Center for Economic Growth

Fuzehub: How the North Country Keeps the World Moving
2021-04-14 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
FuzeHub invites you to join us as a resource for “How the North Country Keeps the World Moving,” our first Manufacturing Forum of 2021. This virtual event offers your organization the chance to connect with companies in the transportation ecosystem who may need your services.

REGISTER HERE>>

CYBERSECURITY SELF-ASSESSMENT WORKSHOP
2021-04-21 09:00 - 13:00
Does your company need to comply with NIST SP 800-171, a set of cybersecurity guidelines that the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) requires all of its suppliers to meet? Before you can pursue compliance, you’ll need to perform a cybersecurity self-assessment so that you can identify issues you’ll need to remediate. This process can be time-consuming, but now there’s a way to complete a cybersecurity self-assessment in less time than if you did all on your own.
Join the New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NY MEP) and its partners for a four-hour Cybersecurity Self-Assessment Workshop on April 21, 2021 from 9 AM to 1 PM. Our experts will explain what you need to know about NIST SP 800-171 and guide you through hands-on exercises as you assess your cyber readiness. You’ll also learn about the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) and how to determine your SPRS score so that you can submit it for DoD contract opportunities.
NYS manufacturing companies that enroll in this free workshop will receive:

Access to cybersecurity experts who will efficiently explain all 14 families in NIST SP 800-171
Practical experience with identifying problems so that you can take corrective action
The ability to ask questions and get answers as you identify the issues you need to address
Help calculating your SPRS score so that you can submit it when you bid on DoD contracts
Automatic enrollment in a Cybersecurity Cohort that provides free training valued at $12,000.

This event is powered by FuzeHub, the statewide NY MEP center, in partnership with the Advanced Institute for Manufacturing (AIM) and the Manufacturing and Technology Enterprise Center (MTEC) (two regional NY MEP centers with proven cybersecurity assessment and remediation capabilities) along with NYS Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) that provide government contracting assistance. You’ll also learn from the Global Cybersecurity Institute at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).
When: April 21, 2021 – 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Location: Online Virtual Workshop

REGISTER HERE>>

Legalized Marijuana and the Workplace: What Employers Need to Know
2021-04-21 10:00 - 11:00
This complimentary webinar will discuss some of the issues employers will face in adapting their policies and practices to New York State’s Cannabis Law.

Topics for Discussion

Workplace Protections
Lawful Cannabis Use
Medical Use of Marijuana
Workplace Drug Testing

Phillips Lytle Labor & Employment Presenters

James R. Grasso, Partner
Linda T. Prestegaard, Partner

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MEDinISRAEL Conference - NY Payer Panel
2021-04-21 12:20 - 13:10
Israeli digital health startups are transforming healthcare with amazing technical breakthroughs, primarily through solutions sold to providers and bio-tech. Health plans can also attain significant financial gain, but to-date there has been far less engagement between this sector and the Israeli digital health sector. This panel will provide a discussion with senior executives from significant payers operating in New York on the challenges and “pain points” they face, and some of possible ways in which the Israeli digital health ecosystem may be able to address these pain points. For more information on the MEDinISRAEL Conference please view the full agenda here.
Wednesday, April 21, 2021, 12:20 – 1:10 ET

REGISTER HERE>>

Ask the Experts: "Futurescaping - Entrepreneur’s Approach to Strategic Planning.”
2021-04-22 09:00 - 10:00
Tired of spinning your wheels? Need a path to the future?
Futurescaping is the newest approach to goal oriented growth and business development based on purposeful decision making. Presented by Kate Baker, Interim Director of the New York State Small Business Development Center, this session will give an overview of the futurescaping process, tips for your business and ways to implement a new plan.

