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Press Release
Monday, May 15, 2023 - 1:00pm
New York State Consolidated Funding Application Now Open With Available Funding from 30 Programs
Councils Will Update Strategic Plans to Reflect Regional Strengths and Priorities
New Competition Will Award Three Regions with $10 Million Each for Implementing Creative Solutions to Statewide Challenges
New Micro Programs Will Award Capital Grants to Craft Beverage Manufacturers and Non-Profit Organizations
Governor Hochul today announced the launch of Round XIII of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative. Round XIII includes core capital grant and tax-credit funding combined with a wide range of programs from 10 State agencies, including $150 million in grant funds from Empire State Development, available to projects on a continuous basis. The Councils are encouraged to support projects that advance or address strategic State priorities - including green buildings and sustainable development, child care, distressed communities, and innovative public-private partnerships; those projects, will be eligible for additional award funding. New this year, two new micro programs will award capital grants to support New York State craft beverage manufacturers and non-profit organizations, and a new $30 million Challenge competition will award $10 million to up to three regions to implement creative solutions to tackle persistent barriers to economic growth. Also, for the first time since 2015, the Councils will be tasked with updating their strategic regional economic development plans.
"Our Regional Economic Development Council Initiative continues to transform communities across the state, creating jobs and driving private investment all over New York," Governor Hochul said. "The launch of this latest round builds on state efforts to address our most pressing economic priorities — from sustainable development to the growing demand for childcare — all while empowering communities to tap into their regional strengths. Thanks to the work of the REDCs, New York is continuing to make the catalytic investments that foster economic growth and continued success in every corner of our state."
"I am proud to lead the next round of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative and guide the councils on a path forward that re-establishes each region's priorities for growth," said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. "Through coordination and collaboration, we will identify opportunities to advance key industries, advance projects that meet regional needs and enhance each region's economic vision for the future."
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "While the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative has been a successful model for economic growth in New York State, at the direction of Governor Hochul, we have been tasked to improve and enhance key programs that will expand on our many successes. Each region will update their strategic plans to re-establish their priorities for growth, continue to guide the deployment of resources, and create an updated road map for each region to achieve its economic vision for the future."
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Friday, May 12, 2023 - 4:51pm
$962,000 State Investment Will Help the Center Acquire New Equipment to Support Business Development, Job Training, and Youth Programming in East Buffalo
Builds on New York's $65 Million Placemaking Strategy to Revitalize East Buffalo
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a plan to upgrade the Apollo Media Center in East Buffalo to support job training, youth programming and media production. New equipment will allow the Apollo to expand media education to City residents who own a business and provide a safe creative outlet for young people to explore music and art, while also teaching skills in video production and coding to help familiarize them with media careers. A sample of the production work being done at the Apollo can be seen here.
"This investment will help to support the Apollo Media Center's media education programming as it continues to inspire young people and members of the Buffalo business community with a passion for video editing, graphics, and studio production," said Governor Hochul. "The Apollo has anchored the East Buffalo neighborhood for years - as a business development and education center, as a stepping stone to higher learning, and in the wake of last year's tragic shooting, as a hub for vital information and community resources. This project reaffirms the State's commitment to uplifting the people of East Buffalo and will ensure that the Apollo continues to play a role in this community in the years to come."
Currently, the Apollo Media Center offers classes in television technology, editing, photoshop, and digital design, but on a limited basis. Upgrades to Apollo's equipment will allow the Center to expand programming and further support business development, job training, youth programming and creative expression in East Buffalo. Additionally, residents will be able to use the upgraded studios to create educational content for the city's public access channel.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The equipment being provided to the Apollo Media Center will help students and residents learn the production skills and multi-media knowledge that is important to find jobs and grow businesses in today's economy. Students will have the opportunity to use cameras, editing booths and production studios to create impactful projects that shine a light on East Buffalo and all of its potential. We look forward to seeing the work of the students and the impact it will have on the community."
Read the full press release here.
Public Notice
Thursday, May 11, 2023 - 2:00pm
View all grants to be presented at the batch virtual public hearing.
Press Release
Thursday, May 11, 2023 - 10:00am
Third Batch of Approved Awards Include 28 Shovel-Ready Projects
Full List of Round XII Awardees Can Be Found Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that more than $24 million has been awarded to support 28 priority projects across New York State through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. Round XII included core capital grant and tax-credit funding from Empire State Development, which was made available on a continuous and competitive basis to support the immediate needs of communities. Funding will support impactful projects that align with each region's strategic goals.
