SUNY Old Westbury Approved For START-UP NY Program
Empire State Development, the state’s economic development agency, and the State University of New York have approved SUNY Old Westbury’s plan to take part in START-UP NY, an economic development initiative developed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to establish tax-free areas for start-ups, high technology, and existing businesses looking to expand and help attract new businesses to the State of New York through partnerships with college and university campuses. These partnerships build on the academic strengths and priorities of each campus.
“We are excited to be part of this initiative and we look forward to attracting new business and industry to Long Island, creating new jobs, and offering our students intimate opportunities to learn and grow,” said College President Calvin O. Butts, III.
Old Westbury’s campus plan seeks partnerships with businesses that align with the college’s mission and that will enrich academic programs. The plan calls for opportunities for faculty and student involvement through enhanced research opportunities and internships, and the likelihood of hiring appropriately educated and qualified Old Westbury graduates. Those companies approved to participate in the Old Westbury START-UP will have the ability to locate nearby, at the Morrelly Homeland Security Center in Bethpage, New York, and take advantage of the opportunity to operate tax-free, spurring regional economic development through job creation and expansion.
“Whether we find a cutting edge software developer, a brilliant biotechnology concern, or an environmental remediation firm with innovative new ideas, our goals will include ensuring these companies are interested in not only their own success, but in creating successful solutions to challenges that face our Long Island and metropolitan New York community,” said Butts.
SUNY Old Westbury is the latest institution in the state to receive campus plan approval from the SUNY and ESD and becomes the sixth START-UP zone on Long Island. For more information about the SUNY Old Westbury START-UP NY program, visit www.oldwestbury.edu/start-up-ny.
—Submitted by SUNY Old Westbury
