Development

Start Your Business Here

Allegany County, New York offers a supportive environment for entrepreneurs, small businesses, agricultural ventures, and growing companies. Whether you are opening your first storefront, launching a farm-based enterprise, or relocating an existing company, local partners are here to help guide you through the process.

The Allegany County Office of Economic Development and our regional partners provide resources, guidance, and connections to help your business succeed.

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Contact our office for assistance with planning, site selection, funding resources, and regulatory navigation.

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Several organizations can provide in-depth service support including counseling and assistance on:

  • Starting a business
  • Refining your concept and developing a business plan
  • Minority/Women owned business enterprise and Service-disabled veteran owned certifications
  • Marketing & development
  • Identifying & accessing capital
  • General technical assistance
  • Entrepreneurship courses

Select each one to find out more about what they do!

ACCORD Corporation

The ACCORD Business Center offers one-on-one counseling for all your business needs, and a 10-week in person entrepreneurship course twice a year.

SCORE Association

Partnering with you one-on-one, SCORE mentors support your success by providing experienced advice, consulting on best practices, and educating you on small business topics.

Incubator Works

IncubatorWorks supports entrepreneurs with connections to grow their businesses, with training programs on business plans, accelerators, and more.

Empire State Development

Empire State Development’s Small Business Division supports the development and expansion of businesses with under 100 employees – directing an array of programs and initiatives supporting small business growth and helping entrepreneurs maximize opportunities for success.

Southwest Region SBDC

The SBDC delivers high quality business counseling and training to clients looking to start a business or improve the performance of an existing business.

Chambers of Commerce

Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce offers member services to innovative small businesses along with world class manufacturing facilities. The Chamber is a strong advocate for over 170 businesses in the area.

The Cuba Chamber of Commerce promotes business prosperity and a healthy community through information sharing, services, and advocacy for members and citizens.

One of the first decisions when starting a business is choosing the legal structure for your company. Your business structure determines how your business is taxed, how profits are distributed, and the level of personal liability you may have for business debts or legal issues.

The most common business structures in New York State include sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and corporations. Each has advantages and considerations depending on the size of the business, the number of owners, and long-term goals.

The information below provides a brief breakdown of each. Before choosing a structure, many entrepreneurs consult with an attorney, accountant, or small business advisor to determine the best option.

Sole Proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is the simplest and most common structure for small businesses with a single owner. In this structure, the business and the owner are legally the same entity.

Key Characteristics

  • Owned and operated by one individual
  • Simple and inexpensive to start
  • Business income is reported on the owner’s personal tax return
  • Owner has full control of business decisions

Considerations

The owner is personally responsible for all debts, liabilities, and legal obligations of the business. This structure is common for:

  • Freelancers and consultants
  • Home-based businesses
  • Small retail or service businesses

Partnership

A partnership is a business owned by two or more individuals who share responsibilities, profits, and liabilities. There are several types of partnerships, but the most common are general partnerships and limited partnerships.

Key Characteristics

  • Two or more owners
  • Shared decision-making and management
  • Profits and losses pass through to the partners’ personal tax returns
  • Often governed by a partnership agreement

Considerations

In a general partnership, each partner may be personally responsible for business debts and actions taken by the other partners. Partnerships are often used for:

  • Professional services
  • Family businesses
  • Businesses started by multiple founders

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is one of the most popular business structures because it combines flexibility with liability protection. An LLC creates a separate legal entity that protects the personal assets of the owners (called members).

Key Characteristics

  • Owners have limited personal liability
  • Flexible management structure
  • Profits typically pass through to members’ personal tax returns
  • Can be owned by one or multiple members

Considerations

LLCs require registration with New York State and must meet certain filing and publication requirements. This structure is common for:

  • Retail businesses
  • Restaurants
  • Contractors
  • Growing small businesses

Corporation

A corporation is a separate legal entity that is owned by shareholders. Corporations are typically used by businesses that plan to grow, raise capital, or bring in investors. There are two common types:

  • C-Corporations
  • S-Corporations

Key Characteristics

  • Separate legal entity from its owners
  • Shareholders own the company through stock
  • Provides strong liability protection
  • Can raise capital by issuing shares

Considerations

Corporations require more formal structure, recordkeeping, and regulatory compliance than other business types. This structure is common for:

  • Larger businesses
  • Companies seeking investors
  • Businesses planning significant growth

Which Business Structure Is Right for You?

