Startup formation throughout Upstate New York has been second strongest in the Capital Region, according to a Center for Economic Growth analysis of data from U.S. Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics.
Our startup economy is booming and people, we invite you to BYOB (bring your own business) here to CapNY!
Support & Resources for Startups
From incubators and co-working spaces to funding and entrepreneurial bootcamps, there are countless opportunities for you to secure the resources you need to build your business.
The Center for Economic Growth (CEG)’s Business Growth Solutions (BGS) unit offers a menu of support services for entrepreneurs. CEG is also an operational partner of Innovate518, a collaborative effort managed by the University at Albany of incubators and accelerators and co-working spaces. The Capital Region Chamber provides support services for entrepreneurs including loan programs, entrepreneur boot camps and an MWBE program. Just to name a few…
Today, we’ll focus on two booming woman-run startups in CapNY that are making waves. Read on!
Inspect Point
Inspect Point gives you everything you need to run a fire inspection business. It helps you perform more inspections, win more contracts, and grow your inspection business to new heights.
Jennifer Doyle, CapNY native & Co-Founder/VP of Customer Success, said “after graduating from The Sage Colleges, I worked at several technology companies in the area in the marketing departments. While I learned a lot during my time with each, I did not feel fulfilled. After several years of working in the area, I quit my job and started a consulting company with my then boyfriend (now husband).
The concept of the business was inspired by a friend in the fire protection space came to us upset with their current software solution. After doing some research on the other solutions, as well as the market space, we saw an opportunity to build something that the industry needed and went all in.
Having a support system, outside of work, has been vital to our success. Since all of us (founders) have grown up and attended college in the area (Sage and RPI), our families and friends have been able to help us with babysitting, hot meals, and support throughout the years. Growing up in and starting our business in the Capital Region has also given us the opportunity to lean on resources and people we have known for many years.”
Micropolitan Matchmakers
Micropolitan Matchmakers, formerly Capital Heart Connection, provides matchmaking services, dating coaching, a podcast & more to help people in CapNY and other micropolitan areas “find their big love in their micropolitan region!” They’re the only matchmaking service of their kind in the region.
Founded by two CapNY natives and current Schenectady residents, Becky Daniels and Gabby Fisher. As two young professionals living in CapNY, they wanted to get off the apps and into the real dating world by curating singles events at local businesses. “As much as apps can help extend personal networks, it’s kind of dehumanizing,” said Daniels, “People aren’t people — they’re just a picture.” Diversity and inclusiveness play a central role, too. While both Fisher and Daniels are cis-gendered white women looking for men, “we really want to make sure the community is open for love across the spectrum,” Daniels said.
You can check out their services, listen to their podcast, join the free singles database, & find upcoming CapNY-based singles events, here!
These Founders Love CapNY
“My husband and I traveled for many years before moving back to the area and starting Inspect Point. What drew us back here was not only family, but the proximity to hiking, restaurants, travel opportunities, and a great place to build a company. I enjoy hiking with my kids at Peebles Island, grabbing a coffee with my coworkers at JACOB ALEJANDRO, grabbing a beer with my friends at The Ruck, and enjoying a date night with my husband at Browns or Nicole’s.” – Jennifer Doyle, Inspect Point
“When I moved back after graduate school, I was lucky to have a great group of friends from high school to come back to. But I still wanted to expand my professional circle, find a mentor… and maybe some potential dates. There are so many ways to build a network. I found my people through joining the Palette Cafe Community and Junior League of Albany, attending events with our awesome local chambers and young professionals groups. Volunteering with community organizations including the local St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital team, New Leaders Council, and Capital Region Sponsor a Scholar also helped.” – Becky Daniels, Micropolitan Matchmakers
Written by: Gabby Fisher
Gabby is a brand strategist, entrepreneur, real estate investor, matchmaker, & hypewoman. She is also the Lead Consultant on the CapNY Brand Initiative. She lives in Schenectady with her poodle Mochi and 60+ houseplants. Check out her website!