CapNY Entrepreneur Resources

The Capital Region is rich with resources for today’s budding entrepreneurs and business owners.

There are so many potential resources that it can feel tricky knowing where to start. As an ever-growing millennial business owner, I am interested and search for the same value you are. When I put together this list, I wanted to ensure that each and every one of the resources I’ve put together was responsive and actionable.

Whether you’re looking to join the local community of business owners or kickstart your own project, these CapNY entrepreneur resources are a perfect way to start. Each organization included on this list responded to inquiries in a timely and friendly manner. You should have a similar experience.

What do they do?

The national organization of One Million Cups is based on the idea that support, encouragement, and feedback over a cup of coffee is what most young entrepreneurs need. There are chapters that host these events all over the country. The Albany chapter hosts networking events on Wednesdays at 9am with meetings including a presentation by a selected speaker, a discussion and Q&A.

How can you work with them?

There are two ways to work with the local chapter. Besides attending the local meeting, the chapter also offers coaching to its presenters.

What free and paid services do they offer?

All of the services offered by One Million Cups are free. These include the meetings and coaching participants might see. 

Do they work with Millennials and Gen Z? What do they do to help? 

Yes, and the organization is looking to include more millennials. There are a couple of millennials currently in the organization.

Examples of companies/entrepreneurs they’ve worked with

Richard Lin is a millennial who is part of the local 1 Million Cups leadership team. He also recruits and coaches presenters, runs the weekly meetings, provides feedback and connects individuals within the meetup. 

Visit their website for more.

What do they do?

Business improvement districts are organizations that aid businesses by offering a variety of support services. While the original idea of BIDs was likely centered on brick and mortar business, today’s BIDs are integrated with incubators, coworking spaces, mentoring and more for today’s HQ-less solopreneurs.  

During the events of 2020, the ways these organizations aided businesses changed in many ways. For example, the Central Ave BID repaired over 30 storefronts on Central Ave after more than 40 storefronts were damaged in June.

How can someone work with them?

If you’re looking for extra support for either a brick and mortar business, or another business, try your local BID. They are loaded with support mechanisms and community connections to help young entrepreneurs get what they need.  

What free and paid services do they offer?

When I asked one board member what services the BID offered, he told me, “Whatever is necessary.” Here some of the resources offered by the local BIDs:  

  • 7 day a week cleaning services for properties in that area 
  • Designated ServSafe training 
  • Accounting and booking lessons 
  • Mentor pool 
  • Cohorts 
  • Customized training for main street businesses  
  • Trade training  
  • Scholarships 
  • University incubator programs

Do they work with Millennials and Gen Z? What do they do to help? 

Yes! Local BIDs work with all generations, including those that come from local colleges and universities. I reached out to most of the Capital Region’s BIDs when working on this article and I found most highly responsive and helpful.  

Director of the Central Ave BID Anthony Capece says the organizations want to “help entrepreneurs before they get in over their head.”  We all know that can happen fast, so don’t wait to reach out.

Who is the main contact for entrepreneurs?  What is the best way to reach them?  

It depends on which BID you’re attempting to reach. Here are some of the local BIDs that were responsive to my inquiries: 

In addition, here are the links to the Downtown Troy BID (Rensselaer County) and Downtown Glens Falls BID (Warren County)

What do they do?

The Capital Region Chamber provides leadership and resources to help grow member businesses and the local economy. They also encourage a strong community by connecting members to people, businesses, and issues important for business success. 

What free and paid services do they offer?

There’s a membership fee associated with joining. The organization’s rates aren’t listed on its website, so I asked about them and staff resounded: “We don’t publish rates on our website because there are multiple variables in determining one’s membership investment (i.e. if it’s a restaurant it’s based upon the number of seats).” You can fill out this form to learn more.  

There are a number of complementary and paid programs for members. There are also some programs for non-members. Some of the programs include: 

  • Entrepreneur Boot Camp 
  • BusinessU professional development programs 
  • Tech Valley Young Professionals Network  
  • Webinars

Do they work with Millennials and Gen Z? What do they do to help? 

Yes. Anyone is welcome to join the Capital Region Chamber. 