The best business structure depends on several factors, including:

  • Number of owners
  • Liability considerations
  • Tax preferences
  • Growth and investment plans

Entrepreneurs in Allegany County are encouraged to seek guidance from business advisors who can help evaluate the best option based on their goals.

The Allegany County Office of Economic Development can also help connect you with regional partners who provide free business counseling and startup guidance.

Allegany County is committed to building and maintaining a strong workforce that supports local businesses and economic growth. Through partnerships between workforce agencies, educational institutions, and employers, businesses have access to training programs, workforce development resources, and skilled talent.

Whether a business is expanding, relocating, or just getting started, Allegany County’s workforce partners can help connect employers with the tools and training needed to build a successful team.

Workforce Development Board

The Cattaraugus-Allegany County Workforce Development Board plays a key role in strengthening the county’s workforce system by bringing together business leaders, workforce professionals, educators, and community organizations.

The board helps identify workforce needs across industries and supports programs that prepare job seekers for in-demand careers. By aligning workforce training with employer needs, the Workforce Development Board helps ensure that Allegany County businesses have access to a qualified and competitive workforce.

Key initiatives include:

  • Supporting workforce training and career pathways
  • Aligning education programs with industry needs
  • Encouraging collaboration between employers and training providers
  • Promoting employment opportunities across the county
Cattaraugus-Allegany Workforce Development

Employment & Training Services

The Allegany County Employment & Training office provides a wide range of workforce services to both employers and job seekers. These programs help businesses recruit employees, access workforce training resources, and connect with qualified candidates.

Services available to employers include:

  • Recruitment and job posting assistance
  • Workforce training programs
  • On-the-job training opportunities
  • Labor market information
  • Support for businesses seeking skilled workers

Employment & Training also works directly with individuals seeking career advancement by offering training programs, job search assistance, and career counseling.

Allegany County Employment & Training

Career & Technical Education

Career and technical education programs play an important role in preparing students for careers in skilled trades and high-demand industries.

The Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES provides career and technical education programs that help students develop hands-on skills in fields such as:

  • Manufacturing and machining
  • Construction trades
  • Automotive technology
  • Health careers
  • Information technology

These programs allow students to graduate with valuable workplace skills and industry-recognized certifications, helping create a strong pipeline of talent for local employers.

Higher Education and Workforce Training

Allegany County is home to several higher education institutions that play an important role in workforce development and career preparation. These colleges and universities help develop a skilled workforce by providing students with technical training, professional education, and real-world learning experiences that prepare graduates for careers across a wide range of industries.

Alfred State College

Known for its strong focus on applied learning, Alfred State provides programs in engineering technology, construction management, manufacturing, agriculture, and skilled trades. The college emphasizes hands-on education and industry partnerships, helping graduates enter the workforce with practical experience and in-demand technical skills.

Alfred University

Alfred University offers a diverse range of programs in engineering, business, ceramics, and liberal arts. The university is known for its innovation and research, particularly in materials science and engineering, and helps prepare graduates for careers in advanced manufacturing, technology, education, and entrepreneurship.

Houghton University

Houghton University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields including business, education, science, music, and the liberal arts. With a focus on leadership development and community engagement, the university prepares students for professional careers while encouraging graduates to contribute to the economic and social vitality of the region.

Together, these institutions help create a strong pipeline of talent for Allegany County employers by preparing graduates with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to succeed in today’s workforce.

Internships and Employer Partnerships

Educational institutions and workforce organizations throughout Allegany County actively collaborate with local businesses to create opportunities for students to gain real-world experience while helping employers develop their future workforce.

Through partnerships with institutions such as Alfred State College, Alfred University, and Houghton University, many students participate in internships, cooperative education programs, and hands-on training experiences with local employers.

These partnerships allow businesses to:

  • Connect with emerging talent before graduation
  • Provide hands-on training in real workplace environments
  • Build a pipeline of skilled employees for future hiring needs
  • Support workforce development within the community

Employers interested in hosting interns, participating in career programs, or developing workforce partnerships can work with local colleges, BOCES programs, and workforce agencies to create training opportunities that benefit both students and businesses.

The Allegany County Employment & Training office can also help employers connect with workforce programs and explore training opportunities designed to strengthen the local workforce.

