City of Ithaca Seeks Eligible Projects, Public Input for Round 8 DRI Application

The City of Ithaca is preparing a new application to the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) to support catalytic projects in the West State Street Corridor and West End. With support from the consulting firm, MRB Group, the City issued an open call for projects. Organizations, businesses, and entities planning capital improvements within the designated boundaries are encouraged to submit a project form by Monday, August 5.

Find the project form and more information, including a schedule of events, polls, and surveys intended to solicit public input, here>>

CenterState CEO Among Winners of

EDA’s Tech Hub Awards

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced $504 million in implementation grants awarded to 12 Tech Hub designees to scale up production and delivery of critical technologies, strengthen economic competitiveness and national security, and accelerate the growth of industries of the future across the country. The 12 Tech Hubs to receive funding were chosen from the initial slate of 31 announced by President Biden in October 2023 as part of the CHIPS and Science Act.

Included among them was Syracuse-based CenterState CEO, a designated convener of the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse-Ithaca NY SMART I-Corridor. The investment puts the region in an unequivocal position to accelerate strategies for growth and further solidifies Upstate NY as a global leader of semiconductor innovation, manufacturing, workforce training, and business attraction.

“This success would not have been possible if not for the strong collaboration amongst our partners from across Syracuse, Buffalo, Rochester, and Ithaca. The vision and leadership of these partners are the true legacy of this work. I’m incredibly grateful for their commitment to our shared vision,” said Rob Simpson, CenterState CEO President.

“Sail-Thru Summer” Initiative Aims to Promote MWBE Certification Across NYS

Governor Hochul unveiled a statewide effort to advance Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) opportunities across the state. Led by Empire State Development, the “Sail-Thru-Summer” Initiative encourages applicants to work with Entrepreneurship Assistance Centers (EACs) or Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to complete their MWBE certification applications. The streamlined process will incorporate hands-on assistance from the EACs and SBDCs to expedite certification determinations, with eligible applicants receiving decisions in as few as 90 days.

Learn more:

• New York State’s MWBE program>>
• Find your local Entrepreneurship Assistance Centers Directory>>
• New York Small Business Development Center locations>>

SouthWorks Hosting Open House July 30 and 31

SouthWorks will host its first-ever Open House on July 30 (9 am – 5 pm) and July 31 (3 – 7 pm). Community members, prospective tenants, brokers, business incubators, and other interested parties are invited to experience the current space and envision its future.

Contact Sarah Barden:

• sbarden@shiftcapital.us
• Or RSVP here>>

SouthWorks is a $500-million project to transform the former Emerson Power Transmission site into a mixed-use neighborhood featuring housing, light industrial, research and development, and workforce training. The entire project is expected to take 10 years, with the first phase set to launch mid-2025.

Call for Presenters: Manufacturing and Development Expo (MADE)

Thursday, October 10, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.  

Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3), Dryden, NY 

The annual MADE event gives area manufacturers a unique opportunity to connect with local youth, showcase your work, and highlight available careers. Representatives from your organization will meet with groups of students throughout the event and present interactive displays and activities.

• Register to participate! Deadline is July 19>>

MADE is a collaboration between IAED, TC3, Alliance for Manufacturing & Technology, Tompkins County Workforce Development Board, Tompkins Workforce NY, TST BOCES, Cortland Works Career Center, and Cayuga-Cortland Workforce Development Board.