Help for start-ups and existing firms alike
MARGARETVILLE – Start-ups and existing businesses in the Catskill region can get help with training, business plan development, mentoring and securing funding for projects at the newly opened outreach office for the Small Business Development Center.

The new office is located at 773 Main Street. While a formal opening has not been set, service has begun at the new office on an appointment basis. Appointments for the new office can be made by calling the SBDC’s office in Kingston at (845) 339-0025.

The office is a joint project between the New York State Small Business Development Center and the Catskill Watershed Corporation. It is affiliated with Ulster County Community College.

SBDC Business Advisor Sam Kandel spearheads he outreach efforts from Margaretville. He also serves as the primary advisor for the Watershed Region and is supported by the Mid-Hudson SBDC team of seven professional business advisors and the state SBDC research library staff. Kandel has advanced educational credentials and extensive practical experience in entrepreneurship and small business management. He is actively involved with the Catskill Business Roundtable sponsored by the CWC and serves as chairman of the One-Stop Shop Committee.

“During the first few months of operations, the SBDC has already counseled 92 clients and secured over $1,400,000 for businesses located in the Watershed Region. Having the physical presence in Margaretville will enable us to even better serve the entire Watershed Region, including those in the more Western environs.”

Two examples of firms that have benefited recently from SBDC advising are: Continental Cleaners of Liberty, whose owner Cesar Alfaro, an immigrant from Central America, was helped by SBDC to blend funds from the Catskill Watershed Corp. with First National Bank of Jeffersonville and private sources; and The Inn Between, purchased recently by Doug Brady. For this project, SBDC created a funding package including the Catskill Watershed Corp., Delaware National Bank of Delhi and private sources.

The SBDC is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the State of New York and host entities. It is administered by the State University of New York.


Newer Story Return To List Older Story