Adirondack Frontier Watch: April 2023

It’s an exciting time to live and work in Franklin County! Visitors have discovered the beauty and diversity of the Adirondack Frontier as they travel here to paddle, snowmobile, or just find peace and quiet. In our authentic downtowns, businesses are opening and dozens of new housing units are planned or under construction. The next generation of entrepreneurs are bringing renewed strength to local businesses that our communities depend on. And a diversity of job prospects means that more young people can start rewarding careers without leaving the area.

The purpose of economic development organizations is to create the conditions that allow communities and businesses to thrive and over the last several years we have built capacity and added new programs to better respond to needs and opportunities. The board and staff work tirelessly to support the businesses, communities and people of Franklin County and I am proud to work with such a dedicated group of volunteers and professionals.

We have been able to support Franklin County legislative priorities like creating a land bank, expanding broadband and providing grants to small businesses. We also supported renewable energy projects, helped communities strengthen their downtowns, and assisted with businesses transitioning to new owners.

We will continue the rewarding work of building a strong economic development climate, vibrant entrepreneurial culture, flourishing downtowns, and resilient industries. I look forward to working with our many partners to help Franklin County thrive. The Adirondack Frontier is Where the Wilderness Works!

North Country Alliance.
FCEDC is a member of the North Country Alliance (NCA), a tightly knit group of economic development and business leaders from across the region. NCA recently released its 2023 education and outreach agenda that highlights the issues and topics that NCA feels are important priorities for the North Country including broadband, childcare, workforce, housing, and tourism.

Read the full agenda here.

Child Care Program. 
Child care is a critical issue in the North Country. Much of Franklin County is designated as a child care desert. Two new programs are aiming to improve resources for child care providers:

1. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is hosting a free training event called “Building Business Skills and Practices for Family Child Care Providers onTuesday, May 2, 9, and 16: 7:00 – 8:45 pm. The program will offer thorough training on financial best practices, marketing and maximizing your resources for success. To register for this event, click here.
2. Franklin County’s Pipeline Project is seeking people to guide through the child care licensing process. With about $4,000 per provider in start-up funding to offer, the County is seeking those with an interest in becoming a childcare provider to guide, support and educate them on the process. For more information read a recent NCPR article here or visit the Child Care Council of the North County.

Franklin County Small Business Assistance Program.
We closed out our administration of the Franklin County Small Business Assistance Program, which resulted in $500,000 in direct grants to seven small businesses in Franklin County. These grants addressed pandemic impacts and enabled investment in equipment, inventory and staff capacity that made their businesses more resilient for the future.

Round 1 Awards | Round 2 Awards

U. S. Small Business Administration Resources.
The U. S. Small Business Administration has lending programs designed for small businesses that can address financing needs for microloans and facilities, working capital, inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, machinery, or equipment. The FCEDC team can guide you through the financing process and help you find the right lending partner and approach.

Empire State Development Resources.
According to Empire State Development, small businesses make up 98 percent of New York State businesses and employ 40% of New York’s private sector workforce. ESD’s Small Business Division offers a number of programs to assist businesses in New York State. Our team researches these programs and builds relationships with partners to provide your business with expert guidance on what could work for your situation.

Renewable Energy.
The North Country has long been a leader in renewable energy production. Provisions of the New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act will drive additional renewable energy development. And while wind and solar projects grab a lot of the headlines, we are also home to small hydropower producers that generate clean and reliable energy.

Northern Power & Light is a Franklin County company that helps electricity customers purchase power from these local producers. Check out our latest Where the Wilderness Worksvideo to learn more.

Main Street Brushton.
We recently had the opportunity to give a presentation to a group of Brushton and Moira business owners followed by a presentation to the Brushton Village Board about downtown revitalization. Topics included grant opportunities, educational resources and strategies for property owners and communities partnering together to reach downtown revitalization goals.

Owl’s Head Community Center.
We were excited to meet with representatives from the Owls Head Mountain View Community Connection. They are raising funds to purchase and renovate the church in Owl’s Head and turn it into a community center. We provided ideas of funding sources and strategies for funding appeals. Anyone interested in supporting the project can donate here!