"These 28 shovel-ready projects represent incredible opportunities to foster economic growth, create jobs, and drive private investment across New York State," Governor Hochul said. "Thanks to the continued efforts and recommendations of the Regional Economic Development Councils, our REDC Initiative will continue to help communities meet pressing needs through strategic investments and robust state support."
Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, Chair of the Regional Economic Development Councils, said, "Serving in this role, it has been incredible traveling across the state and seeing firsthand the positive impact these investments are having in communities across New York. Through the Regional Economic Development Councils, we will continue to boost our economy, create good jobs, and invest in our future."
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Empowering regional stakeholders to take their knowledge and understanding of local priorities and assets to best direct state investments is a proven formula for success. These shovel-ready projects will drive our economy forward and lead to growth and prosperity across the state."
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Tuesday, May 9, 2023 - 12:18pm
Company Selects Location Due to New York State’s World-Renowned Reputation as Agribusiness Global Leader: Expects to Create Approximately 250 New Jobs in the Town of Webster
Investment Complements “Finger Lakes Forward” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy
See Product Photo Here; See Site Photo Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that The Coca-Cola Company has selected New York State for its preferred location for a new fairlife production facility. The 745,000 square-foot facility is expected to create up to 250 new jobs and be built on property on Tebor Road in the Town of Webster, Monroe County. The company expects to break ground on the project sometime this fall, subject to appropriate approvals and final diligence, with the facility slated to be operational by Q4 of 2025. The total project investment has been estimated at $650 million.
“This decision by fairlife to expand their operations in Monroe County marks the next chapter in New York’s agricultural success story,” Governor Hochul said. “New York’s dairy industry serves as a crucial economic engine for our state, and this $650 million investment from fairlife will create jobs and drive economic impact, particularly in the Finger Lakes. We were in tough competition with other states for what will be the largest dairy processing plant in the Northeast and this decision, which comes on the heels of investments from major companies like Micron and Li-Cycle, confirms that New York continues to offer a competitive business environment. Coming from a family of dairy farmers in Ireland, I am proud to have secured this major opportunity to position our state as one of the nation’s top dairy producers.”
Founded in 2012, fairlife has designed a line of products that are made through an ultra-filtered milk process that removes the lactose and much of the sugar and leaves behind more of the protein and calcium. The company offers a wide range of products including fairlife® ultra-filtered milk, Core Power® protein shakes, and fairlife® Nutrition Plan® meal replacement shakes. The Coca-Cola Company has been a strategic partner to fairlife since it was launched in 2012 through the company’s ultimate acquisition of it in 2020.
fairlife Chief Executive Officer Tim Doelman said, “Consumer demand for fairlife products is at an all-time high, and a new production facility will allow us to significantly increase capacity and deliver fairlife to even more households across the country. As we continue to grow in the Northeast, Webster’s proximity and access to best-in-class dairy farmers make it an excellent location to support our next phase of growth in the region and beyond. We are sincerely grateful for the collaboration from Governor Hochul and her administration throughout this process.”
ESD is providing up to $21 million in assistance for the project through the performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program in exchange for the job creation commitments. Additionally, the Monroe County IDA is expected to apply to ESD for a $20 million Capital Grant so that they can work to provide adequate power and other related infrastructure costs to service the site. The NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, the Monroe County Industrial Development Agency, the Town of Webster, Rochester Gas and Electric and Greater Rochester Enterprise were additionally instrumental in bringing the company to New York State. The company selected New York State due to the invaluable assistance of these committed stakeholders, and to its world-renowned reputation as an agribusiness global leader with an unparalleled, innovative dairy community.
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Thursday, May 4, 2023 - 2:27pm
Funded Innovations Put New York State at Forefront of Infectious Disease Discovery and Development While Strengthening State's Life Science Ecosystem
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the second round of awardees for the $40 Million New York State Biodefense Commercialization Fund. The program was created to accelerate the development and commercialization of life science innovations that address serious infectious disease threats, including COVID-19 and its variants, while also creating jobs and encouraging continued growth across New York's expanding life science industry. Upon approval by the Empire State Development Board of Directors, seven grants will be awarded for a total grant commitment of $8,899,998.
"New York's commitment to combating infectious disease threats is stronger than ever," Governor Hochul said. "Programs like the Biodefense Commercialization Fund and the recently announced Lab of the Future will spur innovative solutions for serious infectious diseases while building the strongest life science ecosystem in the nation."
