Start a Business in Tompkins County
The entrepreneurial ecosystem in Ithaca and Tompkins County are among the best anywhere. Existing business networks are anxious to support you, our community cares about shopping locally with small businesses, innovation abounds (thanks to our higher education landscape), and a rich set of resources are available to help ensure your success.
Below and on nearby pages you will find resources for starting or growing a business here, workforce development resources for employers, and grant or funding opportunities that may influence how your next chapter unfolds.
For an initial business resource screening appointment, email Sarah Barden at sbarden@tompkinschamber.org.
Join the Chamber
Joining the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce can help you connect to the local business community quickly, and help you navigate the resources and opportunities while you start your business. Our Chamber has a very active network, numerous opportunities to connect with peers and mentors, engages in regular advocacy with elected officials, and offers numerous benefits to support your new or growing business. Just click the button at the top right of this page!
Startup Incubator
REV is a business incubator and workspace in Ithaca, NY. They offer business mentorship, workspace, and startup resources for primarily high-growth, innovative technology firms, and food and beverage producers hoping to introduce new products to market. REV brings unique resources to the community thanks to the support they receive from Cornell University, Ithaca College, Tompkins Cortland Community College, and the State of New York. Learn more here.
Small Business Development Center
For those just starting out on the path to creating your business, we recommend taking advantage of the no-cost New York State Small Business Development Center’s counseling sessions. These one-hour complimentary sessions occur at our office and are available by appointment only. To schedule your counseling session, please call them at 607-777-4024. For more information on the Small Business Development Center click here for details.
Alternatives Credit Union
Business CENTS is the small business development program of Alternatives Federal Credit Union, offering training, consultation, and relationship building opportunities for entrepreneurs. Learn more about the Business Cents program resources here.
City of Ithaca Economic Development Office
The City of Ithaca provides support to those looking to start a business in Ithaca and partners with other agencies to deliver resources. Click here for more information or to contact the Deputy Director of Economic Development.
Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
The IURA secures and manages resources to improve the social, physical, and economic characteristics of the City of Ithaca. Learn more here about their City of Ithaca economic development loan program.
Downtown Ithaca Alliance
The Downtown Ithaca Alliance is charged with assisting businesses and investors interested in downtown Ithaca projects. Downtown Ithaca has many exciting retail space opportunities available, as well as numerous services for new businesses and those looking to expand or relocate in the downtown area. Learn more.
U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) connects entrepreneurs with lenders and funding to help them plan, start and grow their business all throughout the country. View their 10 step guide to starting a business.