REGISTER HERE>>

Focus on the Fundamentals Series w/ PTAC & SBDC: Contracting Basics - What You Need to Know to Get Started
2021-04-22 11:00 - 12:00
Interested in learning the basics of doing business with local, state, and federal governments? This webinar, led by the IgniteU NY PTAC and Gina Hayduk, government contracting coordinator for the Mohawk Valley Small Business Development Center, will supply businesses with the tools and information they need to get started working with the government – at every level.
Location: Virtual Webinar

REGISTER HERE>>

The Case for Re-shoring…or Not
2021-04-22 15:00 - 16:00
Program Overview:

Join MACNY’s Export/Import Council for…
The Case for Re-shoring…or Not
Post-Pandemic, there is much discussion about developing a supply chain closer to home. What thought processes and tools might there be to help this initiative? What barriers need to be considered? How do regulations play into this?
We will have a number of experts in the realm of re-shoring who will share their knowledge and experience, including a company that is going through this currently. Come get your questions answered!
Presented by Rosemary Coates, Executive Director, Reshoring Institute; James D’Agostino, Center Director, TDO; Kristen Morneau, Senior Consultant Trade Compliance Management, Mohawk Global; and Peter Kip, President, Pelco Component Technologies.
**This event will take place via Zoom. Login details will be sent via email prior to the session.**
REGISTER HERE>>

Multi-Sector Virtual Trade Mission to Mexico
2021-04-23 - 2021-04-24
GSGP is leading a multi-sector virtual trade mission to the Mexico from June 21-July 2, 2021. The goal of this mission is to assist small to medium-sized companies from the Great Lakes St. Lawrence region to export products and services to this important market. Similar to an in-person trade mission, each mission participant will receive a customized schedule of B2B meetings to meet with prospective customers and business partners. Mission participants will also benefit from a market briefing. A printable flyer is available HERE.
Virtual Trade Mission Registration Deadline: April 23, 2021
Virtual Mission Costs:
Participation Fee: US $1,000 per company*
Brief Market Research & Customized Appointment Setting Fee*:
US $2,900
* Grant funding is available in many States to offset from 50-75%
of mission costs. In some States, the market research and
appointment setting is complimentary.
To register for the mission please fill out the following:
a) Company profile form (or your State’s intake form)
b) Mission registration form
c) Mission hold harmless release

Virtual Trade Mission Registration Deadline: April 23, 2021
REGISTER HERE>>

Entrepreneur Roundtable Accelerator Summer Program 2021
2021-04-26 - 2021-04-27
Monday, June 21, 2021 – Friday, October 8, 2021
Application Deadline: Monday, April 26, 2021, 11:59 p.m.
APPLY HERE>>
The companies selected to participate in the four-month program will receive a $100,000 investment and the potential for follow-on funding from ERA’s Fund. As entrepreneurs with decades of experience in business, technology and early-stage venture capital; ERA has successfully founded, built, run, sold and financed businesses. Through ERA you will have access to the most experienced entrepreneurial experts in NYC, all of whom are on deck to help solve every type of operating and strategic problem startups encounter.

Learning from the Experts: Article VII Permitting Process for Offshore Wind
2021-04-28 13:00 - 14:00
In this webinar, Bill Flynn with Harris Beach law firm will discuss how Article VII of the New York State Public Service Law sets forth a review process for offshore wind projects seeking to deliver power to New York’s electricity grid. Bill is a partner at Harris Beach and is known for his experience in regulatory policies and legislation related to electricity, gas, water, cable television, and telecommunications services.
This webinar is part of the Learning from the Experts series hosted by NYSERDA’s Offshore Wind Team and featuring experts in key offshore wind topics, including wind farm technologies, development practices, regulatory processes, and research initiatives.
To learn more about this series here>>

REGISTER HERE>>

Beyond Compliance to Thriving Diverse Talent Pools
2021-05-04 14:00 - 15:15
Join JFF, Chicago Women in Trades, and EEO expert Donna Lenhoff for a virtual conversation on manufacturing apprenticeships!

