Empire State Development is the umbrella organization for New York’s two principal economic development financing entities: The New York State Urban Development Corporation and the Department of Economic Development. In an effort to increase efficiency and enhance the delivery of initiatives, these two agencies have worked together seamlessly since 1995. Their singular mission is the facilitation of business growth and job creation across New York State.

The mission of Empire State Development (“ESD”) is to promote a vigorous and growing state economy, encourage business investment and job creation, and support diverse, prosperous local economies across New York State through the efficient use of loans, grants, tax credits, real estate development, marketing and other forms of assistance.

To support their economic development mission, ESD:

• Invests strategically in infrastructure, innovation, place-making and revitalization, tradable sectors and workforce development; 
• Is transparent and responsive to the needs of diverse communities across the state through the active participation of the Regional Councils; 
• Supports the retention and health of existing businesses, the retention of populations, and the development of new businesses and industries that will contribute to the development of the 21st century economy; 
• Promotes equality of economic opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses (“MWBEs”); 
• Provides early-stage support for new ventures, including the research and development of new technologies; and 
• Strengthens New York State’s innovation-based economy through partnerships with their acclaimed universities, promoting entrepreneurialism through the development of incubators and next-generation manufacturing and technology hubs across the state.