Running a small business in Warrensburg means wearing a dozen hats — and most of us don't have time to dig through state websites looking for programs that could actually save us money or headaches. So we did it for you.
Below is a roundup of free (or nearly free) New York State resources, pulled together specifically for our Chamber members. Whether you're in retail, food service, construction, or you're just trying to figure out health insurance for your first employee, there's likely something here for you.
If you only bookmark one thing, make it NY Business Express — the state's one-stop portal for licensing, registration, and permits. It walks you through exactly what you need based on your business type.
Need a sounding board? Business Mentor NY connects you with free mentorship from lawyers, accountants, and experienced local business owners. And the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network offers free or low-cost one-on-one counseling and workshops — no sales pitch, just help.
If you're offering (or thinking about offering) health coverage to employees, the NY State of Health Small Business Marketplace (SHOP) is worth a look — it's the only way to access the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, and it's active and taking enrollments right now.
Did you know you can become a licensed NY Lottery retailer and earn a 6% commission on ticket sales, plus display and merchandising support? It's a simple way to add a little extra foot traffic and revenue.
Taste NY can get your product into 60+ retail locations across the state and into major tradeshows and events. Pair that with NYS Grown & Certified labeling to build customer trust, and you've got real statewide visibility for a local product.
Chasing government contracts? Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) offer free help finding and bidding on state, local, and federal opportunities, and the Surety Bond Assistance Program can help you get bonded.
This is the one most businesses miss: the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) can put up to $2,400 back in your pocket for qualifying hires (veterans, long-term unemployed, and other groups), and there's a separate credit up to $5,000 for hiring people with developmental disabilities. There's also a free federal bonding program for hard-to-place hires, and a Shared Work program that lets you reduce hours instead of laying people off.
The Division of Minority and Women Business Development offers certification, contracting opportunities, and access to a dedicated bridge loan program for businesses pursuing government contracts.
Want the full list? We've put together a complete resource sheet with direct links and contact info for every program mentioned here, organized by business type. Reach out to the Chamber office or stop by and we'll get you a copy.
A quick note: state programs and links change over time, so we recommend confirming details before relying on any deadline-sensitive information. When in doubt, give us a call — that's what we're here for.
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