Empire State Development Reports

ESD is dedicated to sharing information about its work with the public. In this Reports section, you can find many of the quarterly and annual reports that we provide each year, detailing key New York State economic development projects and initiatives. 

In addition to the reports published below, you may also wish to explore ESD's Database of Economic Incentives, which provides a dynamic, user-friendly, searchable database of economic development projects that receive ESD support, or the 100+ economic development-related datasets available at data.ny.gov

Additional information is provided through reports published by our 10 Regional Economic Development Councils at regionalcouncils.ny.gov, as well as in the comprehensive archive of public meeting videos and materials published in the ESD Media Center.

Empire State Development strives for a transparent, navigable and accessible web presence. Older documents may be available via FOIL at the following link.  

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Press Release

Tuesday, October 17, 2023 - 2:04pm
New $1.3 Million Cidery in Newburgh Includes a Tasting Lab, Production Space, and Distribution Center With More Than 126 Licensed Cider Producers, New York National Leader in Number of Cideries Photos Here Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the grand opening of Graft Cider’s new $1.3 million production facility, The Orchard, in Newburgh, Orange County. Graft Cider has redeveloped the former Powder Creek Mill textile manufacturing complex to grow its manufacturing operations into a 16,000 square foot production and distribution facility with a dedicated testing lab and equipment to ensure better tracking and quality control. Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Graft Cider’s expansion contributes to the growth of the region's vibrant food and beverage sector, and further supports the Mid-Hudson Region’s strong agribusiness industry. The company's adaptive reuse of a former textile mill into a modern cidery will attracts visitors and welcome residents to explore and experience Newburgh and its surrounding communities. Cheers to Graft's continued success!" Graft Cider Owner Kyle Sherrer said, “We are thrilled to announce that The Orchard, our new production cidery that makes our in-house brands of Hudson North Cider, Graft Cider, and Ritual Hard Kombucha, is finally opening its doors! This new project will create job opportunities for the local community while also expanding our brands. We can’t wait to welcome visitors to our taproom and become a destination for Orange County and Newburgh.” Graft Cider produces a robust portfolio of artisan ciders and all-natural wine spritzers, and this new facility will allow the company to house larger tanks that increase production capacity to accommodate growing demand. Overall quality will improve by substituting jacketed stainless-steel fermenters for the existing plastic fermenters currently used, improving sanitation and providing greater temperature control. By implementing these changes, product consistency is expected to increase from 80% to 95%. Empire State Development has agreed to support this project with a $264,000 capital grant, recommended by the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council. As part of this expansion, Graft Cider will create eight new jobs and retain 13 existing full-time positions. Graft Cider joins the recently announced $80 million Dassai Blue Sake Brewery, which recently opened in Hyde Park, Dutchess County and was also supported by Empire State Development and the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council. Dassai has invested more than $80 million in the facility and will create 32 new jobs. Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Dr. Marsha Gordon, President & CEO of The Business Council of Westchester and Dr. Kristine Young, president of SUNY Orange said, “The Mid-Hudson Region is home to a growing number of craft beverage manufacturers, which are a favorite destination for residents and visitors alike. We are thrilled at the success of Graft Cider and their decision to stay in the region. They are not only expanding their business; they have created an exciting and vibrant space, growing jobs and supporting the continued revitalization of the City of Newburgh in the process.”  Senator Rob Rolison said, "The opening of this state-of-the-art facility continues to improve Newburgh's economic climate, promotes local Hudson Valley products, and creates good-paying jobs. Thanks to targeted investments by ESD, an innovative new use has been found for an existing building that will generate additional economic activity. Congratulations to Graft Cider on this momentous occasion.” Assemblymember Jonathan G. Jacobsen said, "It's exciting to see Graft Cider expand from its original Ann Street location into a 16,000 square foot location and still remain in the City of Newburgh. The new facility will create jobs and help in the revitalization of Newburgh.  It is heartening to see that Empire State Development recognized the importance of this business with its capital grant to help Graft Cider build its new $1.3 million production facility." Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus said, “The craft beverage industry in Orange County continues to grow and expand, and I know that Graft Cider will thrive as a destination. I appreciate ESD making this investment into our community and am excited that Graft Cider has opened its doors to the public.” Newburgh City Manager Todd Venning said, “Graft Cider’s $1.3 million expanded production facility will provide one of our most valued small businesses the opportunity to grow right here at home in the City of Newburgh, while breathing new life into the former Powder Creek Mill manufacturing facility. This is a tremendous win for Newburgh’s flourishing craft beverage industry and for all city residents. We look forward to the final build out of the tasting room where Newburgh will soon welcome visitors for tastings of Graft Cider on the banks of the Quassaick Creek. We are grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul, Empire State Development, and the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council for their partnership and commitment to expanding economic opportunities in the City of Newburgh and all of Orange County.” New York State is home to more than 125 licensed cideries, a national leader according to the New York Cider Association. Its latest study reports that cideries in New York generate an economic impact of $1.7 billion and support more than 6,100 jobs, making cideries a pillar of the state’s economy.  New York also ranks in the top five in the U.S. for its number of craft beverage producers in every category. second in craft distillers and breweries, and fourth in the country for the total number of wineries.  Governor Hochul recently signed a package of legislation that will improve New York's laws related to alcoholic beverages in an effort to expand options for consumers and support New York's small businesses in the alcoholic beverage sector. Legislation S.5731/A.6941 allows for the sale of beer, mead, braggot and cider on any day of the week including Sundays. Legislation S.2854/A.7305 allows liquor and wine stores to expand their Sunday hours so that they may open at 10am and close at 10pm. Legislation S.6443/A.6134 extends the length of validity of a brewer’s license from one year to three years. Legislation S.3364A/A.2902 allows for businesses to prepare and keep drinks containing alcohol in pressurized dispensing machines. Legislation S.3567A/A.6050A allows retail stores to sell complementary gift and promotional items related to wine and spirit sales. Legislation S.6993A/A.7688 adds parcels of land to the list of premises which are exempt from the provisions of law which generally restrict manufacturers/wholesalers and retailers from sharing an interest in a liquor license. 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 NY," 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: Kristin Devoe | [email protected] | (518) 414-1087 ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313
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Press Release

