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

Avoid Costly Mistakes: Import & Export Compliance Basics Every Business Must Know

NYS Contractor Financing Program: Scalable Funding to Bridge the Gap to Growth

Retirement Savings Made Easy: A Guide to New York Secure Choice

Sell Globally Online: Cross-Border E-commerce Without Headaches

November Fast Track to Small Business Workshop (In-Person & Online)

NOTE: This event is virtual
Date: Oct 15th, 2026

Time: 12pm - 1pm

Description:

Compliance is a critical part of global trade, and failing to meet requirements can lead to penalties, delays, and reputational damage. This session simplifies import and export compliance into clear, actionable concepts. You will learn about key regulatory requirements, restricted party screening, documentation, and recordkeeping practices. We will also highlight common compliance mistakes and how to avoid them. This session will help you build a stronger, more compliant international operation.

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 Small Business Advisor, Peter King, and includes a variety of presenters who are all experts in different facets of small business start-up.

Dates: Nov 10th, 12th, 17th, 2026

Time: 9am - 4:30pm (each day)

Location: Memorial City Hall

24 South St, Auburn, NY 13021

3rd floor

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 SBDC Business Advisor Peter King

Note: This event is virtual

Date: Oct 21st, 2026

Time: 12pm - 1pm

Description:

Presented By: Cooperative Federal

Donaldo McPherson Gonzalez, Loan Officer

Meagan Weatherby, Development & Communications Manager

The NYS Contractor Financing Program is for businesses that are Prime or Subcontractors working on government-backed Projects and Procurements.

Loan proceeds can be used for: Working Capital, Improvement of Machinery or Equipment, other costs related to eligible Contacts
This program is designed to support contract project deployment, advances against inventory, construction costs, purchase orders, managing payables and receivables, contract finance costs, and general working capital.
Must meet membership eligibility requirements within our service area for Business Loans includes the Central New York region: Onondaga, Oswego, Madison, Cortland and Cayuga counties.
The NYS Contractor Financing Program is made possible, in part, through a partnership with NYS Empire State Development

NOTE: This event is virtual
Date: Nov 4th, 2026

Time: 12pm - 1pm

Description:

Presented By: Kelsey Cheng, Director, Secure Choice Savings Program

Help your Employees with an Easy Way to Save for Retirement.

Find your Deadline and Register your Business with New York Secure Choice Today!

Over half of workers in New York State lack access to retirement benefits through their employer. The New York State Secure Choice Savings Program, the state’s new retirement savings program, provides private-sector employees the opportunity to save for retirement through the workplace and is simple and free for employers to facilitate. Through automatic enrollment and payroll deduction, employers can help their employees save for the future into their own Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA).

New York employers are required to register and facilitate the program if they have 10 or more employees, do not offer a qualified retirement plan, and have been in business for at least two years.

Join this session and learn about:
How New York Secure Choice works
Who is required to register
The role of the employer
What it means for your employees
What you need to get started

Questions? Visit NewYorkSecureChoice.com for helpful information and additional resources.