Through a network of 24 regional centers, the New York State Small Business Development Center delivers high quality business counseling and training to New Yorkers who want to start a business or improve the performance of an existing business. Thanks to our partners in the public and private sectors, our services are free of charge.

Are you starting or growing a business in New York State? Make an appointment for free business advisement

Do you have a question not answered in our FAQ? Ask a business advisor online.

Congratulations to our SBA award-winning clients:

• Angella Luyk of Midnight Janitorial - Buffalo District, New York State and Region II Home-Based Business Person of the Year
• Les Swartz of Federal Safety Equipment - 2008 Syracuse District Small Business Person of the Year 2008
• Brad Rosenstein of Jack's Oyster House, Syracuse District's Jeffrey Butland Family-owned Business of the Year Award

The Recovery Act & Doing Business in an Economic Downturn

Learn what the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act means for small businesses from this SBA site. Particularly useful is their Recovery Act Frequently Asked Questions for Small Business Owners (pdf).

For those in New York State, the State Senate has created a helpful report, "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: The Federal Stimulus Impact on New York State."

NYS SBDC is placing extra emphasis on government contracting assistance, helping small businesses participate in the "shovel-ready" projects in the stimulus plan. More information about procurement assistance is available here.

For more information and resources:

General Information about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and New York State
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and Small Business

Do you want to know more about what you can do as a business owner during times of economic downturn?

The librarians of the NYS SBDC have put together a list of some helpful articles and resources here: Information you need...to find business solutions during an economic downturn

Get other great advice from NYS SBDC advisors in the following resources:

"Smart Moves in a Bad Economy" by C.J. Prince in the December 2008 issue of Entrepreneur quotes Ira Davidson, director of the Pace University Small Business Development Center.

"Marketing in a Troubled Economy" (video) Part 1 Part 2 Part 3, featuring Lucille Wesnofske and Ritu Wackett of the Farmingdale SBDC

"Expert Suggests Entrepreneurs Turn to Small Banks for Loans" (video) featuring Catalina Castaño of the Pace University SBDC

"The Credit Squeeze on Small Business" (video) featuring Tom Morley of the Westchester SBDC