State & Local Incentives

New York State

START-UP NY

START-UP NY designates tax-free zones on or near State University of New York (SUNY) campuses to help both new and growing businesses. Ulster County’s sites include both SUNY Ulster and SUNY New Paltz. Participating businesses operate free of some State taxes for up to 10 years, which may include corporate, business and sales tax as well as franchise fees. Under the program, businesses can take advantage of the assets of the State university system such as research laboratories and industry experts.

Excelsior Jobs Program

The Excelsior Jobs Program provides job creation and investment incentives to firms in targeted industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceutical, high-tech, green technology, financial services, agriculture and manufacturing. Firms in these strategic industries that create or retain jobs or make a significant financial investment are eligible for up to four tax credits. The four refundable tax credits are:

  • The Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit: A credit of between $2,500 and $5,000 per new job to cover a portion of the associated payroll cost.
  • The Excelsior Investment Tax Credit: Valued at two percent of qualified investments.
  • The Excelsior Research and Development Tax Credit: A ten percent credit for new expenditures based on the Federal Research and Development credit.
  • The Excelsior Real Property Tax Credit: Available to firms locating in certain distressed areas and to firms in targeted industries that meet higher employment and investment thresholds.

Consolidated Funding Applications

New York State’s annual grant and loan programs (CFA) assist businesses that create jobs and make infrastructure investments. The Ulster County Office of Economic Development assists Ulster County’s businesses, nonprofits and municipalities through the CFA process each year. Call the UCOED at (845) 340-3556 or via email at oed[at]co.ulster.ny[dot]us for more information.

New York State Energy Research & Development Agency (NYSERDA)

NYSERDA's economic development program is designed to improve New York State's business climate by creating strategic partnerships with the public and private sector that support product development and the use of energy-efficient technologies. Below is a list of program. For more information, contact Pat Courtney Strong at (845) 331-2238.

  • Alternative-Fuel Vehicle Program
  • New Construction Program
  • Peak Load Reduction Program
  • Building Commissioning (HVAC tuning)
  • HVAC
  • Small Commercial Lighting
  • Premium Efficiency Motors
  • Solar-Electric (PV) System Incentive Program
  • FlexTech - Technical Assistance
  • Energy Audit Program
  • New York Energy $mart Loan Fund
  • Green Buildings
  • Enhanced Commercial/Industrial Performance Program

SUNY Workforce Development Grant – Through SUNY Ulster

Any company with two or more employees may apply for a SUNY Workforce Development Grant. First priority is given to businesses that are newly relocated to New York State, new business start-ups, businesses that are expanding their operations and/or employers creating new jobs. Consideration is also given to employers improving productivity, efficiency, effectiveness and profitability through training. The once-a-year grant requires at least a 10 percent cash match. The grant is written and administered by SUNY Ulster on behalf of the applicant company. For more information, click here.

Ulster County

Ulster County Industrial Development Agency

The Ulster County Industrial Development Agency offers bonding as well as sales, mortgage and real property tax abatements for qualified projects.

Central Hudson

Central Hudson is committed to supporting Ulster County’s businesses that create quality jobs in the territory it serves, particularly high-tech and industrial manufacturing companies in industries with positive long-term prospects.

For information about available grants, click here.