of Strategic Workforce Development brings the total investments from the first three rounds to more than $24 million that will leverage more than $17 million in public and private funding and support over 9,000 trainees for over 300 business partners. The grants awarded to seventeen projects today will support employer-driven, high-skilled workforce training programs and reward innovative approaches and best practices that reduce the barriers to participation for high-need communities. The $35 million Workforce Development Capital Grant Program will support the capital needs of workforce training providers that seek to enhance or expand their offerings. The $115 million Pay for Performance Grant Program has two funding tracks: flexible Operating Grants that help providers cover programmatic expenses like curriculum development and wraparound services to prepare New Yorkers with in-demand skills and industry-recognized credentials; and Capacity-Building Awards, a data- and metrics-driven approach to scale up proven workforce training programs actively placing graduates in good jobs. Using achievement-based awards, workforce training providers will receive funding to expand the capacity of successful programs with high placement rates and effective wraparound services. Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Successful economic development is built by a well-skilled and well-prepared labor force. Investments like these will reinforce New York State as a producer of high-quality labor and as a hub for industry-tailored workforce training programs, securing the state as a destination for employers from around the world. New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Workforce development is an important ingredient in Governor Hochul’s recipe to strengthen New York State’s economic vitality. By providing proper training and education, we are giving New Yorkers the skills they need to better support themselves and their families.” Read the full press release here.

With Video Conferencing To: Hampton Library, 2478 Main Street, Bridgehampton, NY 11932              The meeting is open to the public. Please Note: Due to building procedures, members of the public attending in-person should please RSVP by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Members of the press should please call (800) 260-7313; Members of the public should please call (212) 803-3772. The public may listen to the meeting via webcast by clicking the link below. Members of the public may submit comments on the Agenda items in writing to [email protected] by 4:30 pm on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. All comments received by the deadline will be distributed to the Directors prior to the meeting and will be posted online.

$5,000 to $50,000 Grants Will Be Available on June 23 for Small Businesses in Designated Area of East Buffalo Round 2 will Feature Expanded Geographic Boundaries and Additional Technical Assistance Builds on State’s Ongoing Recovery Efforts Following 2022 Tops Supermarket Attack Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that applications for Round 2 of the East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant Program are available from June 23 to July 21. The $3 million program provides grants of $5,000 to $50,000 to eligible small businesses in a designated area of East Buffalo to help largely minority-owned establishments rebound from the social and economic impacts of the mass shooting at a Tops Friendly Market on Jefferson Avenue in 2022.  In Round 1 of the East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant Program, 47 businesses were awarded $614,000.  “Empire State Development is committed to supporting East Buffalo businesses with the operational help they need to grow, and building on the success of the initial round of our grant program, this new round provides even more targeted help to where it will have the greatest impact,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight.  “I encourage business owners to take advantage of an expanded eligibility map and added technical assistance to apply for the East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant Program. Through this program and others, New York State affirms its strong partnership with these predominantly minority-owned enterprises as they continue to serve the community.” “We’re thankful to Governor Hochul for continuing the success of the East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant Program and helping this community recover from tragedy as we work to uplift and empower small, and mainly minority-owned, businesses,” said Valerie White, Senior Executive Director, LISC NY. “LISC NY is proud to administer this program on behalf of Empire State Development, and we encourage eligible businesses to seize this opportunity and apply for the grants. Together, we can forge a brighter future for the region’s economy and ensure the long-term success of our community.” Round 2 will broaden applications and eligibility by expanding the program’s geographic boundaries to the Beltway.  Program partners, including the Exchange at Beverly Gray and The Foundry, will also offer additional technical assistance on program applications to small businesses applying to the program.  