Small businesses and startups are thriving across the Hudson Valley. According to Empire State Development, small businesses make up 98% of New York State businesses and employ 40% of the state’s workforce. In Dutchess County, entrepreneurs have called our community home for decades and we continue to recognize that small businesses and entrepreneurs are the backbones of our success. We are proud of local companies like Crown Maple, Sloop Brewing, Cerven Solutions, Brogue Motorcycles, and Canvas & Clothier, who are leading entrepreneurial growth right here in Dutchess.
This entrepreneurial spirit brings jobs, innovation, and revenue that supports a diverse mix of industries and maintains a steady flow of funds into the local economy. Think Dutchess Alliance for Business works to ensure that entrepreneurs continue to thrive by connecting businesses of all sizes, stages, and industries to Dutchess County’s endless resources. As a premier business-led organization, Think Dutchess brings together agency partners creating a one-stop shop for business development.
We provide access to a best-in-class workforce to support your growth.
With an array of prestigious higher education institutions and specialized training programs available to the next generation of Dutchess County’s workforce, small businesses have a highly skilled pool of talent available to fit their needs for growth.
Dutchess Community College (DCC)
DCC offers a variety of workforce development incentive programs for businesses looking to build a specialized workforce for their needs, and for adults looking to expand their skillset and stay up to date on industry standards for professional license recertifications. With over 60 degree and certificate programs, DCC supports the wide spectrum of industries that thrive in Dutchess County, like aviation, manufacturing, business, tech, education, hospitality, and more.
In 2023, DCC opened its $3 million Mechatronics Lab, which serves as a cutting edge training resource for Dutchess County’s manufacturing workforce. With specialized programs created in partnership with industry leaders to address the most pressing needs of the manufacturing industry, the DCC Mechatronics Lab is always looking to place its students with growing businesses.
Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board (DCWIB)
DCWIB is a one stop shop for all things workforce development – for both individuals and employers. They provide resources for employers looking to expand their team, help businesses secure tax credits, support individuals searching for the best next step in their professional journey, and more.
Empire State Development (ESD), Office of Strategic Workforce Development (OSWD)
The OSWD, within ESD, offers a wide array of support services for entrepreneurs looking to build their workforce. Since 2022, the office has awarded grants totaling $63 million to support 77 employer-driven workforce development programs, ensuring that New York’s business ecosystem will always stay ahead of the curve.
Be sure to regularly check OSWD’s website for the latest funding round deadlines which are announced a few times each year.
We provide access to business advisement and financial guidance.
From operating capital to loans for new equipment, Think Dutchess can connect you with a variety of financial resources to support your business needs.
Women’s Enterprise Development Center (WEDC)
With a foundational mission to bring capital and business guidance to entrepreneurs who historically lacked access to support, WEDC now brings expertise and training programs to all business owners in need. WEDC’s clients can learn how to navigate the application process for small business loans; access individualized advisory services; connect with exclusive funding opportunities, including Verizon's Small Business Digital Ready program; participate in high-quality educational and training programs; and more. We are also proud to recognize WEDC as Think Dutchess’ 2025 Business Excellence Awards Nonprofit of the Year.
New York Small Business Development Centers (NYSBDC)
NYSBDC has 20 regional centers and 70 satellite locations, providing business guidance and research to entrepreneurs in New York at no cost. With specialized programs that cover topics from government contracts to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, NYSBDC will work closely with you to provide personalized guidance to unlock capital according to your needs.
Community Capital
Community Capital works to support a diverse range of small businesses in the Hudson Valley, from start-ups seeking to launch to affordable housing developers. Offering a variety of loans up to $250,000, Community Capital aims to create a financing plan that fits your needs.
We grow your network.
The entrepreneurial ecosystem in Dutchess County is one of the defining strengths of our business community. Each business leader has a valuable lesson to share with their peers, and we can help you find the events, programs, and business hubs where you will undoubtedly walk away with invaluable advice, and maybe even a new friend or mentor.
“It’s essential for new entrepreneurs and other business professionals in Dutchess County to be proactive and reach out for support. There are so many resources available for growing businesses, and our only regret is that we didn’t reach out for help sooner. Between the Council of Industry and Think Dutchess, we’ve already saved so much money and stress, and we’re excited for additional opportunities as our enterprise evolves,” said Sean Cerven, CEO and co-founder of Cerven Solutions. Learn more about his small business here: Q&A with Sean Cerven, CEO of Cerven Solutions.
CO. coworking space
For our self-employed and remote work communities, CO. offers a vibrant and social setting for those who are workshopping a new business idea, a small team getting their feet off the ground, or those hoping to find new inspiration. After an afternoon at CO., you are bound to meet a new creative voice or fellow entrepreneur in our community.
ConnectHV
ConnectHV is centralizing the Hudson Valley business community, offering an online directory, Slack community, and in-person events to entrepreneurs and business leaders in the region. ConnectHV builds bridges across industries by working to strengthen existing relationships and networks, introducing new ideas into the business ecosystem, and sparking new connections.
Think Dutchess Entrepreneurship & Small Business Events Hub
For a regularly updated community board of events, programs, and educational opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses, be sure to check our Think Dutchess events hub. Catering to a wide range of businesses and industries, you are bound to find events that are a great fit for you!
Are you an entrepreneur hoping to grow in Dutchess County?
Our expert team has the knowledge required to help pair your business with the proper resources to navigate your journey! Contact us at info@thinkdutchess.com to learn how we can support your business and its success here in Dutchess County.