Economic Development Week has arrived, and for those of us in the industry, this week typically allows us time to reflect on our goals. Due to the rapid shifting of our economic base caused by the pandemic, there has not been a spare moment to pause. For business owners, navigating the world of economic development is daunting enough, but finding a path through the programs and regulatory requirements during a crisis compounds the already difficult process of starting or growing a business. Our specialists are staying current on resources available to assist businesses and will work with each business individually to identify the most appropriate resource for that business. This Economic Development Week, we’d like to remind the business community that we are here to help them through this difficult time.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, CEDA staff have been hard at work taking phone calls from local business owners and connecting them to resources to help support their business in this time of crisis. We’ve been sharing information via our website and social media in an effort to spread the word about new assistance programs and updates to programs and policies, which happen on a daily basis. We launched an emergency microloan program in an effort to provide some breathing room and/or help businesses afford adjustments to their operations. We are here to support Cayuga County businesses throughout this time of disruption and change. Look for our regular newspaper column in The Citizen later this week in which we will share some helpful information for local businesses to consider as we approach the reopening of our economy.
The goal of Economic Development Week according to the International Economic Development Council is to increase awareness for local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities and increase the quality of life. CEDA will continue its mission to foster a sustainable quality of life in Cayuga County through job retention, expansion, and attraction. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for free and confidential assistance from our specialists. We are here to support your business through this crisis so when the time comes to reopen we can be ready to grow into next phase together.