The Local Initiatives Support Corporation - New York (LISC NYC) is administering the program on behalf of Empire State Development. Eligible businesses can submit pre-applications here. For more information on the program, including eligibility and FAQs, click here. Round 1 awardees included: Challenger Community News Corp This business/weekly newspaper was founded, and continues to be based entirely upon serving, as the Black community’s primary source of print news and information; from showcasing honor students and covering church news and civic activities to editorializing issues that impact the community (locally as well as nationally) in Buffalo and surrounding areas. Every week, the publication  provides relevant information from a Black perspective, as well as a platform for opinions. Nanny’s Nook Quality Home Daycare, Inc. Nanny’s Nook Quality Home Daycare Center has connected with the community by providing quality, affordable childcare to the community for more than 20 years. It has received numerous awards for its commitment to quality, affordable childcare. It has enhanced the positive image of childcare with awards including: the Community Service Award 2022 (Masjid Nu’Man); The Buffalo Award Program, (Childcare) 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023; and the Excellence Award 2016-2017 (Women of Substance, Inc). Aunt Connie’s Ed-U-Kitchen, LLC Aunt Connie’s has conducted healthy hands-on cooking classes with the constituents of many community organizations. The program, with the Buffalo Urban League, has resulted in students achieving ServSafe Food Handling certificates and Aunt Connie’s has been able to initiate job placements. The program serves youth and seniors in teaching culinary skills and impacting eating behaviors. Crews Control Media, LLC Supporting Black-owned media companies can help to create a more equitable and diverse media landscape, and contribute to the economic empowerment of the Black community. The Round 1 program award will leverage resources to create more jobs and change the economic trajectory of those the company is creating employment opportunities for and for the community at large. Monarch of Infinite Possibilities, LLC MIP serves the Black, Brown, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and Faith-based community by providing awareness and training about clean energy, climate change and other environmentally focused initiatives as well as increasing diverse audiences in the arts by putting “BUTS” in the seats at the opera, theatre and various arts spaces. Monarch of Infinite Possibilities LLC (MIP) works with pastors on the East Side to provide awareness about environmental justice and ways to help the community. Zawadi Books Zawadi Books  serves as a resource center for the Western New York community, providing knowledge and history of African and African American culture to provide a better understanding of Black culture and history. Today, Zawadi Books is one of America’s longest operated independent-Black owned bookstores, with over 40 years in business. Round 2 – Expanded Program Boundaries and Grant Application Assistance The expanded East Buffalo Round 2 program area is bounded by the following streets/highways: Main Street (properties fronting on both sides); North Street (properties fronting on both sides); Michigan Street (properties fronting on both sides); William Street (properties fronting on both sides); Belt Line, also known as the Eastern DL&W Rail line (properties west of the corridor); and Kensington Avenue (properties on both sides).  See map of eligible area here. Grants will be made available based upon an eligible businesses’ documented gross annual sales. Nonprofit organizations are ineligible organizations. Two of LISC’s partner organizations, The Exchange at Beverly Gray and The Foundry, are providing on-the-ground application assistance to business owners in need. If businesses need assistance scanning documents, accessing a computer, or filling out program application paperwork, they can visit The Exchange or The Foundry during their grant application assistance office hours: The Exchange at Beverly Gray 334 E. Utica Street, Buffalo, NY 14208 Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Thursdays 1-4 p.m.   The Foundry 298 Northampton Street, Buffalo, NY 14208 Mondays 6 - 9 p.m. Saturdays 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. If needed, translation services for the application will also be available through the International Institute. An East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant Program Round 2 public information session will take place in-person on Tuesday, June 27 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Buffalo Employment Training Center, located at 77 Goodell Street.  An additional online webinar will be held on June 28 at 2 pm, hosted by Beverly Gray. For more information on the webinar and registration click here. The program stems from Governor Hochul’s June 2022 pledge of $50 million in East Buffalo community investments in housing, business and other relief, following the May 14, 2022 Tops Supermarket attack in the Jefferson Avenue Business District in East Buffalo. Other investments stemming from this announcement include a significant community-led food access initiative involving assistance to a new African Heritage Food Co-op project and expanding free transportation services to neighborhood residents in need of additional food options; small business facade/capital assistance programs in East Buffalo business districts; support for job training efforts such as Goodwill’s new Goodskills Career Builder office on Jefferson Avenue; and tens of millions for foreclosure prevention, home repair assistance, and access to capital for first-time home buyers. All these are in addition to Governor Hochul’s East Buffalo commitments under the Regional Revitalization Partnership, announced with local philanthropic partners and the City of Buffalo.  