Governor Cuomo launches business-services initiative

Gov. Andrew Cuomo Thursday launched a multi-agency initiative offering free business services that he says will help employers overcome obstacles and grow their businesses in New York.

The state expanded its website, theNewNY.com, with a new section that consolidates all the resources available to simplify how businesses can find recruitment and training services; financing options, incentives and tax credits; business counseling; and minority and women-owned business certification, the governor’s office said in a news release.

All of the services are available at no cost to businesses, the office added.

The effort continues to transform state government into an “active” partner with the business community, helping local businesses open and grow in New York, Cuomo noted in the news release.

“This initiative to streamline state resources will create a one-stop-shop for businesses to find new employees, utilize existing supportive programs and most importantly, save money. We are also making New York State Business Service Team members available to provide direct hands-on assistance to any businesses that need their help,” Cuomo said.

Whether a business is just starting up, expanding, or looking to fill a few vacancies, New York State Business Service Team members are available to help businesses list their jobs, access hiring and training incentives, obtain business-tax credits and incentives, secure business capital, and find layoff-aversion resources, according to the governor’s office.

Business Service Team members can also act as an extension for human-resources (HR) teams to help in selecting job candidates, creating and reviewing employee handbooks, developing HR policies, reviewing employee turnover and offering alternatives to downsizing.

Those services are available at no charge, the governor’s office said.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com