About this Event

Title: Beyond Compliance to Thriving Diverse Talent Pools: An EEO Discussion for Manufacturing Apprenticeships
Date and Time: Tuesday, May 4, 2:00 to 3:15 p.m. ET
Location: Webex (link to be shared)

Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs can be effective vehicles for diversifying the talent pipeline in the manufacturing industry, and they can benefit employers and workers alike. RA offers people from underrepresented populations opportunities to acquire the skills and knowledge required in high-wage jobs that offer pathways to economic mobility. They also benefit employers by expanding the pool of workers who are qualified for hard-to-fill jobs.
This webinar will examine ways in which employers, sponsors, and other apprenticeship providers can more effectively recruit and retain women, Black and Latinx workers, and members of other underrepresented populations. Speakers who are experts in workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion practices will cover the rudiments of adhering to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations, as well as best practices that go beyond pro forma compliance and help you truly create opportunities for workers from underrepresented, and often overlooked, communities.
This training is for you if…

You offer a manufacturing RA and want to make sure your practices comply with applicable EEO guidelines
You would like to identify resources to help you recruit and retain a diverse pool of apprenticeship participants
You are thinking of starting a RA (or registering an unregistered program) and would like to understand what you must do to comply with EEO regulations
You help RA providers or employers develop manufacturing apprenticeships and would like to learn about other tools you can use to assist them

Be sure to join JFF, Chicago Women in Trades, and EEO expert Donna Lenhoff on May 4 at 2 p.m. ET to get started on the road to building a diverse and talented workforce through apprenticeship!

REGISTER HERE>>

Food for Thought #9: Sustainable Materials
2021-05-05 12:00 - 13:00
The Manufacturing Incubator at Tech Valley Center of Gravity presents Food for Thought: A Business & Product Development Virtual Luncheon Series.
May 5, 2021 at 12:00pm EST.
Many are trying to develop more sustainable solutions for their products and packaging. It’s a complex issue with no perfect solution. There is also no perfect material; each has its strengths and weaknesses.
Mike Tucker of Tucker Consulting, LLC will pull from his extensive knowledge of the packaging industry to present some considerations when designing plastic products for reuse and recycling. We’ll touch on what materials are the easiest to recycle, biodegradability, and what happens at recycling centers and landfills.
Mike Tucker is a former VP of Sales and Engineering at Sonoco Plastics, a global packaging solutions leader. During his 32 years with Sonoco he developed sales channels and manufacturing operations in several countries, and has worked with major brands such as SC Johnson, McDonalds, and Kraft. His current venture, Tucker Consulting, focuses on assisting businesses with plastic-related projects and helping new business start-ups.
ZOOM link will be provided in your registration confirmation email.
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The Manufacturing Incubator at Tech Valley Center of Gravity offers direct engineering consultation as well as coaching, advice, risk-mitigation strategies and need-based referrals for product development startups. This program is a community based, independent and public program. The ideal clients are those who are developing a physical product and need assistance in prototype development, design for manufacturing, scaling up, or other related design and manufacturing problems.
With our makerspace and prototyping center, you can meet with your incubation team, fabricate your prototype, and manufacture your product all in the same building.
The Manufacturing Incubator is a certified NYS Incubator and affiliated Innovate 518 Hot Spot partner supported by the Empire State Development Division of Science, Technology, and Innovation (NYSTAR).

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BusinessU: Beginning Your Organization’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Journey
2021-05-06 09:00 - 10:30
Description
The passion and commitment for increased DEI is stronger than ever, but knowing where to begin can be difficult for an organization of any size. Successful DEI initiatives are a journey for organizations, not a checklist. Strengthen your organization’s DEI foundations, and begin moving from commitment, to action.
Participants will leave the session with increased knowledge and skills to:

Understand the evolution of DEI and how it impacts the workplace dynamic
Apply a holistic framework to Wellness and DEI so you can better align initiatives to emerging needs and improve workforce well-being
Identify where your organization is on the journey and what you need to consider as you move forward
Explore critical success factors for HR and business leaders to navigate change and shift from compliance to catalyst
Avoid common pitfalls that often impede organizational progress
Define actionable steps that you can take immediately on your journey

