Small Business Resources
Comprehensive list of small business resources, compliments of WEDC
Serving Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, Ulster, Orange, Sullivan Counties
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program
WEDC is participating in Verizon's Small Business Digital Ready, a program that is part of Verizon’s goal to support 1M small businesses by 2030 with the resources to thrive in the digital economy as part of its responsible business plan, Citizen Verizon. All courses are in English and Spanish.
Further your business with the chance to receive a $10K grant from Verizon Small Business Digital Ready. To qualify, simply register for Verizon Small Business Digital Ready and complete any combination of two courses, coaching or community events. Plus, access free, proven online tools and support that can help you succeed in the digital economy.
Dutchess, Orange & Ulster County Resources
Think Dutchess Alliance for Business
Think Dutchess Alliance for Business is the premier one-stop shop for business development needs and activities in New York’s Dutchess County. A business-led, nationally recognized economic development corporation, Think Dutchess Alliance for Business brings together 12 agencies to offer a single point of contact for a multitude of programs for entrepreneurs, businesses and site selectors
Orange County Economic Development Department
The Economic Development Office’s responsibilities include developing policies, procedures and programs which enhance economic growth and activities in Orange County. Director Bill Fioravanti was hired in June of 2018 to lead the Office. Fioravanti most recently served as the Orange County Partnership’s Director of Business Attraction and brings a wealth of experience and diverse background to the position.
Ulster County Economic Development
The Ulster County Department of Economic Development supports existing businesses to grow and succeed, attracts new businesses to Ulster County, encourages development of the County’s innovation ecosystem and engages with local communities to develop shared strategies for sustainable and equitable economic growth.
Public Libraries
The Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) is a cooperative library system chartered by the New York Board of Regents dedicated to strengthening local library service while saving local tax dollars.
Ramapo Catskill Library System, (RCLS) working cooperatively with member libraries, provides coordinated services, guidance, training, support and leadership to member libraries to sustain their effort to be responsive, proactive, vital community institutions that meet the changing needs of their users
Westchester County Resources
Westchester County Office of Economic Development
Westchester County Office of Economic Development’s main mission is quickly connecting business owners and their representatives with the information, financial and human resources their organizations need to start, expand, stay or come to Westchester County.
Westchester Library System
Westchester Library System in conjunction with the Westchester Government Office of the County Executive, collaborates with 38 libraries in Westchester County to provide access to resources and services and to enhance and support library service for the more than 940,000 residents.
New York State Resources
NY Empire State Development Corporation
NY Empire State Development Corporation directs a wide array of programs and initiatives to support small business growth and help entrepreneurs maximize their opportunities for success. The Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (EAP), in which WEDC participates, establishes centers in local communities to provide instruction, training, technical assistance and support services to individuals who have recently started their own business or are interested in starting a business. The program’s 24 EAP centers are strategically located throughout the State.
Online Permit Assistance and Licensing
Online Permit Assistance and Licensing is a good resource for finding out about licenses and permits you may need to do business in New York State. Also visit NYS Division of Licensing Services.
New York State Office of Cannabis Management
The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) was established upon passage of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) in March 2021 to implement a regulatory framework for medical and adult-use cannabis and hemp in the state of New York. This includes, but is not limited to production, licensing, packaging, marketing and the sale of cannabis.
National Resources
SBA Office of Women’s Business Ownership
SBA Office of Women’s Business Ownership oversees the Women’s Business Center (WBC) program in which WEDC participates. Through the management and technical assistance provided by the WBCs, entrepreneurs, especially women who are economically or socially disadvantaged, are offered comprehensive training and counseling on a vast array of topics in many languages to help them start and grow their own businesses.
The SBA’s System for Award Management (SAM)
The SBA’s System for Award Management (SAM) – combines the federal procurement systems and the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance into one new system. The overarching benefits of SAM include streamlined and integrated processes for procurement, elimination of data redundancies, and reduced costs.
APEX Accelerators program
The APEX Accelerators program, formerly known as Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP), under management of the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), plays a critical role in the Department’s efforts to identify and helps a wide range of businesses enter and participate in the defense supply-chain. The program provides the education and training to ensure that all businesses become capable of participating in federal, state, and local government contracts.
National Federation of Independent Business NFIB
NFIB is the voice of small business, advocating on behalf of America’s small and independent business owners, both in Washington, D.C., and in all 50 state capitals. NFIB is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and member-driven. Since our founding in 1943, NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses, and remains so today. This is a membership organization and certain resources are only available to members. There are free resources as well.
