The Syracuse business community prides itself on being supportive of new business start-ups and creating a fertile ground on which new businesses can grow. If you are interested in starting your own business or taking your existing business to a higher level, there are many local resources available to you.

The Entrepreneurial Council of the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1999. Membership is comprised of approximately 65 business and educational organizations that have a desire to foster the creation of an entrepreneurial community. Within the Council, four subgroups were formed to oversee key initiatives: Angel Network, Business Incubator Center, Mentoring and Visibility.

The Council proactively fosters and facilitates resources for entrepreneurial business growth with the potential to create sustainable jobs and capital investment in the Greater Syracuse area.

The Goals of the Entrepreneurial Council are:

• Market Greater Syracuse as a premier business location for entrepreneurs already engaged in or considering engaging in these business activities
• Serve as this area's information clearinghouse for entrepreneurs assistance, education programs, and other resources
• Promote the clearinghouse's existence and value to the community

Syracuse is a city that embraces the entrepreneurial spirit. If you are a budding entrepreneur or would like more information about local entrepreneurial efforts, we invite you to contact our Entrepreneurial Council for details. Call Nasir Ali at (315) 474-0910 or nasir@growsyracuse.com.

The U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a variety of financial and technical programs designed to assist you with the development of your small business. The SBA offers seminars, publications, financial programs, SCORE counseling, regulatory information and much more.

Contact the SBA at:
      U.S. Small Business Administration
      401 South Salina Street, 5th Floor
      Syracuse, NY. 13202
      (315) 471-9393
      www.sba.gov

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC), located at Onondaga Community College, provides business management assistance for start-up businesses as well as established businesses. The SBDC offer confidential counseling, business training, research assistance, business plan development, accounting & finance programs and more.

Contact the SBDC at:
      Small Business Development Center
      Onondaga Community College
      Whitney ATC Building - Suite 210
      4941 Onondaga Road
      Syracuse, NY 13215-2099
      (315) 498-6070
      E-mail: garofals@sunyocc.edu