The Entrepreneur Boot Camp program is designed to assist younger entrepreneurs on the path toward running their own businesses.

More than 50 different instructors teach in this program. Students a have the opportunity to win more than $3k in grants for their business. 

Interested? Click here to learn more.

Washington County Makers and Doers: CapNY Entrepreneurs

A constellation of small towns sprinkled across a largely rural landscape, Washington County prides itself on its attention to community. Creatives who call this region home draw inspiration from the county’s abundant natural beauty, relaxed pace of life and collaborative spirit.
A Cultural Heartbeat

Washington County makers and doers have a down to earth pride. Together, they’re shaping a distinctive cultural heartbeat. For Washington County creatives, strength lies in amazing folks embracing its infinite possibility.

Location: Salem

Stephinie Miner is a plant caretaker and herbal product maker. Her passion for making safe and natural herbal remedies led to the founding of Sweetbrier Farms five years ago. She envisioned a space for connecting people to the power of plants and wild places.

Her family of six spent two decades traveling with the Coast Guard. Then Miner and her husband Joe decided to lay down roots. Washington County offered everything they wanted: day trip access to nearby cities, abundant nature and quiet tranquility.

Sweetbrier Farms is situated on thirty-five acres of mostly wooded land in Salem. They grow two dozen varieties of medicinal herbs along with a sizable vegetable garden. The small orchard is cultivated through a blend of permaculture and biodynamic practices. Stephinie and Joe are careful to balance their human presence with that of resident wildlife. To do so, they reserve rough pasture during the summer for pollinators and forest animals.

The Sweetbrier catalogue mainstays include herbal tinctures, salves and organic soap featuring plants grown or wild-harvested on their land. The farm also runs a unique apothecary style CSA. Members receive a selection of seasonally curated herbal wellness goods to support their health. Stephinie and Joe are also in the process of constructing a workshop-guest cabin on their property.

Find Stephinie’s Sweetbrier Farm herbal products on her website https://sweetbrierfarms.com/. Look for them locally at the Cambridge Co-op in Cambridge.

Location: Cambridge

David Snider believes in art’s potential for individual and collective transformation. His commitment as Hubbard Hall’s Executive and Artistic Director derives from that foundation. With dual roles, he manages both the operational and creative dimensions of the institution. Snider is motivated by “feeling and seeing how the work affects people’s lives.”

Established in 1878 by Mary and Martin Hubbard, Hubbard Hall is a performance venue and community town square. The building proudly features one of the country’s few remaining operational 19th century vaudeville theaters.

The organization’s mission -– to develop, sustain and promote the cultural life of its rural community –- is evident in their year-round programming. Courses in the arts are available for folks of all ages and skill levels. Students from the high school drama club are coached and nurtured on the historic stage. Artists in residence share work in progress with Cambridge residents. From local emerging talent to renowned professionals such as composer Rupert Holmes and dancer Twyla Tharpe, Hubbard Hall holds space for passionate creatives. Other initiatives include Breaking Bread, a LGBTQIA+ monthly potluck fostering regional relationship building.

After thirteen years of living and working in Washington D.C., David and his family relocated to Cambridge. The town’s close knit social fabric and natural beauty captivated the Snider family. As the largest arts institution in Washington County, Snider knows Hubbard Hall carries both great responsibility and big opportunity. His efforts are a welcome contribution to the creative lifeblood of Washington County.

Location: Cambridge

Ashley McCuin’s artisanal bakery business, Coffee And, provides customers with comforting nourishment. The name, Coffee And, is a phrase from her partner’s grandmother, a short form for “coffee and a treat while chatting with a friend.” Ashley hopes her baked goods can encourage patrons to take a moment for self care and relaxation amidst the daily grind.

Grounded in nostalgic crowd favorites, Coffee And’s repertoire spans from classic to nouveau. Ashley’s Everything Bagel Scones include chunks of cream cheese and everything bagel topping. Kouign amanns – muffin shaped croissants topped with a sugar glaze – sit alongside stellar rye rolls.