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The Biodefense Commercialization Fund is already having an impact — facilitating the commercialization pathway for innovative research, adding jobs and investment funding, and attracting companies to the state. Additionally, startup companies that were awarded biodefense grants in the first application round are showing progress, having raised an additional $5.5 million and filed three patents in the first six months of the award."
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Wednesday, May 3, 2023 - 3:00pm
Extends and Enhances Tax Credits to Support New York's Film, Television, and Performing Arts Sectors
Establishes Technology Innovation Matching Grant Program to Spur Scientific Research, Innovation and Development
Revives New York City Biotech Tax Credit to Build on Governor's Commitment to Growing Life Sciences Sector
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced transformative investments to support New York's business community and boost the state economy as part of the historic FY 2024 Budget. The Budget raises the New York State Film Tax Credit annual cap to $700 million, establishes the new Technology Innovation Matching Grant Program, and revives the New York City Biotech Tax Credit, among other measures, to drive economic growth across New York State and create good jobs.
"The transformative investments secured in this year's budget will help our state continue to attract innovative businesses, open pathways toward jobs and careers of the future, and better support working families to drive the economy forward," Governor Hochul said. "These key initiatives to boost high-growth sectors, grow and retain jobs in film and the performing arts and build a 21st century workforce will accelerate New York's post-pandemic recovery and solidify our standing as the most worker-friendly and business-friendly state in the nation."
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Friday, April 28, 2023 - 1:03pm
Proven Regional Leaders Melanie Littlejohn and Tim Penix to Helm the Micron Community Engagement Committee as Co-Chairs
Committee will Develop a Community Priorities Document to Guide Strategies in Areas such as Supporting Underrepresented Populations, Workforce Development, Child Care and Housing
Governor Kathy Hochul and Micron Technology, Inc. today announced the members of the Micron Community Engagement Committee, representatives from Central New York and Micron that will support the company’s community investment strategy. The Committee is made up of local stakeholders to ensure meaningful, ground-up participation and discussion of Micron’s implementation and investments in the region, and will also include five ex-officio members. The formation of this group is a critical component of the Community Investment Framework agreement made between New York State and Micron in October 2022.
“Micron’s historic investment in Central New York will bring transformational growth to the region and to our state, and for a project of this magnitude, it is critically important that local residents have a seat at the table,” Governor Hochul said. “The committed educators, advocates, and community leaders who make up the Micron Community Engagement Committee represent the very best of Central New York and will work to ensure that Micron’s investment – including the $500 million Community Investment Fund – meets the needs of this community. I look forward to a continued partnership with Micron, the committee, and all of our local, state, and federal partners as we work to build a global chip-making hub in New York State.”
Micron’s historic planned investment of up to $100 billion over the next 20-plus years to construct a new megafab in Clay, New York, which is expected to help create 50,000 direct and indirect jobs, was made possible by the Governor’s Green CHIPS program and the anticipated federal grants and tax credits from the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act. The Committee will work with Micron, Empire State Development (ESD), local governments and regional stakeholders to develop a Community Priorities Document – a guiding strategy for investing funding allotted in the Micron Community Investment Framework into existing and new opportunities for residents, including specific priorities for underrepresented communities.
Micron President and CEO Sanjay Mehrotra said, "We are delighted to be in Central New York to celebrate with Governor Hochul, the newly appointed members of the Micron Community Engagement Committee and other local partners the remarkable progress that has taken place since we announced the site of our leading-edge memory megafab here six months ago. The $500 million Green CHIPS Community Investment Fund will help build and transform a workforce for the future, and the Micron Community Engagement Committee will ensure that the wide-ranging benefits and opportunities our investments will bring to Central New York are available for all.”
