Three more businesses want to set up shop in Schenectady in exchange for 10 years of no taxes. So far, only one business — a tech startup called Sure-Done — has agreed to locate in the city as part of the state’s START-UP NY program, which promises eligible new, expanding or out-of-state businesses a decade of no taxes if they locate near a participating college. But three others are about to submit formal applications to ...
SCHENECTADY — Three more businesses want to set up shop in Schenectady in exchange for 10 years of no taxes.
So far, only one business — a tech startup called Sure-Done — has agreed to locate in the city as part of the state’s START-UP NY program, which promises eligible new, expanding or out-of-state businesses a decade of no taxes if they locate near a participating college. But three others are about to submit formal applications to the state.
One is Furlocity, a pet accommodation site that announced last week it’s planning to relocate its San Diego headquarters to Schenectady this fall. The company, which helps pet owners find trusted pet boarding stays, veterinarian services and pet-friendly hotels, needed space to expand and said it will create 12 jobs in its first two years and 20 jobs by the end of 2017.
But if the state approves it for START-UP NY, it will also enjoy a decade of no franchise fees or business, corporate, sales, property, state, local and income taxes for locating near Schenectady County Community College.
Two other companies are hoping for the same treatment, according to a public notice published Tuesday. In addition to Furlocity, SCCC wants to sponsor a mobile/web platform company that caters to people looking to enter second-chance sweepstakes using losing state lottery tickets and a crowd-funding website that helps people reach fundraising goals and collect dues.
A college spokesman declined to name the companies until approvals are in place, but all three would locate inside the New York BizLab accelerator at 251 State St., a newly renovated space on lower State Street that Sure-Done moved into in March.
New York BizLab Managing Director Rick D’Errico said the business accelerator has enough space for 10 to 15 different companies.
“We are getting a lot of inquiries about the building now,” he said. “There’s a lot of interest, both in Schenectady and in the BizLab in particular. When they go inside and see what we’ve got, it’s a lot easier for them to envision their own people there.”
The public notice went out Tuesday in an effort to identify any existing businesses in the area that may directly compete with the businesses SCCC hopes to sponsor.
“Under START-UP NY regulations, if there are direct competitors already in existence, that would render these businesses potentially ineligible,” said Matt Grattan, executive director of workforce development at SCCC. “You don’t want one company in the area that has to pay taxes and a company just like them that doesn’t. That would create an un-level playing field, so that’s what we’re trying to avoid by putting this notice out.”
The public notice will run for five days, and then the college will work to submit formal applications to the state. From there, the approval process can take 30 to 60 days.
SCCC is also looking to add more tax-free space to the program, including nearly 16,000 square feet inside Center City. The college currently has approval to market space at the New York Biz Lab and the college-owned Kindl Building at 201 State St.
But now it’s looking to market gym space at the old YMCA at 13 State St. and 15,850 square feet inside the Center City complex downtown. The amended plan won’t be approved until a 30-day stakeholder comment period ends June 19.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
These aren't businesses, they're hobbies and short term money makers for the principles.
Of course, the 2nd chance at lottery remember must be gamblers who will need services. I thought the state lottery runs the lottery. Wouldn't they run the 2nd chance lottery too.
I guess people who own pets don't have the intelligence to find kennels and boarding and doggie day are on their own.
This crowd funding, come on, don't people have the intelligence to open a bank account and let people make donations. This sounds more like something for people who want others to give them money because they don't have the lifestyle they want. Or looking for handouts to go to the prom, pay for a vacation, feed a dog, I've heard some winners.
What a total waste, a mis-use of taxpayer money. Where are the real jobs created entirely by private money
Optimists close their eyes and pretend problems are non existent. Better to have open eyes, see the truths, acknowledge the negatives, and speak up for the people rather than the politicos and their rich cronies.
With all this corporate/go'vt welfare it only serves to cheapen the system that much more. Don't think this is what the capitalistic fathers had in mind for the system.
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