Taking the leap to start, move, or open a new location for your business can feel daunting, but in Dutchess County, you have the support of Think Dutchess Alliance for Business at every step of the way. From small business owners to global companies, businesses of all industries and sizes find success in our region.
As a one-stop-shop for business development, Think Dutchess connects you with resources in real estate, marketing, financing, mentorship, workforce, and more – removing barriers for both aspiring and current business owners and helping our business community make a positive, lasting impact on our county’s economy.
Not sure where to start? Think Dutchess is here to help. Keep reading below for an inside look at what it’s like to partner with our team and how we can help your business thrive in Dutchess County.
Starting out with Think Dutchess
While Think Dutchess offers a wide range of online resources for businesses of all kinds, we also know that one size does not always fit all. The face-to-face relationships we build within our community translate to meaningful impact and long-term success for local business owners. Reaching out to Philip Scarano III, our Director of Business Attraction, is a great first step for anyone unsure of where to begin. Once we understand you and your goals, we can tailor our support to best meet your needs.
Step 1: Site selection and real estate guidance
Whether you are looking for a new space to fulfill orders, manufacture specialty equipment, open a Main Street boutique, or establish a new headquarters, Philip makes the site selection process easy. By considering your operational needs, budget, growth plans, and target customers, Think Dutchess leverages its deep knowledge of local real estate in our county to help you choose a location that supports long-term success.
We also know that permitting, zoning, land use guidelines, and other regulations can seem overwhelming. Our team is always available to help navigate these processes so that you can open your doors as soon as possible.
For example, global technology company DocuWare worked with Think Dutchess to identify an ideal space for their new Americas office in Beacon, NY. Crepini, a smaller family-run food manufacturing business, also tapped Think Dutchess resources to locate a new site at iPark 84 in Fishkill, NY to support their rapid growth. Dutchess County’s iconic manufacturing legacy also offers opportunities for new businesses to adapt and reuse existing infrastructure, helping streamline the often-lengthy process of new development and construction.
Step 2: Breaking down financial barriers
Between tax incentives, workforce grants, small business loans, venture capital investors, and more, New York State is committed to expanding financial assistance for our business ecosystem. Although many types of funding are available, not every opportunity will align with your specific goals. While a manufacturing company might require finance assistance to train employees with specialty skills, a nonprofit likely seeks grant opportunities that would support new community programs.
Once you’ve taken the exciting step of selecting a location, Think Dutchess can connect you with funding that supports your longevity and growth, without weeding through the abundance of opportunities alone.
Cerven Solutions, a precision manufacturing small business in Poughkeepsie, NY, has worked with Think Dutchess to tap into resources that were more difficult to identify on their own. With Think Dutchess partner, Central Hudson, our team connected Cerven Solutions to a power subsidy program to reduce overhead costs. Following a discussion with our team about Cerven Solution’s goals for expansion, they also enrolled in New York State’s Linked Deposit Program that assists small businesses in purchasing new equipment. “We’ve already saved so much money and stress, and we’re excited for additional opportunities as our enterprise evolves,” CEO Sean Cerven shared with our team.
Step 3: Supporting your growth
With the basics established in partnership with our team, Think Dutchess ensures that all businesses have access to ongoing support. From finding new employees, to building out marketing strategies, to opening a second location, and everything in between, Renee Richards, Think Dutchess Director of Business Retention & Expansion, ensures that every business can connect with a helping hand when taking the next step—big or small.
If you have taken that exciting leap to start your business in Dutchess County or relocate to our region, and you are looking to keep the momentum going, stay tuned for more information about resources tailored for accelerating business growth.
Inspired to start or locate your own business in Dutchess County?
Whether you're an aspiring 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.