Monday, October 16, 2023 - 12:54pm
Small Business Incubator Will Create Up to 30 New Jobs and Provide Opportunities for Economically Disadvantaged Entrepreneurs at New Location Bazaar Will Open to the Public on October 31 with Grand Opening Celebration Photos of New West Side Bazaar Available Here Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the re-opening of the popular West Side Bazaar at its new, expanded location at 1432 Niagara Street in Buffalo. The new and significantly expanded West Side Bazaar, operated by the Westminster Economic Development Initiative, provides space for dozens of food, retail, and professional services businesses, in addition to office and classroom space, test rental kitchens, and a full-service bar and event space. A fixture on Buffalo’s West Side, the Bazaar has been a key source of employment and opportunity for dozens of local business owners, including women, minorities, refugees, immigrants, and others who do not qualify for support from traditional banking and financial institutions. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held today and the Bazaar will open to the public with grand opening celebration from October 31 to November 4. “The West Side Bazaar has long been a testament to the diversity of this community and the wide variety of foods, cultures, and products that make Buffalo so special,” Governor Hochul said. “With this new location in a beautifully renovated historic building, we are creating opportunities for even more budding entrepreneurs to turn the businesses of their dreams into a reality, and I look forward to visiting and meeting the vendors who are helping to transform Niagara Street into a vibrant commercial district.” The Bazaar is a one-of-a-kind small business incubator supporting entrepreneurs on their path to becoming successful business owners with services like microloans and technical business assistance. The renovation of a historic 16,000 square foot vacant building provides space for 24 restaurants, retail and professional services businesses. It also includes office space for WEDI, test and rental kitchens for independent chefs, classrooms, a stage and bar for events with seating for 200-plus patrons. West Side Bazaar’s new location is expected to incubate approximately 20 small businesses initially, with room to house more in years to come. To date, the West Side Bazaar has incubated more than 45 small businesses. Read the full Press Release here.
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Board Meeting

Monday, October 16, 2023 - 9:30am
With Video Conferencing To: Empire State Development – Albany Office, 625 Broadway – 8th Floor Conference Room, Albany, New York 12245 And: Buffalo Regional Office, 95 Perry Street– 5th Floor Conference Room, Buffalo, New York 14203 This meeting is open to the public. Webcasting of the meeting is available by clicking the link below. Due to building procedures, those wishing to attend at any of these locations must RSVP by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 13, 2023. RSVP press line (800) 260 -7313; RSVP public line (212) 803-3772. Members of the public may submit comments on the Agenda items in writing to [email protected] by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 13, 2023. All comments received by the deadline will be distributed to the Directors prior to the meeting and will be posted online.
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Press Release