This session is designed for organizations early in their DEI journey.
Instruction by Christina Farinacci-Roberts, Head Heart Hands Consulting and Anniedi Essien, Idem Spark, co-creators of W.I.D.E. Dynamic Dialogues

REGISTER HERE>>

‘RAISE’ Market Intelligence to Grow Your Exports - Webinar for New York State Rural Businesses
2021-05-06 10:00 - 11:30
Join the U.S. Commercial Service for a complimentary webinar to learn about services offered for rural exporters, including Rural America’s Intelligence Service for Exporters (RAISE). RAISE market research reports can offer your company targeted intelligence to help maximize your export sales. In addition, learn how Empire State Development/Global NY can assist with grant funding to reimburse your company for using RAISE and other CS services, participating in trade events, and more.

REGISTER HERE>>

Hatched: An Inventors and Entrepreneurs Meetup
2021-05-06 18:30 - 20:00 | Tech Valley Center of Gravity, 30 3rd Street, Troy, NY, 12180, United States
Have a Product or Project Idea? Hatch it at the Center of Gravity.
Join us the first Thursday of each month to connect with other creative souls, product developers, inventors, patent attorneys and more who are interested in entrepreneurship, intellectual property, and bringing ideas to life. Our goal is to help inventors and entrepreneurs navigate the business world.
SHARING NIGHTS: Share your project’s current status, get and give feedback, explore next steps, connect with potential team members.
SPEAKER NIGHTS: Once a quarter we’ll host a speaker who will share their experiences and lessons learned from their entrepreneurial journey, followed by Q&A and discussion.
We’ll also share other events that may be of interest to this community.
This meetup is organized by The Tech Valley Center of Gravity. We are a makerspace, prototyping center, manufacturing incubator, STEAM-education center and creative community located in the heart of downtown Troy, New York. A member-supported 501(c)(3) community resource organization, the Center of Gravity serves members from Albany, Columbia, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties and beyond with space, tools, technology and expertise to explore and exercise their creativity, turn ideas into objects of art and/or utility, and launch new ventures based on their own ingenuity.
TVCOG Members: Free
Non-Members: Suggested Donation $5.00 at www.tvcog.net/donate

MORE INFO >>

Considerations for Leveraging the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement “USMCA”
2021-05-11 13:00 - 14:30, 2021-05-18 13:00 - 14:30
May 11 and 18, 2021, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Virtual platform via Microsoft TEAMS
Registration: Email Tammi Parsons, SBA at tammi.bennett@sba.gov
Join us for this two-part webinar series to learn what changes this new Free Trade Agreement has for your business, how to qualify your goods, and properly declare them. See below for topics in each part.
Part 1:

Understanding USMCA – What’s new & different?
Lessons learned
Informed compliance

Part 2:

New procedures – Qualifying your goods & navigating rules of origin
What data elements are required on the certificate of origin
What supporting documentation you will need from your suppliers

Virtual Offshore Wind Tour
2021-05-12 12:00 - 13:00, 2021-05-19 12:00 - 13:00, 2021-05-26 12:00 - 13:00
Presented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and CEG

Purpose:
To enable state and local stakeholders to learn more about offshore wind opportunities through a dynamic, interactive and memorable event; connect stakeholders with relevant counterparts in Denmark so they can discuss aspects which are of particular relevance to their specific needs; and contribute in a meaningful way to the building of a significant, viable, cost-competitive offshore wind supply chain in New York.
Tour Structure:

Each tour consists of multiple themed Sessions, each of which is independent, and which we prepare based on specific needs. During the session, we will introduce attendees to the topic through presentations from industry experts, video tours, interviews and more.
There will be 7 sessions, each 1 hour, from 12:00pm – 1:00pm EDT. Sessions will begin Wednesday, May 12 and run weekly through Wednesday, June 30.

