Empire State Development

Our mission statement The mission of Empire State Development (“ESD”) is to promote a vigorous, inclusive and growing state economy, encourage business investment and job creation, and support diverse, local economies across New York State through the efficient use of loans, grants, tax credits, real estate development, marketing, and other forms of assistance. To support our economic development mission, ESD: - invests strategically in infrastructure, innovation, place-making and revitalization, tradable sectors, and workforce development, with a focus on sustainability and historically disadvantaged populations across the state; - is transparent and responsive to the needs of diverse communities and businesses across the state, including through the active participation of the Regional Councils; - supports the retention and growth of existing businesses, the resilience of communities, and the development of new businesses and industries; - promotes equality of economic opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses (“MWBEs”) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (“SDVOBs”); - assists in the development of underutilized property to spur community revitalization, housing, and commercial activity; - provides early-stage support for new ventures, including the research and development and commercialization of new technologies; and - strengthens New York State’s innovation-based economy through partnerships with our acclaimed universities, promoting entrepreneurialism through the development of incubators and next-generation manufacturing and technology hubs across the state.