Workforce Training & Incentive Programs

Businesses in Allegany County have access to workforce development programs designed to help employers recruit, train, and retain employees. These programs can reduce the cost of hiring and training while helping workers develop the skills needed for long-term career success.

Through partnerships with workforce agencies, educational institutions, and state programs, employers can take advantage of a variety of workforce training opportunities.

On-the-Job Training Programs

The Allegany County Employment & Training office offers On-the-Job Training (OJT) programs that help businesses train new employees while offsetting some of the associated costs.

Through this program, eligible employers may receive partial reimbursement for wages during the training period while employees gain the skills needed to succeed in their new role.

Benefits of OJT programs include:

  • Reduced hiring and training costs
  • Customized training based on employer needs
  • Faster integration of new employees into the workforce

Apprenticeship Opportunities

Registered apprenticeship programs combine paid work experience with structured training, allowing employees to develop specialized skills in high-demand industries.

Apprenticeships are commonly used in fields such as:

  • Skilled trades
  • Manufacturing
  • Construction
  • Healthcare

Local workforce partners can assist businesses in exploring apprenticeship opportunities and connecting with programs that meet their workforce needs.

Incumbent Worker Training

For businesses looking to expand or adopt new technologies, incumbent worker training programs help current employees upgrade their skills.

These programs may support training related to:

  • Advanced manufacturing technology
  • Industry certifications
  • Leadership development
  • Technical skill advancement

By investing in employee development, businesses can improve productivity, strengthen retention, and remain competitive.

Workforce Partnerships for Employers

Allegany County’s workforce system is built on strong collaboration between employers, educators, and workforce agencies, including the Allegany County Workforce Development Board and Allegany County Employment & Training.

These partners work together to help businesses:

  • Identify workforce needs
  • Connect with training providers
  • Access workforce development programs
  • Build long-term talent pipelines

Businesses interested in learning more about workforce training opportunities are encouraged to connect with the Allegany County Office of Economic Development to explore available programs and partnerships.

Building a Strong Workforce for the Future

Through collaboration between workforce agencies, educational institutions, and employers, Allegany County continues to strengthen its workforce pipeline and support economic growth.

Businesses locating or expanding in Allegany County can benefit from:

  • Workforce recruitment assistance
  • Training and upskilling programs
  • Partnerships with educational institutions
  • Access to emerging talent entering the workforce

To learn more about workforce resources available to your business, contact the Allegany County Office of Economic Development for assistance connecting with workforce partners.

Agri-business is a cornerstone of the Allegany County economy, with hundreds of local farms generating over $73.3 million in annual production. To support this vital sector, several local and state agencies provide financial aid, technical expertise, and business planning services.

Financial Assistance & Grants for Ag

Local entrepreneurs can access capital through programs designed to modernize and expand agricultural operations.

  • Beginning Farmer Grant Program: This state-level initiative provides $5,000 to $250,000 to help start or expand new farm operations that have been in business for less than ten years.
  • Rural Energy for America Program (REAP): Farmers can apply for grants and loans to install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements.

Technical Support & Conservation

Beyond direct funding, Allegany County offers specialized technical assistance to ensure long-term farm viability.

  • Allegany County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD): Provides technical design for Best Management Practices (BMPs), such as soil erosion control, nutrient management, and animal waste storage. They also manage the Agricultural Assessment Program, which can reduce property taxes for eligible farmland.
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Allegany County: Offers research-based education on animal and plant science, workforce development for the dairy industry, and Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) training to improve food safety and market access.
  • Agricultural Districts: The county maintains four agricultural districts that provide landowners with specific protections and benefits against overly restrictive local laws and high benefit assessments.

Business Planning & Marketing

  • Marketing Education: CCE Allegany provides tools for marketing channel assessment, helping producers decide between wholesale and direct-to-consumer sales strategies.

Finding capital is a critical step for any entrepreneur, and Allegany County offers several unique programs designed to bridge the gap between your vision and reality. Whether you are a “true” micro-enterprise or a growing industry player, the following resources are available as of early 2026.

Grants for Small Businesses

Grants provide non-repayable capital for eligible business expenses, focusing on small-scale local growth.

  • Microenterprise Assistance Program (MAP): Sponsored by the Allegany County Industrial Development Agency (ACIDA), this program offers grants between $10,000 and $35,000 for businesses with five or fewer employees.
    • Eligible Uses: Machinery, equipment, inventory, and working capital.
    • Requirements: A 10% cash match and completion of an entrepreneurship training course through partners like ACCORD or IncubatorWorks.
  • Global NY Fund: Small businesses looking to export can receive grants up to $25,000 through Empire State Development (ESD) to cover costs like market customization and trade show participation.