Melanie Littlejohn, Vice President for New York Customer and Community Management at National Grid, and Tim Penix, Vice President of the Syracuse Educational Opportunity Center, have been selected as the committee co-chairs due to their proven public service track records and expertise and will assist in the management of this fund to better the lives of Central New Yorkers. In addition to the co-chairs, the members of the Committee are:
April Arnzen – Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer, Micron
Karen Belcher – Executive Director, Food Bank of Central New York
Donna DeSiato – Superintendent, East Syracuse Minoa School District
Bishop Ronald Dewberry – Senior Pastor, New Life Temple of Praise
Kristi Eck – Chief of Staff, SUNY Oswego
Courtney Geduldig – Corporate Vice President, Global Public and Government Affairs, Micron
Mark Hall – President and CEO, Syracuse Community Health
Jasenko Mondom – Employment Specialist, Refugee Assistance Program at Syracuse City School District
Meg O'Connell – Executive Director, Allyn Family Foundation
Hazel Powless – Haudenosaunne Environmental Task Force, Onondaga Nation
Kerry Quaglia – Founder and CEO, Home HeadQuarters
Sheena Solomon – Executive Director, The Gifford Foundation
Ex Officio Members
Rob Beard – SVP and General Counsel, Micron
Kevin Younis – COO and Executive Deputy Commissioner, Empire State Development
Isabelle Harris - Director of Strategic Initiatives, Onondaga County
Sharon Owens – Deputy Mayor, City of Syracuse
Damian Ulatowski – Supervisor, Town of Clay
The Committee will focus on workforce development and diversity in the labor force; education and training in STEM fields to create opportunities for good paying jobs at Micron and supply-chain partners; expansion of safe and affordable housing; breaking down barriers to the workforce such as child care and transportation and improvements to community assets and institutions that contribute to civic identity and well-being. This will ultimately inform a document that will be used as a road map that allows for participation and/or enhancement beyond the initial objectives of this effort.
The Committee’s work will also complement the newly announced Governor’s Office of Semiconductor Expansion, Management and Integration (GO SEMI), which will be led by ESD and supported by experts from numerous state agencies. The office will work in coordination with federal and local partners and coordinate investments in the semiconductor industry, shaping and implementing a broader, national model for maximizing industry and community returns on such public/private partnerships.
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Thursday, April 27, 2023 - 4:27pm
$4.5 Million Phase One Includes Construction of the Eugene Sayan Visitor Center and Demolition of Unused Buildings
State Funds Support Transformation of Historic Site for Education and Business Innovation
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the groundbreaking for the $20 million redevelopment of the Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe in Shoreham, Suffolk County. The 16-acre site is a U.S. National Historic Registered landmark and location of famed inventor Nikola Tesla's last existing laboratory. The Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe is envisioned as an international destination for visitors interested in Tesla's legacy and science, technology, and innovation. The project's $4.5 million phase one includes the construction of the Eugene Sayan Visitor Center and the demolition of approximately 110,000 square feet of unused building. Empire State Development is supporting the transformation of the historic site with $1.25 million in capital grants.
"Nikola Tesla's visionary ideas and inventions have served as a catalyst for scientific progress, and his lab stands as a testament to his innovative spirit," Governor Hochul said. "By preserving this historic site, we help ensure that future generations can learn from his achievements and be inspired to pursue groundbreaking discoveries of their own."
"Nikola Tesla's lab is a physical embodiment of the power of imagination and creativity to change the world," said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. "It is a living reminder of his contributions to science and technology, and by preserving this site, we can inspire future innovators to dream big and achieve great things."
Nikola Tesla was an inventor and electrical engineer whose life-changing discoveries include the alternating current (AC) power, the Tesla coil, hydroelectric power, the induction motor, and more. The Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe was established to transform Tesla's former lab into a hub that celebrates his innovative spirit and inspires the next generation of innovators. The center will offer tours as well as exhibits and educational programs that explore Tesla's groundbreaking work.
The redevelopment of the Tesla Science Center is a multi-phase project that includes the Eugene Sayan Visitor Center, a museum, science and education center, business accelerator and entrepreneur center, and the rehabilitation and preservation of Tesla's iconic lab. The Eugene Sayan Visitor Center will provide a dedicated space to showcase exhibits about Nikola Tesla's work and innovative approaches. It will offer exhibitions and programs both on-site and online, enabling visitors to discover Tesla's legacy through educational and interactive experiences. When complete, the Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe will be a world-class destination that will provide an immersive experience for visitors of all ages to learn about Nikola Tesla and his discoveries and promote science education to inspire the next generation of inventors, scientists, and engineers.
In addition to funding from ESD, Governor Hochul announced the Tesla Science Center was awarded $1.47 million as part of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA)'s Small and Mid-Sized Capital Project awards. Those funds will support the stabilization and restoration of Nikola Tesla's last standing laboratory, designed by McKim, Mead, & White.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Nikola Tesla's legacy serves as a reminder of the power of human ingenuity and the importance of scientific research in solving the challenges of the modern world. The Tesla Science Center will be a destination for visitors to learn of Tesla's inventions while inspiring future innovators to push the boundaries of what is possible."