** UPDATE: there will be NO SESSION on Wednesday, June 2. We will resume Wednesday, June 9th and the series will now end on Wednesday, June 30th. **
Tour Topics:

Policy & Regulation Outlook – May 12
Manufacturing & Installation – May 19
Port Infrastructure – May 26
Jobs & Training – June 9
Operations & Maintenance – June 16
Electrical Transmission – June 23
Financing – June 30

*no cost to attend

Learning from the Experts Webinar May 12: Offshore Wind Transmission Systems
2021-05-12 13:00 - 14:00
Please join us on Wednesday, May 12 at 1:00 p.m. ET for an offshore wind webinar as part of NYSERDA’s Learning from the Experts series. Johannes “Hannes” Pfeifenberger with The Brattle Group will provide an overview of offshore wind transmission systems. Hannes is an economist with a background in electrical engineering and over twenty-five years of experience in wholesale power market design, renewable energy, electricity storage, and transmission.
Learning from the Experts is an educational webinar series hosted by NYSERDA’s Offshore Wind Team and featuring independent experts speaking on key offshore wind topics, including wind farm technologies, development practices, regulatory processes, and research initiatives. Visit NYSERDA’s Learning from the Experts webpage for more information on the webinar series.

REGISTER HERE>>

Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ)-121- Capital Region Opportunities Webinar
2021-05-18 10:00 - 11:00
Want to learn how some US importers are saving millions in operating costs?
Want to help your clients save money on their duties, taxes and fees?
Our national FTZ experts at ISCM will review exciting facts and popular myths about the program and provide insight into how the program might apply to Capital Region operations.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

Manufacturers that Import and supply chain participants
Business or Economic Development Partners
Commercial Brokers
Warehouse Operators

SPEAKERS:
Melissa Irmen,
Senior Vice President @ISCM, Inc.
Sean Lydon,
President @ISCM, Inc.
ISCM is a Washington, DC based consulting firm with unmatched experience in Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) applications, setup, technology, and regulatory agency insight.

Register to attend>>

Webinar Partners

NY HERO Act – What Employers Need to Know
2021-05-19 09:00 - 09:30
Legislation known as the NY HERO Act, which will require safety guidelines against airborne infectious diseases in the workplace, was signed into law by Governor Cuomo. Join MACNY and labor and employment law attorney Andrew Bobrek as we outline measures of the new state law and take your questions.

**This webinar will take place via Zoom. Login details will be sent to registrants the afternoon before the session.**

REGISTER HERE>>

May: VentureB Virtual Pitch Presentation
2021-05-19 16:00 - 17:45
CEG coaches entrepreneurs in creating & delivering a presentation resulting in an open public pitch to regional investors & business leaders.

About this Event
VentureB is a quarterly program designed for entrepreneurs to gain visibility to the region’s angel and institutional investors, business service providers, advisers, students, faculty, alumni and the early stage business community.

Join us for a VentureB Virtual Presentation on Wednesday, May 19th.
Agenda:

4:00 – 4:10pm | Welcome & Panel Introductions
4:10 – 4:55pm | Presentations by Shay Harrison (Free Form Fibers) & Victor Lewis (Pill-Locker)
5:00 – 5:35pm | Transition to Breakout Sessions (15 min each)
5:40 – 5:45pm | Closing

Registration Coming Soon!

Small Business Spotlight Series: Getting the most out of new federal & National Grid assistance programs
2021-05-21 11:00 - 12:00
Please join National Grid on May 21 at 11 a.m. for our free webinar discussing the latest federal and National Grid assistance programs for small business. With $59 billion in federal aid and new programs designed especially for bars, restaurants and caterers, our small business experts will walk you through what’s available.
Even if you’ve never qualified before, you may be eligible for financial assistance now.
Topics to be covered include:

What’s new for small business in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
Application tips and actions you should be taking right now to be prepared
Additional assistance available from National Grid

There is no charge to participate in this webinar. Capacity is limited, so secure your reservation now. Once you have registered you will receive an email with event details and a unique link to the session.
Register to Attend

