Business Development

At Delaware County Economic Development, we offer a variety of programs to support business owners and entrepreneurs in growing their businesses:

Business Start-up Support

Ready to launch your own business? We can help you with:

  • One-on-one support to walk you through the basics of creating your own company, from navigating industry regulations to getting incorporated and hiring staff.
  • A Business Plan Workbook to identify major questions about structuring your business, developing your market, and making it on your own.
  • Assistance in navigating the Small Business Administration.
  • Help with the NYS Online Permit Assistance and Licensing system so you can research and apply for any permits and licenses applicable to your business.
  • Site selection and financial assistance.

Business Plan Development

Good planning is the key to every successful business. At Delaware County Economic Development we can show you the most important steps in creating a successful and effective business plan using these steps:

  • Before contacting us, it would be best to familiarize yourself with the information you will need to create a business plan.We recommend checking out the SCORE business plan template so you will understand the kind of information that you will need to provide. . The Business Plan Start-Up Guide also also another great tool to familiarize yourself with. All the templates and forms can be found in the Tools & Resources section to the right. 
  • The business plan includes the following sections:
    • Executive Summary
    • Company Description
    • Products & Services
    • Marketing Plan
    • Operational Plan
    • Management & Organization
    • Startup Expenses & Capitalization
    • Financial Plan
    • Appendices

When you are ready to start your business plan, please contact our Economic Development Specialist and they can guide you through the process.

Educational Programs

Delaware County eCenter
Delaware County Economic Development is also a partner in the Delaware County eCenter, a business incubator and resource center providing additional learning opportunities and business support services. We continually develop additional educational programs as we receive suggestions/feedback from businesses.

Business Organizations

The business professionals at the Delaware County Department of Economic Development have in-depth knowledge of local markets, and can help refer you to agencies and non-profits that offer incentives and opportunities for market exposure, including the following:

Delaware County Chamber of Commerce
Give yourself and your business the opportunity to network, grow, and promote your company as well as to learn from othersʼ ideas and find new ways to market your business.

Small Business Association (SBA)
Small business is America’s most powerful engine of opportunity and economic growth. That’s where SBA comes in. SBA offers a variety of programs and support services to help you navigate the issues you face with your initial applications, and resources to help after you open for business. SBA provides assistance with Financing, Government Contracting, Disaster Preparedness/Recovery, Advocacy, Laws & Regulations, and Counseling and Training.

Hancock Partners, Inc.
Hancock Partners, Inc. is a non-profit, 501c New York State Corporation dedicated to foster and promote the economic and social growth of the Greater Hancock, New York area.

MARK Project
For 30 years, MARK has provided housing programs, economic development, and technical assistance services to the Towns of Andes, Middletown, and Roxbury; and the Villages of Fleischmanns and Margaretville. The MARK Project, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, tax-exempt rural development company that unites efforts and secures resources to build and revitalize our communities.

Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC)
The Catskill Watershed Corporation is a Local Development Corporation established to protect the water quality in the New York City Watershed West of the Hudson River (WOH); to preserve and strengthen communities located in the region; and to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of the NYC Water System. CWC provides economic development assistance through Regional Economic Development Initiative (REDI) and Micro Loans, grants, and tourism promotion.