State economic development officials have launched a business-focused website as a central information clearinghouse for companies expanding or relocating in New York.
The resource, New York First (www.NYfirst.NY.gov), eliminates site-hopping among state agencies by businesses searching for economic development programs available in New York. Its creation cost just over $1,000, according to Empire State Development agency officials.
Announcing the recent launch, Gov. David A. Paterson said the website “will serve as a centralized economic development resource to show companies all of the benefits available to anyone who does business in New York. Websites are often a ”˜here’s who we are and what we do,”™ but New York First articulates, ”˜Here”™s what New York can do for you.”™”
The business portal was developed and will be administered by Empire State Development, the state”™s chief economic development agency. It includes content on 35 agencies that offer targeted financial incentives and technical expertise to companies and provides information for every type of business.
Empire State Development Chairman and CEO Dennis M. Mullen said New York First “offers visitors unprecedented access to the programs, tax credits and incentives the state has available to help businesses realize their vision and run a successful venture in New York state.” ESD experts will respond to every email or phone call within one business day, he guaranteed.
“We encourage visitors to work with these economic development professionals throughout the state to find the program that is right for their business,” Mullen said. “Feedback is always welcome and the site will grow and evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of business.”
Website features include:
A Business Resource Center ”“ a catalog of the state’s full complement of business incentives.
A list of economic development resources by region, created in partnership with the nonprofit www.BUZgate.org, a leading guide to small business resources.
A mobile version of New York First for easy access from cellular devices such as iPhone, iPad and Blackberry.
