North Central
Small Business Development Center

We help people make informed decisions and take informed action.

We provide no-cost, confidential advisement to existing and aspiring entrepreneurs, whether they are just getting started of have been in business for generations.

Our customized advisement approach

Our case-management advisement program delivers customized one-to-one counseling that helps entrepreneurs determine the best approach to achieving their goals.

Accessibility

We can meet with clients virtually, over-the-phone, or in-person at one of our many locations.

Upcoming Educational Experiences

Strategic Re-shoring & U.S. Manufacturing: A Practical Roadmap for Growth

IEEPA Tariff Refunds Explained: Eligibility, Process & Next Steps

July Fast Track to Small Business Training

ATTENTION NY Food & Beverage Companies: Meet International Buyers Without Leaving New York

NOTE: This event is virtual

This is a 4-part webinar series designed to guide businesses through this process step by step—from strategy to research, feasibility, and execution.

Global supply chains are evolving, and many businesses are taking a fresh look at where and how they manufacture. Whether driven by rising costs, supply disruptions, customer expectations, or growth opportunities, companies are increasingly exploring reshoring or establishing manufacturing in the United States.

However, moving production to the U.S.—or launching manufacturing for the first time—requires more than a simple decision. It involves understanding market conditions, identifying suppliers, evaluating costs, accessing funding, and planning for successful execution.

Date: 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24

Time: 12pm - 1:00pm

Location: Virtual webinar

NOTE: This event is HYBRID.

The Fast Track to Business Start-Up Workshop is an intensive Hybrid 20 hour workshop* that is offered IN-PERSON or VIRTUALLY over a 3 day period. This workshop will be facilitated by a Certified Small Business Advisor, Robert Griffin, and includes a variety of presenters who are all experts in different facets of small business start-up.

Dates: July 21, July 23, July 28th
Time: 9am - 4:30pm each day
Location: 1281 NY-96, Waterloo NY 13165 or Join us VIRTUALLY

Topics will include:

- Business Plan Development
- Legalities
- Accounting/Bookkeeping
- Marketing/Branding
- Social Media
- Financial Management
- Business Financing Options
- HR/Payroll
- Commercial Real Estate
- Risk Management

HYBRID means that the workshop offers both in-person and virtual attendance options.

*The Fast Track workshop also meets the requirements of the NYS SEAP (Self Employment Assistance Program) through the Department of Labor. Facilitated by Certified NY SBDC Business Advisor Robert Griffin

NOTE: This event is Virtual.

Recent legal and regulatory developments have raised important questions about tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Many businesses are wondering whether they may be eligible for tariff refunds, which duties remain in effect, and what steps are required to pursue a claim.

Join us for a practical one-hour webinar that will help importers understand the current landscape of IEEPA-related tariffs and potential refund opportunities. The session will explain which tariffs may be affected, identify eligibility considerations, and outline the refund application process, including documentation and filing requirements.

Whether you import finished goods, components, raw materials, or consumer products, this webinar will provide valuable insight into how recent developments may affect your business and what actions you should consider taking.

Topics Covered:

✓ Overview of IEEPA tariffs and recent developments

✓ Which tariffs may be eligible for refunds

✓ Tariffs that remain in effect and ongoing importer obligations

✓ Eligibility requirements for refund claims

✓ Documentation and recordkeeping needed to support claims

✓ Filing procedures and timelines

✓ Common challenges and compliance considerations

✓ Q&A with an industry compliance expert

Featured Speaker

April Witthoeft

Vice President, Compliance

Mallory Alexander Logistics

April Witthoeft is a recognized trade compliance expert with extensive experience in customs regulations, tariff programs, duty recovery strategies, import compliance, and supply chain risk management. She regularly advises importers on navigating complex trade regulations and regulatory changes.

Host

Kellie Greene, MBA, CGBP

Certified Senior Business Advisor

North Central Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Kellie Greene specializes in international trade, export development, import strategy, global supply chain management, and market expansion. She works with small and medium-sized businesses to help them navigate international markets and grow globally.

Are you looking for new customers, increased sales, and opportunities to grow your business? International markets offer tremendous potential for New York food, beverage, agricultural, and value-added food producers, and now may be the perfect time to explore exporting.

Join the NY Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Food Export Northeast for an informative webinar designed to help New York companies capitalize on global demand for high-quality U.S. food and agricultural products. Learn how exporting can help diversify your customer base, increase revenue, and strengthen your business while taking advantage of programs specifically designed to support food exporters.

This webinar will highlight the valuable resources and services available through Food Export Northeast, including export education, market research, international buyer matchmaking, and funding opportunities that can help reduce the cost and risk of entering new markets.

Participants will also receive an exclusive overview of the upcoming Food Export Northeast Buyer Mission in Albany, where qualified international buyers travel to New York to meet one-on-one with U.S. food and agricultural suppliers. This unique event provides companies with direct access to potential distributors, importers, and buyers from around the world—without the time and expense of international travel.

During this webinar, you'll learn:
Why exporting is an effective growth strategy for food and agricultural businesses
International market opportunities for New York food and beverage products
Food Export Northeast programs, services, and funding opportunities
How to connect with qualified international buyers
What to expect from the upcoming Buyer Mission in Albany
Export readiness considerations and next steps
Resources available through the NY SBDC and partner organizations

Whether you are new to exporting or already selling internationally, this webinar will provide valuable insights and resources to help your company expand its global reach.

Who Should Attend:
Food manufacturers, beverage producers, specialty food companies, agricultural producers, processors, private-label manufacturers, and other New York food and agricultural businesses interested in growing sales through exports