Economic Development

Chautauqua Works is committed to helping business succeed and thrive in today's global marketplace.  We are dedicated to supporting all businesses of various industries, of any size, whether it is providing assistance in starting-up, growing or remaining in Chautauqua County as it relates to workforce issues. 

There are many economic development partners that can provide support on the other aspects of business such as finances, marketing, zoning, etc.  Below are just some of the partners providing such services.   Depending on the community in which your business is located, there may be additional local resources to assist businesses in the area of economic development.  For a referral to these services or assistance in deciding the most appropriate organization to start with, contact Dr. Susan McNamara. 

CCIDA - Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency

CCIDA helps businesses secure financial assistance, provides business advocacy services and develops both infrastructure and industrial parks -- all of which enhance the county's economic picture.  For more information, contact Bill Daly at (716) 664-3262 or dalyw@co.chautauqua.ny.us.

CODI - Chautauqua Opportunities for Development, Inc.

CODI provides lending, consulting, and training services to local busineses.  Through the lending program, CODI offers secured loans ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 and can be used for most business related purposes, including the purchase of equipment, inventory, and real estate, as well as working capital and refinancing.  For more information, contact Carol Ford at (716) 363-6364 or cford@chautopp.org.

Empire Zones

If you are considering expanding your business or relocating your business to Chautauqua County, you may want to consider the benefits associated with having a location in an Empire Zone (EZ).   Chautauqua County has two designated Empire Zones, the Dunkirk-Sheridan EZ and the Greater Jamestown EZ.  There are considerable tax credits and other incentives for businesses that become certified as an EZ business.  For more information, contact either Drew Shapiro, Dunkirk/Sheridan Zone at (716) 366-2334 or info@dsez.com OR Gregory S. Lindquist, Greater Jamestown Zone at (716) 483-7773 or info@greaterjamestownez.com.

ESD - Empire State Development

ESD provides technical and financial assistance to businesses that wish to start up, relocate, expand, and retain/enlarge workforce in NYS.  for more information, contact Bob Iszard at (716) 856-8123 or riszard@empire.state.ny.us.

MAST - Manufacturing Association of the Southern Tier

The Manufacturers Association works with government and various organizations to define and address the economic development needs of the manufacturing community.  MAST is a strong advocate for the needs of manufacturers whether it is workforce development needs, environmental issues, infrastructure development, workers compensation, health care cost containment or tax relief.  For more information, contact Todd Tranum at (716) 483-1833 or ttranum@chautauquachamber.org.

SBDC - Small Business Development Center

Through direct one-on-one counseling with a professional advisor, the SBDC provides a range of management and technical assistance services.  A sampling of these services includes:  business plan development, accounting, marketing, small business start-ups, financial planning, training programs, loan information assistance, and market research.  For more information, contact Irene Dobies at (716) 665-5754 or irenedobies@mail.sunyjcc.edu.