Partnerships among NYSERDA, Center for Economic Growth, and the Small Business Development Center will Assist Business Expansion and Job Creation Efforts

August 7, 2009

Albany, NY — The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today announced that the Center for Economic Growth (CEG) and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), University at Albany, have entered into partnership agreements with NYSERDA to provide support for the growth and expansion of clean energy and environmental technology companies located at the Saratoga Technology + Energy Park® (STEP®) and throughout New York State. These agreements will lay the groundwork for optimal business development related services for start-up and emerging technology companies to maximize job creation and retention, allow them to compete in national and global marketplaces, and increase the production of ‘Made in New York’ clean energy and environmentally sustainable products.

“As a national leader in the development and promotion of energy-efficient and clean energy technologies, NYSERDA and our partners are committed to providing companies the services they need to undertake new ventures, expand into new markets, and create jobs,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA. “Under Governor David A. Paterson’s clean energy agenda, developing and supporting these businesses will not only help meet our energy and environmental challenges, it also will continue to position New York as a leader in the thriving clean energy economy.”

Separate agreements have been signed by NYSERDA with the CEG and SBDC allowing each organization to provide business and technology support to established, emerging, or future clean technology businesses throughout the State and for tenants located at STEP. Because the economic development missions of each of the organizations include the support for emerging clean energy and environmental technology related companies, each party understands the importance of fostering growth within the clean-tech sector and the importance of collaborating to leverage each other’s expertise and resources.

“We are looking forward to another successful partnership with NYSERDA. CEG is committed to offering targeted, high-impact business improvement services to emerging technology companies throughout Tech Valley,” said President and CEO F. Michael Tucker. “With many of the region's emerging environmental and clean-energy companies located at STEP, this is a natural collaboration between our two organizations.”

"Collaboration and accessibility of resources are effective elements of economic development. The SBDC, NYSERDA and CEG have been working together for years, but these agreements assemble a strong combination of resources to benefit small business development,” said Bill Brigham, Director of the University At Albany based SBDC. “The SBDC Business Advisors and Technology Entrepreneur in Residence will provide expert onsite technical assistance in business planning, marketing, access to capital, and financial analysis services that will accelerate the development of energy technology companies, as well as small businesses in general.”

Facilitating access to funding opportunities, technical services to streamline operations, one-on-one counseling, development of strategic partnering and alliances, and business development activities that create value for entrepreneurs, investors, and early stage companies are all possible services to be offered as a result of the agreements.

"In order for our economy to move forward and grow in the 21st century, we must create a business environment that encourages the growth and expansion of clean energy and environmental technology companies,” stated Senator Neil D. Breslin. “The announcement of these partnership agreements will help foster that environment by giving emerging clean energy companies the resources to compete not only on a local level but also on a national and global level as well.”

"I want to commend NYSERDA and their professional staff for the outstanding job they have done, on behalf of my community and residents I would like to thank them as well. This agreement means good things for the future of our community. STEP, GLOBALFOUNDRIES, and the HVCC Campus in Luther Forest means jobs and careers for our residents and young people. These projects are one of the many reasons why the Capital Region is such a great place to work, live and raise a family,” stated Senator Roy McDonald.

"I am confident that this partnership will help make New York State a leader in clean and renewable energy, foster economic growth and most importantly create new, and high-paying local jobs. By supporting clean energy, we will lay the foundation for a vibrant economy in upstate New York while going a long way toward preserving our environment for generations to come,” said Assemblyman Tony Jordan (R,C-Jackson)

Earlier this year, NYSERDA entered into similar agreements with the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering of the University at Albany and the New York State Foundation for Science, Technology, and Innovation (NYSTAR) who will also offer support to emerging or start-up companies in the clean energy and environmental technology fields. Notably, these agreements will enable emerging clean energy and environmental technology companies to access cutting-edge research and development tools that will help them accelerate the development of technologies to reduce energy consumption, promote environmental sustainability, and lead to economic growth.

NYSERDA will continue to actively market and promote its research and development program funding opportunities to attract clean energy manufacturing companies to STEP. Assistance is available to businesses and entrepreneurs who are starting out, launching new products or services, or expanding existing operations.

Already home to several companies involved in the manufacturing and deployment of clean energy and environmental technologies, STEP is a knowledge-based community committed to the success of clean energy and environmental businesses so that they can grow, create jobs, and compete in national and global marketplaces.

STEP’s campus-like setting, proximity to universities and the Luther Forest Technology Campus, and area clean energy manufacturing and research companies creates an opportunity for synergy and collaboration with ongoing research and development activity at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering at the University at Albany, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and General Electric’s Global Research and Development facility. For more information visit STEP at NYSERDA.ny.gov.

CONTACT:

Sal Graven, NYSERDA
518-862-1090, ext 3331
sg2@nyserda.ny.gov