Allegany County, NY, November 14, 2025
Allegany County, New York, is proactively enhancing its workforce development and economic initiatives. Key efforts include expanding on-the-job training programs, securing $300,000 in grant funding for small businesses, and revitalizing local professional networks. These initiatives aim to strengthen local businesses and support young professionals, ensuring a prosperous future for the community.
Allegany County, NY: Building the Workforce and Economy of Tomorrow
Allegany County, New York, is actively investing in its future by enhancing workforce development and economic growth initiatives. Recent efforts include expanding on-the-job training programs, securing additional grant funding for small businesses, and revitalizing local professional networks.
Expansion of On-the-Job Training Programs
The Cattaraugus-Allegany Workforce Development Board has broadened its On-the-Job Training (OJT) Program to assist local businesses in hiring and training new employees or upskilling existing staff. Employers can receive up to $15,000 per eligible worker through a wage reimbursement of up to 75% during the training period. This initiative aims to provide cost-effective solutions for businesses seeking to develop a skilled workforce.
Additional Grant Funding for Small Businesses
Allegany County anticipates receiving a $300,000 grant from the New York State Office of Community Renewal Micro-Enterprise Program. This funding will be administered by the Allegany County Industrial Development Agency (ACIDA) and will provide small grants ranging from $10,000 to $35,000 to new or expanding local businesses. The grants are intended to support small businesses with five or fewer employees and can be used for various purposes to help establish or expand operations.
Revitalization of Local Professional Networks
The Allegany County Young Professionals (ACYP) group has been relaunched to provide opportunities and support for local young professionals. The revitalization efforts began with a gathering at the Wellsville Creative Arts Center and emphasize career development, networking, and fostering a supportive environment for professional growth.
Background Context
Allegany County is home to three academic institutions—Alfred State College, Alfred University, and Houghton College—which collectively serve over 7,000 students and produce more than 1,600 graduates annually. These institutions offer degrees ranging from associate to doctoral levels, providing exceptional post-secondary training in various fields, including skilled trades, business, design, and research and development.
The Allegany County Industrial Development Agency (ACIDA) plays a pivotal role in promoting business retention, growth, and expansion within the county. By offering attractive incentives and support, ACIDA aims to make Allegany County a preferred location for businesses and residents.
These initiatives reflect Allegany County’s commitment to building a robust workforce and a thriving economy, ensuring a prosperous future for its residents and businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the On-the-Job Training (OJT) Program?
The OJT Program, expanded by the Cattaraugus-Allegany Workforce Development Board, assists local businesses in hiring and training new employees or upskilling existing staff. Employers can receive up to $15,000 per eligible worker through a wage reimbursement of up to 75% during the training period.
How can small businesses apply for the $300,000 grant?
Allegany County anticipates receiving a $300,000 grant from the New York State Office of Community Renewal Micro-Enterprise Program. This funding will be administered by the Allegany County Industrial Development Agency (ACIDA) and will provide small grants ranging from $10,000 to $35,000 to new or expanding local businesses. Applications are due by January 10, 2025.
What is the Allegany County Young Professionals (ACYP) group?
The ACYP group has been relaunched to provide opportunities and support for local young professionals. The revitalization efforts began with a gathering at the Wellsville Creative Arts Center and emphasize career development, networking, and fostering a supportive environment for professional growth.
What role does the Allegany County Industrial Development Agency (ACIDA) play?
The ACIDA promotes business retention, growth, and expansion within the county. By offering attractive incentives and support, ACIDA aims to make Allegany County a preferred location for businesses and residents.
What educational institutions are located in Allegany County?
Allegany County is home to three academic institutions—Alfred State College, Alfred University, and Houghton College—which collectively serve over 7,000 students and produce more than 1,600 graduates annually. These institutions offer degrees ranging from associate to doctoral levels, providing exceptional post-secondary training in various fields, including skilled trades, business, design, and research and development.
Key Features of Allegany County’s Economic Development Initiatives
| Initiative | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| On-the-Job Training (OJT) Program | Expanded program offering wage reimbursements to employers for training new or existing employees. | Supports local businesses in developing a skilled workforce; employers can receive up to $15,000 per eligible worker. |
| Micro-Enterprise Program Grant | $300,000 grant from the New York State Office of Community Renewal to provide small grants to new or expanding local businesses. | Offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $35,000 to small businesses with five or fewer employees; applications due by January 10, 2025. |
| Allegany County Young Professionals (ACYP) Group | Revitalized group providing opportunities and support for local young professionals. | Emphasizes career development, networking, and fostering a supportive environment for professional growth. |
| Allegany County Industrial Development Agency (ACIDA) | Agency promoting business retention, growth, and expansion within the county. | Aims to make Allegany County a preferred location for businesses and residents by offering attractive incentives and support. |
| Educational Institutions | Three academic institutions—Alfred State College, Alfred University, and Houghton College—serving over 7,000 students. | Provide degrees ranging from associate to doctoral levels, offering training in various fields, including skilled trades, business, design, and research and development. |
Now Happening on X
- @AlgenonCash (November 12, 2025): Congratulations to Councilmember-elect Denise Roth on her election win; recently discussed how workforce development acts as the engine of economic mobility by linking education and training to real jobs, helping employers fill roles, and creating pathways for growth. View on X
- @AlbanyBID (November 12, 2025): Don’t miss this free session for business leaders and HR pros on resources like OJT programs, wage reimbursement, WIOA, and tax credits to empower employees and boost your bottom line—happening November 13 in Albany. View on X
- @ThaaatColin (November 13, 2025): Local manufacturing demands long-term investments in facilities, equipment, and workforce development, creating predictable tax revenue for local governments to fund infrastructure and drive economic growth. View on X
- @ThaaatColin (November 13, 2025): A growing population boosts demand for services and cultural offerings, expanding the workforce and driving revenue growth for local businesses while creating entry-level job opportunities. View on X
- @westputonestop (November 13, 2025): The Workforce Development Academy for Youth (WDAY) kicked off with orientation and training for partners, led by Youth Program Specialist Emily Bender, to prepare youth for workforce opportunities. View on X
- @sapdcorg (November 11, 2025): The Southern Alleghenies Partnership for Regional Economic Performance supports small-medium businesses and manufacturers, including established ones, startups, and relocations to the region. View on X
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