SUFFERN, NY – The Lower Hudson Valley Small Business Development Center (LHVSBDC), headquartered in Rockland, has secured a $100,000 grant from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to aid businesses impacted by the closure of the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant (IPNPP). The initiative, spearheaded by the center’s Regional Director, focuses on economic development across Rockland, Westchester, and Putnam counties.
Mitigating Economic Impact Through Education and Innovation
The grant aims to provide essential support and training to businesses and entrepreneurs in the region, helping them adapt and thrive despite the economic challenges posed by the plant’s closure. The LHVSBDC is set to launch a series of free courses and programs designed to equip local business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills needed to navigate new opportunities and expand their markets.
One of the first courses, “How to Start a Child Care Business,” will be offered to the community at no cost, reflecting the center’s commitment to fostering diverse economic growth in the area. The LHVSBDC has requested the support of local congressional offices in promoting these courses, ensuring widespread participation across the communities they serve.
Strategic Initiatives for Local Businesses
The LHVSBDC’s approach is multifaceted, with programs tailored to the specific needs of businesses and individuals affected by the IPNPP closure:
- Re-imagining Existing Businesses: The center will assist businesses in transforming their operations by leveraging technology. Training will focus on expanding online presence through virtual storefronts, utilizing delivery methods, and tapping into logistics opportunities that have emerged in the area. By modernizing their business models, local companies can reach wider audiences and increase revenue streams.
- Gig Economy Training: Recognizing the growing gig economy, the LHVSBDC aims to empower individuals to become solo entrepreneurs. With the recent influx of residents migrating from New York City, opportunities for services such as dog walking, food delivery, personal shopping, and tourism have expanded. The center will guide participants in effectively using technology and apps to capitalize on these opportunities, emphasizing the potential for entrepreneurial success in this evolving landscape.
- Subcontracting Opportunities: The LHVSBDC will also focus on positioning local businesses as subcontractors to larger enterprises in industries like tourism, clean energy, construction, and bioscience, which are flourishing in the region. By targeting Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs), the center hopes to connect local talent with larger, more capitalized companies, enabling economic growth through collaboration.
- Social Media and Marketing Training: To help local businesses gain visibility, the center will offer courses on social media marketing, including best practices for online advertising and effective photo-sharing techniques. By teaching entrepreneurs how to navigate these platforms successfully, the LHVSBDC aims to boost the online presence of businesses throughout the region.
- SBA Programs and Services: Finally, the LHVSBDC will educate clients on the range of services and products available through the SBA. With its strong connections to SBA lenders and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), the center is well-positioned to provide critical resources and financial support to businesses looking to grow and innovate.
Collaboration and Community Support
The grant, secured with the backing of letters of support from local legislators, demonstrates a collaborative effort to bolster economic development in the Lower Hudson Valley. The LHVSBDC expressed its gratitude to the region’s congressional representatives, whose advocacy was instrumental in obtaining this vital funding.
As the center rolls out these new programs, it remains dedicated to ensuring that all courses and resources are accessible and free of charge, reflecting its mission to support the local community’s economic resilience and growth.
For more information on the upcoming courses and how to participate, community members are encouraged to sign up on this form.