Governor Andrew Cuomo appeared at JCC in July 2013 to discuss the Start-Up NY economic development agenda. (Photo from Gov. Cuomo’s Press Room)
JAMESTOWN – Part of the reason why the New Flyer bus company set up a manufacturing division in Jamestown is due in large part to Start-Up NY.
The program, which was launched in 2013 and included an appearance by Gov. Andrew Cuomo at Jamestown Community College, partners with colleges across the state to identify areas in the community to invest in and develop new businesses, which then receive a 10-year tax break from the state when the move into the area and create new jobs.
However, despite being launched more than three years ago, the program saw criticism last year because it had created just over 400 new jobs across the state, despite a more than $50 million being spent on marketing.
Following the presentation welcoming New Flyer to Jamestown, WRFA asked Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul about the program and what it means to finally see it put to use in Chautauqua County.
“The premise behind it was to create a linkage behind the business community and universities, colleges and community colleges to make sure that the skills are being taught that the businesses need, and that’s exactly what is going on here,” Hochul explained. “We heard that from the president of JCC. We heard that this program is the reason this company came to New York State and came to Jamestown. They would not have come here but for this program, because in their words they said it gave them a competitive advantage. That’s what we want to hear. This was the genesis of this whole program, to give us an advantage over other states.”
WRFA also asked Hochul what assurance can be given that this won’t be the only Start Up NY program in our area.
“That actually took a little while for JCC to prepare for this, and they mentioned that. They wanted to be involved and they had some work to do on their end,” Hochul said. “Now that that’s been accomplished, I don’t think there’s any limit to how many companies can take advantage of this. Again, it’s working. They are going to bring in JCC students as interns, give them hands-on experience, so that when they graduate they are going to have hands-on experience for these jobs of tomorrow.”
According to the Lt. Gov., more than 200 different businesses across New York have benefited from the Start Up NY program since its inception.
While Start Up NY will continue to be in operation for the forseeable future, it will do so under a new name. As part of his budget message last week, Gov. Cuomo said the program will now have a new name and will be known as the Excelsior Business Program.
Leave a Reply