Virtual India Trade Mission
2021-05-26 06:30 - 09:30, 2021-05-27 06:30 - 09:30
The USDOC Commercial Service Offices in New York State and Global NY are teaming up to help your company find customers and partners in India through a virtual trade mission. This two-day event, hosted by U.S. Commercial Service India, will help New York State companies find and meet with prospective partners in India all from the comfort of your own home or office through a virtual platform. While there are challenges to doing business in India, finding a local partner and the assistance that the U.S. Commercial Service can provide will make it significantly easier. If you’re ready to export, then this program can help boost the odds of your making sales and getting into or expanding into this promising market. We’re actively recruiting interested businesses in the following sectors:

Aerospace and defense
Environmental technologies, including clean air, clean water, environmental monitoring technologies
Renewable energy, including nuclear
Information and communication technologies – smart cities technology and 5G
Education tech

India offers ample opportunities for U.S. companies to do business given its position as a fast-growing country with a massive consumer market.
WHEN: May 26-27, 2021. On both days, meetings will be scheduled from 6:30 AM – 9:00 AM DST.
WHERE: From your own home or office using the Microsoft Teams messaging application.
HOW TO REGISTER: Fill out the registration form and return it to Rosanna.masucci@trade.gov at your earliest convenience.
COST: $1,000 and includes:

one-on-one virtual meetings with qualified, vetted, and interested potential partners.
a pre-trade mission info session on the software platform and best practices for virtual trade missions

STEP GRANT FUNDING: Qualifying companies can apply for STEP 8 funding to offset up to 70% of the cost or $700 in reimbursement.

REGISTER HERE>>

WEBINAR: Export Opportunities for Aerospace & Transportation in Europe and Mexico
2021-05-26 09:00 - 10:30
Tapping into our international network of trade representatives, this presentation gives participants advanced exporting information with localized insights. Join us and learn more about the opportunities to grow your exports in the aerospace and transportation industries from our representatives located in Europe and Mexico. You will also hear from a Global NY team member on export assistance programs available to New York State small businesses. Our programs connect companies with sales agents and distributors abroad and offset the costs of exporting with grants and loans.

REGISTER HERE>>

Qualified Emerging Technology and Research and Development Tax Credits & Cyber Liability/First Party Coverage
2021-05-26 15:00 - 16:00
CNY Biotech Accelerator (CNYBAC), Upstate Medical University presents
Presenters: Kevin Delaney, Vice President, Tompkins Insurance Agency; Bob Teska, CPA and Rich Farley, CPA, Bowers & Company CPA
Register in advance for this meeting
Public Authorities Law [3102-e(1)(c)] Chapter 56 of the Laws of 1998 and Chapter 63 of the Laws of 2005 made available three tax credits for companies that are qualified emerging technology companies (QETCs): the QETC employment credit; the QETC facilities, operations, and training credit; and the QETC capital tax credit. These credits are available for businesses that engage in qualifying activities, such as increasing employment, purchasing assets, spending for research and development, or providing training to their employees; or for investing in QETCs.
This presentation will provide an overview of the Qualified Emerging Technology Company (QETC) tax credits and how cyber liability insurance can protect small companies from financial losses resulting from cyber-related events such as data breaches.
Register here>>

IGNITEU NY SUMMER ACCELERATOR PROGRAM- Apply by June 1st!
2021-06-01 - 2021-06-02
IgniteU NY offers a unique eight week business accelerator program for operational companies to help founders grow and scale their companies. Businesses focus on customer discovery, business modeling, pitching, marketing, branding, finance and more. The experiential program incorporates aspects of the lean startup methodology and adds branded business development, financial and leadership management development to your business toolkit.
At the end of each program, all the companies pitch in front of an audience full of potential customers, investors, entrepreneurs, and community connectors to compete for cash and in-kind prizes.
Areas we help you with:

operational efficiencies
customer discovery
business modeling
revenue growth
marketing
raising money
finance

Grow your company with IgniteU NY!
Deadline to apply is June 1st
LEARN MORE & APPLY TODAY>>
