Here’s a look at the reasons why businesses of all kinds are thriving in the Long Island region:

• Industries such as aerospace, defense, pharmaceutical, financial services, biotech/biomedical, agriculture, software and information technology, printing, food processing, government, manufacturing, and travel and hospitality. 
• With more than 20,000 jobs in the life sciences — the most of any region in New York State — biotechnology is a strong part of the economy as it grows large pharmaceutical firms and launches entrepreneurial startups. Most recently, the region has experienced exponential growth in biotech with companies such as Contract Pharmacal, NBTY Inc., LNK International, Sciegen Pharmaceuticals, and others.
• The region is home to a wealth of higher education institutions — 20 colleges and well-known research facilities — that have made, and continue to make, incredible discoveries. Life-changing research is done here, and the investment — by business and by the universities — is substantial.
• Long Island has a 300-year old history of farming, fishing and raising poultry that is still supported today:
  • Long Island has more than 600 farms in Suffolk County generating wholesale produce of $240 million.
  • There are more than 60 vineyards on the island, cultivating 2,500 acres and producing 3.5 million bottles of wine annually.
  • The region is home to 42 licensed craft breweries that support more than 350 local jobs and generate more than $55 million in sales.

The Long Island regional office works hand-in-hand with new and existing businesses to help identify program funding to support business growth and expansion. Below, explore the wide range of economic development programs that are available for building new facilities, relocating a business, expanding operations and workforce and entering new markets and international arenas.