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In-Person Events to Empower Minority and Women-Owned Businesses to Build Connections and Compete for State Contracts Information and Registration Can be Found Here Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State will host three events as part of the 2023 New York State Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Regional Opportunities Expo Series. The expos — which will connect Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise with New York agencies and authorities, expert resources, information on State projects and tools to access State contracting opportunities — will take place in Brooklyn on June 20, in Syracuse on June 28, and in Buffalo on July 13. "New York draws strength from its diversity, and it is a priority for my administration to ensure that businesses from every corner of our state are provided the opportunity to thrive," Governor Hochul said. "Through these informative events, we are forging powerful connections both among MWBEs and between MWBEs and the State, empowering these businesses with essential resources and relationships to succeed." The 2023 New York State MWBE Regional Opportunities Expo Series, sponsored by Empire State Development's (ESD) Division of Minority and Women's Business Development, will provide Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise's (MWBE) with the resources necessary to successfully secure State contracts through interactive sessions, engaging panel discussions, and capacity-building workshops. By harnessing the knowledge shared by industry experts and connecting directly with procurement officers, MWBEs will gain a wealth of understanding, strategic guidance, and valuable connections. The expos will also include information about State-sponsored financial and technical assistance programs, including the MWBE Business Growth Accelerator Program, the MWBE Bridge to Success Loan Program, and the New York State Small Business Credit Initiative. Key exhibitors include the New York Power Authority, the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, the New York State Department of Health, New York State Thruway Authority, The City University of New York, The State University of New York, the New York State Department of Transportation, New York State Department of State, New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets and the New York State Department of Transportation, as well as other State transportation, construction and education agencies and authorities with billions of dollars in opportunities. Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Fairness and equity lie at the heart of a thriving economy, and in the Empire State, we stand firm in our commitment to leveling the playing field for MWBEs. By ensuring an equal opportunity for these businesses to compete for New York State contracts, we can tap into the boundless potential of our diverse entrepreneurial community." Read the full press release here.

Small Businesses with 100 or Fewer Employees May Receive Tax Credits for COVID-19-Related Costs  Empire State Development today announced that the application deadline for Empire State Development’s (ESD) $250M COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program has been extended to September 30, 2023. New York State small businesses that made investments to comply with emergency orders and regulations in response to COVID-19 can apply for a refundable tax credit of up to $25,000. Governor Hochul announced the launch of the program on October 25, 2022 and secured an extension of the program’s application deadline through September as part of the FY 2024 Budget. Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said. “By extending the application deadline for the COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program to September 30th, we are expanding the reach of our support, ensuring that more New York small businesses receive the financial relief they need to bounce back and thrive once again”. Small businesses with qualifying COVID-19-related expenses are eligible for a refundable tax credit of up to $25,000 based on qualifying expenses of $50,000. Qualifying expenses are related to building upgrades, structural changes, or supplies to comply with public health or other emergency-related orders and regulations to increase public safety through infectious disease mitigation during 2021 and 2022. Expenses can also include hand sanitizer stations, supplies to disinfect against COVID-19 transmission, equipment for social distancing, air purifiers, contactless point of sale equipment and more.  Businesses independently owned and operated in the State of New York with less than 100 full-time employees and gross receipts of less than $2.5 million are eligible.  Applicants and qualifying businesses can expect the following: To fill out a pre-screening questionnaire to confirm their eligibility An online application portal available in 68 languages Access to multilingual application assistance via phone, text, and email To present proof of expenses and other supporting documents A tax credit certificate to submit to the Department of Taxation and Finance when filing a tax return Applications will be open until September 30, 2023. Small businesses are encouraged to apply through the pre-screening tool. If businesses receive a tax credit certificate in 2023, they can claim the credit on their 2023 tax return.  To learn more about eligibility and qualifying expenses, visit www.esd.ny.gov/covid-19-capital-costs-tax-credit. Contact: Kristin Devoe: [email protected] | (518) 414-1087 ESD Press Office: [email protected] | (800) 260-7313