Small Business Loan Options

Allegany County has recently expanded its lending capacity to provide flexible, low-interest options that traditional banks may not offer alone.

  • Allegany County Local Development Corporation (ACLDC): Launched in January 2026, this new entity provides strategic low-interest loans typically ranging from $30,000 to $100,000.
    • Strategic Gap Financing: The ACLDC often acts as a “bridge” or secondary lender, providing the final piece of funding for capital investment projects alongside a primary bank.
  • Southern Tier Enterprise Development Organization (STEDO): Works alongside traditional bank loans as a secondary lender to bridge the gap in project financing, with low-interest loans ranging from $10,000 to $150,000.
  • Pursuit Lending: When you work with Pursuit, you’ll work one-on-one with our expert lending team to learn more about your needs and the best financing option to keep you moving forward. They work with lending institutions to provide various SBA funding, and have other specific program loans available – including Veteran Loan Programs, a Main Street Capital Loan Fund and a Minority and Women Revolving Loan Fund.
  • SBA Guaranteed Loans: Local banks in Allegany County work with the Small Business Administration to offer guaranteed loans, reducing the risk for the lender and making it easier for new businesses to qualify.
  • Energize NY Open C-PACE in Allegany County: Allegany County offers Open C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy), a powerful financing tool that helps commercial and non-profit building owners fund energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades with no immediate out-of-pocket expense. Funds can be used for a wide range of permanent improvements to existing buildings or new construction.

Incentives & Tax Benefits

If you are relocating or making a large capital investment, you may qualify for local and state-level incentives.

  • Industrial Development Agency (IDA) Incentives: The ACIDA can facilitate property tax abatements (PILOT agreements), sales tax exemptions on construction materials, and mortgage recording tax exemptions for eligible large-scale projects.
  • Energy Efficiency Financing: Through NYSERDA, small businesses can access “On-Bill Recovery Loans” to finance renewable energy upgrades that lower long-term operating costs.

Empower your business with high-quality, no-cost resources designed for every stage of entrepreneurship. From college-level certifications to essential digital tools, these platforms provide the knowledge and infrastructure to help you succeed.

Web Links

  • New York Business Express: Visit this platform to learn what regulations apply to your business.
  • IRS: Provides free tax information, tools, and resources for businesses and self-employed.
  • NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets: Find information about licensing requirements for food-based businesses or establishments in New York State.
  • Home Processing: For those preparing food in your residential kitchen for wholesale or retail markets.
  • CDC: Small Business Resource Guide provides plans, tools, tips, and information on how to keep workers safe and healthy, while managing time and cost investments.

Expert-Led Online Training

  • SBA Learning Platform: Access the U.S. Small Business Administration’s extensive library of self-paced courses covering business planning, legal requirements, and marketing. Specialized programs include Ascent for Women and Boots to Business for military members.
  • NYSBDC EntreSkills: An interactive, web-based program from the New York Small Business Development Center that guides aspiring entrepreneurs through the personal journey of business ownership and operational basics.
  • Coursera for New Yorkers: Through a partnership with the NYS Department of Labor, residents can access thousands of courses and professional certificates from top universities in high-growth fields like Data Science, Business, and IT.
  • SCORE Workshops & Events: SCORE offers on-demand courses, and in person events to teach a variety of small business strategies.

Essential Free Subscriptions & Software

  • Google for Small Business: Manage your presence with a Google Business Profile and utilize free collaboration tools through Google Drive.
  • HubSpot CRM (Free Version): Organize your customer data and access HubSpot Academy for free certifications in inbound marketing and sales.
  • Salesforce Trailhead: A gamified learning platform to help you master CRM, AI, and data analytics at no cost.
  • Verizon Small Business Digital Ready: A one-stop hub offering more than 40 online courses, personalized coaching, and networking opportunities for small business owners.
  • Join the newsletter at Koffman Southern Tier Incubator for business tips, tricks, and free webinar trainings. They also offer memberships and incubator space for start ups at a cost, but the newsletter is 100% Free!
  • U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Featuring small business strategy tips, virtual events and product guides to help your business start, run and grow.