Friday, October 13, 2023 - 2:37pm
$98 Million Cell and Gene Therapy Manufacturing Facility Will Support Research and Development of Life-Saving Technologies Including Cancer-Fighting Cell Therapies New Hub Will Also Support Efforts to Attract Leading Life Science Companies and New Jobs to New York Governor Announced Two Cell and Gene Therapy Hubs as Part of State of the State Vision to Build New York’s Fast-Growing Life Science Sector Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York's first cell and gene therapy hub will be housed at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, Erie County. The $98 million center will help to support the research and development of life-saving therapies at Roswell, significantly grow its well-established research capabilities, and establish Roswell as one of the premier cell therapy discovery and production institutions in the nation and catalyze the growth of the cell and gene therapy sector in western NY. The expansion also realizes Governor Hochul’s 2023 State of the State commitment to establish an Upstate cell and gene therapy hub and bolster the state’s leadership in the fast-growing life science sector. “The future of medicine is in cell and gene therapy and this new hub at Roswell Park Comprehensive Care Center will put Western New York – and all of New York State – at the cutting edge of life-saving treatments and therapies,” Governor Hochul said. “In my State of the State address, I committed to investing in fast-growing sectors like the life sciences, and thanks to a $30 million state investment, Roswell’s new facility will help to solidify our state’s future in the field, create 21st century jobs, and provide hope to generations of New Yorkers who rely on these critical treatments.”  Empire State Development will invest $30 million to assist in expanding the current cell and gene therapy research capacity at Roswell’s Therapeutic Cell Production Facility from six to 20 specialized clean rooms, making it the largest academic cell and gene therapy research and manufacturing facility in the United States. The new facility will streamline every step of the cell therapy development process, shortening the path from research to production. It will encourage the growth of startup companies commercializing these therapies, grow private investment, strengthen the state’s innovation-focused talent pool, and attract partnerships with biopharma companies. Read the full press release here.
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Press Release

Thursday, October 12, 2023 - 8:38pm
Companies Win $1 Million Each in a High-Intensity Startup Showdown – Spotlighting Revolutionary Solutions and Products to Ignite Western New York’s Innovation Economy  Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the winners of the ninth annual 43North Finals, New York State’s $5 million startup competition held in Buffalo, in which five revolutionary companies were each awarded a $1 million investment. This year’s competitors came from across the country and as far as London to make their best pitch in front of a distinguished panel of judges and a packed house at Shea’s Performing Arts Center. Each of the extraordinary winners will relocate their companies to Buffalo and work out of the 43North incubator at Seneca One, bringing new jobs and dynamic ideas to Buffalo’s growing innovatin ecosystem.  “New York is committed to spurring the growth of innovative and creative new startups, and the 43North competition is just one of the ways New York is working to find revolutionary solutions to today’s challenges,” Governor Hochul said. “I congratulate the five enthusiastic winners who will be bringing their game-changing businesses to Western New York, hiring staff, raising capital, and investing in property and equipment. Thanks to New York's continued investment in 43North, we are adding five new businesses that will only help to amplify Buffalo’s stellar reputation as one of the fastest growing startup cities.” Read the full press release here.
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Public Notice

Thursday, October 12, 2023 - 2:00pm
View all grants to be presented at the batch virtual public hearing.
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Press Release

Wednesday, October 11, 2023 - 1:48pm
$40 Million Mixed-Use Development Project Upgrades Historic Former Sibley’s Department Store Building on South Salina and West Jefferson Investment Complements “CNY Rising” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy  Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the official grand opening of the City Center Building in downtown Syracuse. The historic location, originally home to Keith’s Theatre in 1920 followed by Sibley’s Department Store, has now been transformed into a $40 million, mixed-use facility that serves as a focal point for efforts to revitalize the downtown area. Upgrades to the former department store build on the current transformation underway in downtown Syracuse, made possible thanks to significant state funding including investments by the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council, the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, and capital funding, tax incentives, and other benefits provided by Empire State Development. New York State, through Empire State Development, is providing a total of up to $4.1 million to support this project. "The new City Center Building marks the start of a new, exciting, and prosperous chapter in downtown Syracuse,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing in vibrant community anchors like City Center, welcoming new businesses to the area, and leveraging our local partnerships, my administration is committed to revitalizing community districts in Central New York and all across our state.” The four-story facility includes 240,000 square-feet of commercial space and an attached 750-car parking garage. Among the companies operational at the new facility are project developer and construction manager The Hayner Hoyt Corporation; all-domain defense and technologies partner Huntington Ingalls Industries; green IT technology company CXtec/TERACAI; and Tompkins Community Bank. The renowned Redhouse Arts Center, a partial building owner, is also located on-site. The renovation of the City Center Building follows several major investments to revitalize Syracuse’s central commercial district, building on priorities set by Governor Hochul and the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council. Those efforts include the revitalization of the historic Hotel Syracuse, now known as the Marriott Syracuse Downtown; the expansion of The Tech Garden, which is helping forward-thinking entrepreneurs to grow their ideas; the creation of the  Salt City Market; the renovation of the former Excellus building into the Icon Tower multi-use facility; the redevelopment of the former Post-Standard building; and the establishment of JMA Wireless’s global headquarters on Cortland Avenue among other projects. Additionally, in 2021, the city of Syracuse was named as a round five, $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative winner. That effort serves as a cornerstone of the state's economic development policy, meant to transform downtown neighborhoods into vibrant centers of activity that offer a high quality of life and attract redevelopment, businesses, jobs, and economic and housing diversity. More information about City Center is available here. Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "City Center is one of many transformational projects that are bringing new life to storied buildings in the heart of Syracuse. Through the support of DRI and other targeted investments, we are helping to create a more vibrant and connected downtown, and a brighter future for this incredible region."  Read the full press release here.
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Report