providing a combined investment of $180 million in East Buffalo for small business support and key projects. Those projects include revitalization of the Broadway Market and restoration of iconic historic resources like the Buffalo Central Terminal, the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor, and MLK Park. LISC NYC was established in 1980 and is the New York chapter of a national, not-for-profit organization that equips underinvested communities with the capital, strategy, and know-how to create more equitable, inclusive and sustainable communities. State Senator Tim Kennedy said, “Small business is at the heart of our economy, and these Small Business Grants will be critical to helping entrepreneurs strengthen their enterprises and create stability.  I strongly encourage eligible businesses to apply for this funding which will help to open doors to prosperity and growth.” Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, “After Round 1’s success of 47 businesses receiving over $600,000, I’m excited to see the announcement of Round 2 for Small Business Assistance and its program expansion. I appreciate the vision and action of Governor Hochul, Empire State Development, LISC NY, and our local providers: The Exchange at Beverly Gray and The Foundry. I implore interested entrepreneurs and small business owners to review the qualifications, attend the public information sessions, seek out available technical assistance, and apply for resources to bring them closer to realizing their small business dreams.” Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz said, “By strengthening local small businesses we are creating a stronger overall community and this grant program will do that for minority-owned businesses on Buffalo’s East Side. I encourage business owners in the applicable area to check their eligibility and get involved. Together we can build a better Buffalo and a better Erie County.” City of Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown said, “In order to continue to heal and grow in East Buffalo following the racially motivated mass shooting on May 14th 2022, all stakeholders must work collaboratively to fulfill the community’s vision. It is crucial that we support small black-owned businesses to continue to build an inclusive economy. I thank Governor Hochul for providing additional grant opportunities for East Buffalo. The City’s Office of Strategic Planning will help spread the word to eligible businesses to apply for these funds.” Erie County Legislature Chair April N. M. Baskin said, “I want to encourage residents of East Buffalo to apply for these grants.  Our community was devastated by the choices made by government and businesses over the course of the past 50 years. Now that we have a Governor like Kathy Hochul, who is prioritizing investment in our community, we need to take advantage of the opportunities being offered.” City of Buffalo Council Member Mitch Nowakowski said, “These grants have the potential to be transformational for all of the Eastside of Buffalo.  I am grateful to Governor Hochul and New York State for expanding access to Broadway-Fillmore. Small businesses are critical as we continue to build momentum in this neighborhood.” City of Buffalo Council Member Ulysees O. Wingo, Sr. said, “These funds are the type of infusion our community needs to jumpstart and sustain mom and pop shops in our business districts.  I continue to express gratitude to Governor Kathy Hochul for her continuous commitment to East Buffalo.” City of Buffalo Council Member Bryan J. Bollman said, “I am thrilled for the second round of small business grants coming into the Lovejoy District from Empire State Development. This $3 million program will provide much-needed support to our local small businesses, enabling them to thrive and grow. Programs like these are a testament to the strong entrepreneurial spirit in our community, and I am confident that they will continue to contribute to the economic vitality of the Lovejoy District.” About LISC NY LISC NY is the New York office of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). LISC NY supports local partners across New York State whose services and programs aim to create a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable New York.  Since 1980, LISC NY has invested over $3.1 billion and leveraged an additional $7.6 billion in support of low-income communities. LISC NY’s investment strategy is guided by a belief that the time has come to forge a future for New York that eradicates the racial wealth gap for good, protects affordable housing, and builds pathways of meaningful economic opportunity for all New Yorkers. For more information about LISC NY and their programs and advocacy, visit here. Contact: Pamm Lent | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309 | (716) 560-8815 Laura Magee | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239 | (716) 374-4246