Empire State Development Board Chairman Kevin Law said, "Redeveloping the Tesla Science Center is an investment in the future of innovation and progress. By preserving and building on Tesla's legacy, we are supporting new generations of entrepreneurs who will continue to drive transformational progress on Long Island and around the globe."
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Thursday, April 27, 2023 - 1:35pm
Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region will Expand its Commercial Incubator Space for Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses
View Rendering Here
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the groundbreaking for the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region’s $4 million Albany Center for Economic Success (ACES) Incubator expansion project. The new facility will be built at 255 Orange Street – adjacent to its existing location – and will feature a co-working space, a room for client training and technical assistance, and a day care center. The project is being supported by an $800,000 ESD capital grant, recommended by the Capital Region Economic Development Council through the REDC initiative.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "At the heart of this project is a mission to provide vital services to small business owners in communities that need it most. Empire State Development is proud to support this new incubator which will only strengthen and grow this community moving forward."
Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region Executive Director Linda MacFarlane said, "As the Community Loan Fund approaches our historic 1,000th loan, it is fitting that we are breaking ground on a project that will revolutionize how we assist local entrepreneurs. Everyday issues such as lack of childcare facilities and affordable office space should not serve as a barrier to those aspiring business owners. We are confident that this project will combat those issues and allow even more Capital Region residents to access our services."
The Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region is a nonprofit community development financial institution serving the Capital Region of New York which exists to promote sustainable community development efforts for economically underserved people and communities in the region. Since 1985, the Community Loan Fund has loaned more than $61 million – and leveraged more than $215 million – for economic development in the Capital Region. The Loan Fund has financed more than 925 community projects, including 322 minority- and women-owned businesses.
The incubator expansion is part of a larger effort to revitalize Albany’s Clinton Avenue area, which includes the redevelopment of four historic rowhouses including 13 units, the former Public School Number 7 to create 13 units, and the new construction mixed-use building including 36 units and 1,400 square feet of commercial space to create a total 62 affordable homes. Clinton Avenue Apartments II is currently under construction and is supported by an allocation of $1,609,752 in Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "This revitalization effort not only represents new opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Capital Region but will ultimately mean a brighter future for 62 households who will benefit from an affordable home in the heart of Albany. HCR is committed to working with our partners like ESD and Home Leasing on projects that build up entire communities, and the work beginning today with the ACES Incubator will do just that for Arbor Hill. Thank you to Governor Hochul for her focus on revitalizing neighborhoods and creating new economic opportunities across New York."
CREDC Co-Chairs Ruth Mahoney, Executive Vice President, President of Wealth Management and Regional President at NBT Bank, and Dr. Havidán Rodríguez, University at Albany President, said, "Small businesses are the cornerstone of our neighborhoods and the new ACES Incubator will provide much needed support and services to our most distressed communities and strengthen the City of Albany in the process. We look forward to welcoming this new addition to the Sheridan Hollow neighborhood."
Senator Neil Breslin said, "This ACES incubator program will help spur entrepreneurship for minority and women owned business and diversify our regional economy here in Albany."
Assemblymember Patricia Fahy said, "Small businesses are the lifeblood of our state and local economy. The Albany Center for Economic Success Incubator expansion will facilitate even more women and minority-owned businesses here in Albany and the Capital Region, while supporting aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources and services necessary to thrive. Investments like this uplift our entire community and City, and I couldn’t be more proud to see this project come to fruition thanks to the collaboration of Empire State Development, the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region, Capital Region Regional Economic Development Council, and more.”
Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, "When we support minority- and women-owned enterprises, Albany County’s economy benefits as a whole. This is especially true after the COVID pandemic has had disproportionate impacts on our underserved neighborhoods. The Community Loan Fund’s ACES Incubator has proven to be a tremendous resource for start-ups and small businesses around the Capital Region, and I’m thrilled to see that their footprint in the community is growing with this expansion. I want to thank Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for this strategic $800,000 investment in this project that will surely pay dividends further down the road."
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, "The ACES Incubator has become a place for minority- and women-owned businesses to grow into a sustainable enterprise, and I am excited to break ground on this $4 million expansion. Not only will entrepreneurs have additional opportunities to succeed, but this project will provide much-needed day care services and technical support to help ensure businesses thrive. Thank you to Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for making this significant investment in Albany's Sheridan Hollow neighborhood and supporting the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region and our local MWBEs."
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York's chief economic development agency. 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 New York State 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, please 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