Strengthening Nonprofits Through Strategic Growth

This year, the Adirondack Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) proudly launched its new Nonprofit Growth & Strategy Program, expanding our services to help nonprofit organizations build capacity, strengthen operations, and achieve long-term sustainability.

For decades, AEDC has provided business advising, strategic planning, and financing solutions to small businesses throughout the North Country. Through this new program, we are bringing that same expertise to nonprofit organizations that play a critical role in the region's economic and community well-being.

From affordable housing and childcare to healthcare, education, arts, and community services, nonprofits are essential to the quality of life across northern New York. Whether an organization is navigating a leadership transition, developing a strategic plan, exploring new revenue opportunities, or preparing for a capital project, AEDC is committed to providing the guidance and resources needed to support its success.

The launch of the Nonprofit Growth & Strategy Program reflects AEDC's ongoing commitment to strengthening the organizations that strengthen our communities. By investing in the capacity and resilience of nonprofit partners, we are helping create a stronger, more vibrant North Country for years to come. 

Pictured: Social Media Image.

Building Connections with North Country Entrepreneurs

Victoria and Jamie from the Adirondack Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) recently enjoyed connecting with talented entrepreneurs as part of the North Country Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 North Country Business Skills Training Series.

The 8-week program officially kicked off on July 7th and brings together entrepreneurs, small business owners, employees, and aspiring founders for hands-on training focused on entrepreneurship, leadership, business planning, marketing, sales, communication, revenue management, and other key areas essential to business success.

AEDC is proud to partner with the North Country Chamber of Commerce and other regional organizations to support opportunities that provide education, resources, and connections for entrepreneurs throughout the North Country. We look forward to a summer filled with learning, collaboration, and continued small business growth across our region.

Pictured: North Country Chamber Social Media Image.

AEDC Shares Insights on Chamber Business Leaders Panel

The greater Lake George region continues to benefit from a thriving, multibillion-dollar economy, but sustaining that momentum requires addressing critical challenges, including affordable housing shortages, complex development regulations, and the continued expansion of a year-round experiential economy.

On June 16, Gina Mintzer, Executive Director of the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau, moderated the Spring Economic Outlook Breakfast at the Courtyard by Marriott Lake George. Under the theme “Where Tourism Meets Development,” the event brought together leaders in finance, real estate, and economic development to discuss the region’s economic outlook and opportunities for continued growth.

Adirondack Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) Executive Director Victoria Duley joined an esteemed panel of business leaders to share insights on the current business climate in the greater Lake George region and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing local businesses.

While panelists highlighted the region’s overall economic strength and stability, they also addressed evolving consumer trends and ongoing pressures facing small businesses. Victoria shared that inflation continues to influence visitor spending patterns, creating a more divided tourism economy and emphasized that rising costs are creating challenges for many independent businesses, particularly the small, locally owned establishments that contribute so much to the region’s unique character and community identity.

AEDC remains committed to supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses, and community partners as they navigate these challenges and work together to build a resilient, vibrant economy throughout the North Country.

Pictured: Panelists at Spring Economic Outlook Breakfast including Gina Mintzer, Jim Siplon, Dave DeMarco, Victoria Duley, Mitch Muroff, & Dan Davies.

AEDC Assists Adirondack Housing Development Corporation

The Adirondack Housing Development Corporation (AHDC), based in Saranac Lake, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding affordable housing opportunities and supporting new housing development throughout the region.

In June, the Adirondack Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) provided a line of credit to AHDC to support the administration of the Franklin County Rental Assistance Fund while the organization awaited grant reimbursements from New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). The program provides rental assistance, including first month's rent and security deposit support, to income-eligible households across Franklin County.

AEDC is proud to continue building its partnership with AHDC and to support its important work in addressing housing needs throughout the region. This financing also marked an important milestone for AEDC, representing the first line of credit product the organization has offered in its history. It reflects our team's commitment to evolving our lending solutions and adapting to meet the unique needs of our clients and communities.  

Pictured: AHDC Closing Meeting.

AEDC Supports Bouquet River Association

The Adirondack Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) was pleased to provide a line of credit to BRASS through the Adirondack Opportunity Fund to help cover costs associated with multiple dam restoration and stream crossing projects throughout the Boquet River watershed.

Serving the towns of Essex, Elizabethtown, Lewis, Westport, and Willsboro, BRASS is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the watershed through habitat and fisheries restoration, flood impact reduction, erosion control, native riparian buffer plantings, and improved recreational access.

AEDC is proud to support the stewardship efforts of this unique nonprofit organization by providing financing that helps advance projects benefiting the region's natural resources, communities, and long-term environmental resilience.

Pictured: Colin Powers, Executive Director of the Boquet River Association Vic Putnam, Board President of the Boquet River Association, & Jamie Cecilia, Director of Lending at AEDC.

AEDC Connects With Business at Chamber Business Expo

The recent North Country Chamber of Commerce Business Expo was filled with incredible energy, meaningful connections, and opportunities for collaboration across the region.

Members of the Adirondack Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) team enjoyed connecting with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community partners from throughout the North Country during the event, held at SUNY Plattsburgh.

Business expositions like this provide a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships, celebrate regional businesses, and build partnerships that support continued economic growth throughout our communities.

Congratulations and thank you to the North Country Chamber of Commerce team for organizing a truly successful event and bringing together so many talented businesses and leaders from across the region.

Pictured: AEDC Staff Members at Business Expo.

AEDC Helps Launch State Farm Agency In Herkimier

Jasmin Arias, owner of a new State Farm Insurance agency in Herkimer, partnered with the Adirondack Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) to secure financing for working capital and office startup expenses as she launched her business.

The agency offers a full range of insurance products, including auto, home, life, health, and business insurance, providing personalized coverage solutions to meet the unique needs of individuals, families, and businesses throughout the community.

Through a combination of the SBA Microloan Program, the Adirondack Opportunity Fund, and the New York State Small Business Revolving Loan Fund, AEDC provided the financing needed to help bring this new business to life.

AEDC is proud to support the growth of Minority and Woman Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) throughout the region. Assisting Jasmin in launching her business represents an investment not only in a local entrepreneur but also in the continued economic vitality of Herkimer County

NYS Economic Development Council Networking Event In Saratoga Springs

AEDC recently participated in a networking and collaboration event hosted by the New York State Economic Development Council (NYSEDC) at Saratoga Race Course. The gathering brought together economic development professionals and business partners from across New York State to foster connections, discuss regional opportunities, and strengthen partnerships that support economic growth.

AEDC Executive Director Victoria Duley represented the organization at the event, connecting with economic development leaders from around the state, including Ryan Silva, Executive Director of the NYSEDC, and Molly Ryan, Clinton County Director of Economic Development and an AEDC Board Member.

Events like these provide valuable opportunities to build relationships, share ideas, and collaborate on initiatives that promote sustainable economic development and strengthen communities throughout New York State.

Pictured: Victoria Duley, Ryan Silva, & Molly Ryan.