These are the tools for starting, maintaining, and growing a business in the Saranac Lake area...
We are armed with small business experience, and we understand your perspective and have the know-how to get things done. Throughout the region there are area experts backed by reputable organizations to provide the attention that you need in order to run a business.
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North Country Clean Energy Hub
The North Country Clean Energy Hub is a team of organizations working to support people and businesses in adopting clean energy technology, utilizing energy efficient programs, and finding jobs in the clean energy industry. These initiatives can save money, make homes healthier and reduce the reliance on fossil fuels.
No cost energy advising is available to support your energy questions and need. Each county has a designated Energy Advisory to work with individuals and small businesses. Find out more information on the website, northcountrycleanenergyhub.org
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New York Forward
The NY Forward Loan Fund is a resource for New York State Businesses. "The NYFLF targets the state’s small businesses with 20 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees (90% of all businesses), nonprofits and small landlords that have seen a loss of rental income.
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Financial Resources
If you have a business idea and a detailed business plan, then your next step is to acquire business funding to actually get the business started. The financing you need to launch, maintain or grow your business can come from a variety of sources, including banks, SBA, crowdfunding, or grants. Learn more
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Adirondack Economic Development Corp. (AEDC)
AEDC works with would-be business owners of all shapes and sizes to develop formal business plans. It also provides a comprehensive entrepreneurship-training course taught by certified instructors that provides business owners – or those who would like to be business owners – with a wide range of skills they will need to be successful in the long term. AEDC also offers business loans for those looking to get started or to take their business to the next level. Learn more
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Empire State Development (ESD)
Empire State Develepment (ESD) can help you with capital access, financing, tax incentives, and technical assistance. ESD offers several incentive programs for businesses Learn more here or contact ESD's North Country Regional Office.
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Essex County IDA
The Essex County IDA (ECIDA) offeres a variety of incentive and financing opportunities. The ECIDA is also able to partner with New York State and other Regional development organizations. Learn more
- Essex County IDA Loan Program
- Tax-Exempt Industrial Bonds (IRB's)
- Straight Lease Transactions
- PILOT (Payment in lieu of Taxes)
- Property Tax Abatement
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North Country Center for Businesses in Transition
The Adirondack North Country Center for Businesses in Transition addresses the loss of area businesses by providing matchmaking services with potential buyers, access to planning tools and connection with existing services. The goal is to help owners sell their businesses on the open market, complete intergenerational family transitions or convert to an employee-owned or cooperative model. Learn more
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Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The SBDC is a great place to start if you are looking to:
- Write a business plan
- Discover sources of funding
- Prepare for e-commerce
- Develop a marketing plan
- Assess an invention’s viability
- Comply with licensing & regulations
These services are FREE of charge! Learn more
Need Assistance?
The staff in the Community Development Department are available to assist with any questions you have about starting or expanding a business in Saranac Lake. Contact Jamie Konkoski, Community Development Director.
Franklin County Economic Development Corp.
Franklin County Economic Development Corp. (FCEDC), is the county's economic development organization. Tourism is one of the region's largest industries and we have set out to do tourism differently, by integrating it more fully into broader economic development efforts. It is a priority to leverage occupancy tax revenues and the marketing efforts of tourism-related businesses to better promote our region as a destination.
Business Incubator & Co-Working Space
The Carry is your path from one place to another. Members work in a professional work space which can be rented by the day, week or month. Services offered include workshops, coaching sessions, printing, and other business development programs. Learn more
Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
The mission of the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce provides services and representation for the members and generates economic development through promotional and marketing strategies. SLACC provides business-building initiatives that focus on the critical priorities of the Saranac Lake community. Learn more.
North Country Chamber of Commerce
The North Country Chamber of Commerce is a regional chamber serving Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton and northern Warren Counties in New York State and southern Quebec. With more than 4,000 members, it is the largest business and economic development alliance in northern New York and one of the five largest chambers in the state. Visit the website for a full list of services and activities.