Research, Public Policy and Advocacy Groups for Women-owned Business and Microbusiness Issues
National Women’s Business Council
National Women’s Business Council is a non-partisan federal advisory council created to serve as an independent source of advice and counsel to the President, Congress, and the U.S. Small Business Administration on economic issues of importance to women business owners.
Accounting and Legal Information
New York Department of State
New York Department of State – for information on required corporate filings, corporate and business entities, building and energy filings, and other related areas. To check business name availability click https://appext20.dos.ny.gov/corp_public/corpsearch.entity_search_entry
GrowGrade
GrowGrade is a free digital tool offered by M&T Bank to empower business owners with more knowledge about their business. Looking to sell your business today or one day in the future? Knowing how much your company is worth is a great place to start. And there’s no greater place to get that business valuation than GrowGrade.
The Easy Guide to Budgeting
While simply hearing the word “budget” can send even the most laid-back person into a panic, setting a budget is really an essential step in taking control of your personal finances. Don’t believe us? 3 in 5 Americans don't know what they spent last month, and 18% of workers with salaries greater than $100,000 are living paycheck to paycheck. By setting a budget, you will not only keep on top of your spending and see opportunities for savings, but you will also enjoy greater financial freedom by making a plan and sticking to it. It’s an important step in your financial plan, and with the help of this guide, it can be an easy one.
Digital Tools
Perplexity
A free AI search engine designed to revolutionize the way you discover information. Ask any question, and it searches the internet to give you an accessible, conversational, and verifiable answer. Think of Perplexity as a research partner, always on the clock, saving you valuable time by providing the precise knowledge you need.
e-Commerce Resources for Small Businesses
To Protect Intellectual Property
Patent Pro Bono Services
- Patent Pro Bono Program: for independent inventors and small businesses
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USPTO Search Engine: Before dedicating capital to an invention, many inventors find it helpful to search and see what is already out there. The USPTO Full Text and Image database offers searching of every patent database based on text queries.
Manufacturing Resources
The Council of Industry
The Council of Industry has been the manufacturer’s association for the Hudson Valley since 1910. We are a privately funded not-for-profit organization, whose mission is to promote the success of our member firms and their employees, and through them contribute to the success of the Hudson Valley Community.
The New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership
The New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NY MEP) is a network of organizations that provide growth and innovation services to small and mid-sized manufacturers in every corner of the state to help them create and retain jobs, increase profits, and save time and money.
Food Export-Northeast
Food Export USA - Northeast is a non-profit organization that promotes the export of food and agricultural products from the Northeast region of the United States. The organization has been helping exporters of Northeast food and agricultural products sell their products overseas since 1973.
Global New York
Global NY offers one-stop shopping to both foreign businesses looking to invest in New York and to local businesses that want to export globally. It’s the latest innovation from the state that has been offering global trade and investment opportunities for over 400 years. With offices around the world, we are New York State’s global connection and international business resource.
The International Trade Administration (ITA), U.S. Department of Commerce
Developed by international trade experts and economists, Export.gov provides trusted market intelligence, practical advice and business tools to help U.S. companies expand in global markets. There are additional resources at https://www.trade.gov/
Featured Programs
WESTCHESTER
Entrepreneur Growth Lab (Westchester)
MID-HUDSON
Entrepreneur Growth Lab (Mid-Hudson)
February 11, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
ESPAÑOL (W)
Laboratorio para el Crecimiento Emprendedor (White Plains)
Marzo 5, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
ESPAÑOL (M-H)
Diseña un Sitio Web que Eleva tu Negocio (2 Sesiones)
Abril 3 y Abril 10, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The Women’s Enterprise Development Center (WEDC), a 501(c)(3) corporation empowers entrepreneurs to build successful businesses by providing high-quality training programs, advisory services, and access to capital to generate economic growth in Westchester County and the Hudson Valley.
Together, we are creating a vibrant future of entrepreneurs launching new businesses and growing established companies. Our support and services significantly increase your chance of success through our collaborative learning, powerful network, and community.
Our programs and services are available to everyone.
The Women’s Enterprise Development Center (WEDC), a 501(c)(3) corporation, has been empowering women entrepreneurs to build successful small businesses since 1997 in Westchester County and the Hudson Valley. Our overarching goal is to build a vibrant community of women business owners, comprised of start-up and established companies.