Empire State Development (ESD), the economic development arm of New York State, drives economic development and supports sustainable job creation across our local communities. They regularly offer great initiatives for local businesses and excitingly, one that’s available now to Dutchess County businesses: the Global NY Export Promotion Tour. The program offers expert guidance and hands-on access to programs that support New York businesses in reaching international customers. Whether you're scaling up global operations or just dipping your toes into exporting, this is your opportunity to tap into customized resources and connect with professionals who understand your path forward.
Learn more about ESD’s Global NY program here; and more about the agency as a whole below from Matthew Teglash, ESD Project Manager in Mid-Hudson!
What is ESD’s relationship with Think Dutchess?
ESD is New York State's chief economic development agency and often collaborates with Think Dutchess on local and regional priorities.
How does ESD contribute to the economic development of Dutchess County?
ESD supports projects that create jobs and promote and generate economic growth, while offering a variety of resources to grow businesses of all sizes across countless industries.
Does ESD have any local initiatives or programs designed to support the Dutchess County community?
Yes! The $150 million Mid-Hudson Momentum Fund (MHMF) was designed specifically for the Mid-Hudson region to address the recent population increase in the area and a distinct lack of housing. The worsening housing shortage and increased demands placed on existing aging infrastructure systems have made it more difficult to accommodate this surge of new residents. Investment is needed to provide opportunities for both new and existing populations within the Mid-Hudson Region, and MHMF invests in mixed-use housing and infrastructure projects throughout the region.
Eligible uses of funds include:
- Construction, expansion, and rehabilitation of facilities
- Equipment/machinery
- Infrastructure and site development
- Design/engineering related to construction
- Funds may cover costs of new construction or improvements to essential building elements
Find more information on the program here: https://esd.ny.gov/momentum.
Does ESD have any programs focused on education or workforce development in Dutchess County?
Yes; the Office of Strategic Workforce Development (OSWD) is housed within ESD and offers programs throughout New York State. OSWD manages two grant programs focused on creating and expanding industry-driven training that provide in-demand skills and direct job placements in high-growth, priority industries. Training programs must lead directly to employment in good jobs that pay a living wage, allow for career and salary growth, provide economic security, and remove the need for public assistance. OSWD’s programs also emphasize creating opportunities for underserved populations, and those offer wraparound services to help get trainees to and through training.
More information on the program and funding rounds is available here: https://esd.ny.gov/office-strategic-workforce-development.
What is a current trend or development you’re following that’s shaping economic development in New York State?
One of the biggest issues facing the Mid-Hudson Region and New York State continues to be the lack of available housing, which is necessary at all price points for attracting and retaining a workforce and growing businesses. ESD is working tirelessly to address this challenge as rapidly as possible through the MHMF (mentioned above).
What advice would you give to a business professional in Dutchess County?
Any business or business owner seeking support should contact Renee Richard at renee@thinkdutchess.com. Think Dutchess can connect you with the appropriate partners and services in Dutchess County!
Also, ESD’s regional newsletter is a great resource for updates on programs, projects, and initiatives. You can sign up on our website and learn more about opportunities in the Mid-Hudson region at https://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/mid-hudson, or contact our office at 845-567-4882.
How much has ESD awarded to businesses in Dutchess County in the past? What has that impact looked like?
Since 2011, 194 awards totaling $103 million have been awarded to projects with $1.1 billion in total project costs, creating and retaining more than 6,000 jobs. You can uncover more information about ESD’s impact and investment in the community at the Mid-Hudson Project Tracking Dashboard.
Looking to learn more?
Whether you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, or community partner, we’d love to hear from you. Connect with our team at info@thinkdutchess.com to learn how we can support your business, collaborate on economic development initiatives, or help you grow right here in Dutchess County.