Wednesday, October 11, 2023 - 11:24am
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Press Release

Tuesday, October 10, 2023 - 3:35pm
Program Has Awarded $25.3 Million to Accelerate Growth in the Life Science Industry and Combat Infectious Diseases and Other Public Health Threats Builds on $620 Million Life Science Initiative to Grow a World-Class Life Science Cluster in New York State Applications and Fund Guidelines Available Here Governor Kathy Hochul today launched the third round of applications for New York's $40 million Biodefense Commercialization Fund. The fund was established to accelerate the development and commercialization of life science innovations that address serious infectious disease health threats while creating jobs and encouraging continued growth across New York State's expanding life science industry. Since its inception in September 2021, Empire State Development has awarded $25.3 million in grants to 11 start-up companies and 13 academic institutions that are developing promising diagnostics, vaccines, therapeutics and other innovations to address or mitigate infectious disease threats. “Programs like the Biodefense Commercialization Fund are putting New York State at the forefront of advancements of infectious disease discovery and development while strengthening the State’s Life Science ecosystem,” Governor Hochul said. "With this funding, we are not only attracting significant jobs and investment, but we are also making way for better health outcomes for the future.” Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we are strategically investing in key industries that will spark innovation and grow the state's economy. The Biodefense Commercialization Fund is already making an impact by targeting academic institutions and startups so they can discover innovative solutions for infectious diseases and help continue New York’s leadership in the life science industry.” This round is giving priority to applicants developing promising diagnostic technologies, including point-of-care diagnostics, novel sequencing and pathogen surveillance tools, and processes to improve manufacturing and access to diagnostics. These areas are important to facilitate more rapid identification of infection and its spread, which are key to effective control. Read the full press release here.
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Press Release

Friday, October 6, 2023 - 5:07pm
First Mechatronics Lab in the Region to Provide Hands-on Learning that Focuses on Developing In-Demand Technical Skills  Governor Kathy Hochul today celebrated the grand opening of the $3 million, state-of-the-art, Mechatronics Lab located in The Center of Excellence for Industry & Innovation at Dutchess Community College in the Town of Fishkill. Located at the college’s new Center of Excellence for Industry & Innovation, and the first mechatronics lab in the Mid-Hudson Region, the lab has three rooms that are set up as a Mechanical lab, an Electrical/Automation lab and a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning lab. The college will offer hands-on learning needed to support installation, maintenance, repair, calibration and troubleshooting of systems including controls and machine-to-machine networks. DCC’s grand opening coincides with the start of National Manufacturing Month, highlighting the importance of the manufacturing sector to New York State.   “As businesses like Micron, IBM, and GlobalFoundries prepare to bring high-tech jobs to our state, the Mechatronic Lab at Dutchess Community College represents an important part of our effort to train New Yorkers for the jobs of the future,” Governor Hochul said. “This lab, in addition to our $350 million Office of Strategic Workforce Development, will help us continue to build a 21st century workforce ready to meet the needs of 21st century businesses in our state. A tremendous thank you to our partners for making this a reality for New York.” First Lady Jill Biden said, “This new mechatronics lab will help students get the skills they need for the growing businesses here – preparing them for careers making everything from display screens to jet engines to semiconductors. As a community college professor myself, I’m so excited to see how this work changes people’s lives.” SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. said, “From electrical technology to supply chain automation and much more, Dutchess Community College’s mechatronics lab will provide real-life hands-on learning to prepare students for jobs in growing fields like the semiconductor industry. We are thankful for the partnership that secured funding for this state-of-the-art facility from Dutchess County and New York State investment through SUNY and Empire State Development. This is an exciting opportunity for students and adult learners to successfully gain skills for jobs across the region.”  Read the full press release here. 
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