Expanded Location in the Town of Perinton Will Result in Creation of More than 20 New Jobs Investment Complements “Finger Lakes Forward” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy Empire State Development (ESD) today joined TOPTICA and other local officials to celebrate the official grand opening of the photonics company’s new, expanded location in the Town of Perinton in Monroe County. In an effort to continue to grow its forward-thinking operations, the photonics company renovated 30,000 square-feet of space at the location on Pittsford-Victor Road. The new facility features manufacturing labs, warehouse storage, business offices and three ISO Class 7 clean rooms. As a result of the expansion, the company has committed to creating up to 22 new jobs over the next five years; 32 jobs will be retained. Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “As an established OPI industry hub, the Finger Lakes region offers leading optics, photonics and imaging companies the skilled workforce and innovation economy they need to grow in New York State. TOPTICA Photonics’ latest expansion builds on the region’s continued leadership as an epicenter for advancement in this high-tech industry.”  Originally founded in Germany in 1998, TOPTICA Photonics has been developing and manufacturing high-end laser systems for scientific and industrial applications for more than 20 years. Its portfolio includes diode lasers, ultrafast fiber lasers, terahertz systems and frequency combs. The systems are used for demanding applications in biophotonics, industrial metrology and quantum technology. TOPTICA also provides all wavelength coverage of diode lasers and provides high-power lasers even at exotic wavelengths. “TOPTICA is thrilled to announce our new, expanded location in Perinton, NY,” said Mark A. Tolbert. “We are thankful for the support from New York State, Monroe County, and local entities that will allow us to continue our world class laser manufacturing operation in a facility that accommodates the demanding requirements of advanced photonic manufacturing and research and development. We are committed to continued growth and are positioned to achieve that in this new facility.” ESD is assisting the company with its expansion project by providing up to $ 1 million through the performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program in exchange for job creation commitments and through a $400,000 Capital Grant. The total cost of the expansion project has been placed at a little more than $2.67 million. Monroe County and Greater Rochester Enterprise also assisted with the project. The event also featured the presentation of Optica’s Advocate of Optics Award to Congressman Joe Morelle. This award is presented annually to an outstanding public official from any country who demonstrates leadership and support for the advancement of optics and photonics. Morelle was recognized for his advocacy for the industry. “Congratulations to TOPTICA on their expansion and ensuring our region has a key role in the innovation of emerging laser system technology,” said Congressman Morelle. “Already, advances in this field are driving innovation and this new facility will allow for the increased manufacturing capabilities necessary to make our region a global leader in optics and photonics. I am very honored to receive their Advocate of Optics Award and look forward to seeing what the future holds.” The Finger Lakes region continues to build on its reputation as a global leader in the optics. photonics and imaging industries. The Rochester area is not only home to TOPTICA Photonics, but to the University of Rochester’s Institute of Optics, the Rochester Institute of Technology and to over 100 local optics, photonics and imaging companies. With the workforce, technology base and support network in place, the region is cementing itself as the global industry leader, driving economic growth in the region for generations to come as it continues to move forward. State Assemblymember Jen Lunsford, said, "The Finger Lakes’ role in producing cutting edge photonics technology is known world-wide. TOPTICA’S expansion in Perinton only further cements our region as the global leader in OPI.  This is a perfect example of the power of public private partnerships to bring good jobs in high growth industries to our community. Congratulations to TOPTICA on this exciting expansion!" Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, said, “Monroe County is an ideal place for high-tech businesses like TOPTICA Photonics to grow and flourish: we have a highly-skilled workforce and a growing reputation as a dynamic hub for cutting-edge technology and innovation. I’m proud of the support for this project from the County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency and thank Empire State Development and Gov. Kathy Hochul for their investments in our local economy. I look forward TOPTICA’s continued success and contributions to our region’s economy.” Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO and Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chair Bob Duffy, said, "Congratulations to TOPTICA Photonics on the grand opening of their new headquarters in Monroe County! This expansion not only showcases their forward-thinking operations and commitment to growth, but also reveals them as one of Rochester's best-kept secrets. With their technology present in nearly every university research lab in the U.S. and the private sector, TOPTICA Photonics has established itself as a leading force in the field. We extend our gratitude to TOPTICA CEO Mark Tolbert, Governor Kathy Hochul, Monroe County, and all the supporters who made this project possible. Greater Rochester Chamber celebrates TOPTICA's success and looks forward to supporting their continued impact on our local economy." Matt Hurlbutt, President and CEO, Greater Rochester Enterprise, said, “Congratulations to TOPTICA Photonics on the grand opening of its new, expanded location in the Greater Rochester, NY region. As the world leader in optics, photonics, and imaging, Rochester has the fully integrated supply chain, talent, and expertise to support TOPTICA Photonics’ world class laser manufacturing operation.” Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward  Today’s announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture‎ and food production, and advanced manufacturing. 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 Voorhees-Vincent | [email protected] | (585) 399-7055 Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313