Born and raised in Cambridge, Ashley returned to southern Washington County after a handful of years in Burlington, Vermont. She shares, “I know there’s a future here in these small towns. I walk down Main Street and imagine all the possibilities.” Ashley is also a strong advocate for small business. “Shopping local” cultivates a vibrant local economy and quality employment.

You’ll find Ashley’s Coffee And products on Fridays at the Cambridge Food Co-op in Cambridge and Iron Coffee in Hoosic Falls, as well as on Sunday at her farm stand located at the Cambridge Valley Farmers Market in Cambridge.

Location: Greenwich

Devin Bulger founded Comfort Food Community in 2014 to address food scarcity amongst low-income individuals and families in Washington County. Devin spent several years in Colorado engaging in homelessness advocacy work. Upon returning to his rural hometown of Greenwich he recognized an unmet need. Comfort Food Community supports low-income residents in a largely agricultural area with quality nourishment. The organization utilizes a multi-pronged approach in supporting county residents. Comfort Food has local pantries in Greenwich and Cossayuna. The popular community garden space located in the village of Greenwich provides connection and supplements the pantry shelves .

CFC’s food recovery initiative serves as its farm facing arm. In a collaborative effort, staff and employees collect farm fresh produce that would otherwise be composted or fed to animals. The produce is distributed through food pantries and directly to residents through a network of local partners. The community health component, in partnership with Hudson Headwaters Health Network and CDPHP, includes Food Farmacy and Produce Prescription programs. Devin appreciates how his work and personal life positively inform each other in a small town context.

Comfort Food Community is a prime example of how Washington County makers and doers play a role in sharing abundance. Devin’s work affirms for us what can be harvested when a valuable seed is planted in fertile ground.

Location: Coila

Rachel Bauscher’s Esoteric Energy Design blends her love of natural beauty and wearable art. Her residence in the hamlet of Coila is a stone’s throw from the village of Cambridge. The location allows her ample opportunity to collect the organic materials she lovingly incorporates into her work. Rachel might weave a robin feathers from a nearby maple into a pair of jewel-toned leather earrings. A quartz-veined stone from the Battenkill River and forgotten vintage beads from a second hand store find new life in a bracelet merging classic and contemporary.

One of Rachel’s favorite practices is designing custom jewelry. She likens the experience to pulling a tarot card specific to her client. The piece emerges, and the wearer feels a part of a collaborative process.

As a local who left the area and returned eight years ago, Rachel enjoys the generous landscape that Washington County offers her and her family of five. She derives inspiration directly from the elements. Her children have the opportunity to grow alongside the plant and animal life found right outside of their doorstep.

Rio Riera Arbogast is a freelance writer focused on how creative entrepreneurship impacts the Capital Region’s cultural landscape. You can follow them on Instagram and Twitter at @riorawrites.

CapNY Creative: Richard Lin, Entrepreneur

Meet Community Builder & Entrepreneur, Richard Lin! Richard put together a very comprehensive list of information and resources for business owners, some tools he uses for productivity, and communities that have benefitted his growth…Check out more below!

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!

David Reali LYF Supply: CapNY Entrepreneur

David Reali is a 34-year-old, Schenectady born creator who now lives and loves Troy, NY. He is the creator of LYF SUPPLY and UPLYFTED, clothing brand and his passion project.

LYF SUPPLY is a brand that has evolved from a hat and embroidery brand to a lifestyle choice, representing Reali’s guiding principle: garments that reinforce the idea of self love.

David Reali of LYF SUPPLY shares his experiences as an entrepreneur. Reflecting on working from home, and the impact of COVID-19 on work and his vision for a makers Troy Night IN.

Even if the items themselves don’t refer exactly to self love, hopefully those who are familiar with my story know that this brand operates and lives on the confidence I have in myself and my ideas and my passion for creating opportunity and expressing yourself via art in some form.

I recently began a brand extension called UPLFYTED, thrifted items, upcycled into 1-of-1 pieces. They include LYF SUPPLY signature embroidery in addition to some really cool transformations.  I also provide embroidery for many of the local businesses in Troy that sell their own DOPE A** MERCH. So check them out (Superior MerchandiseLittle PecksJoan Kelsey Silver LiningYESFOLK TONICSPOOR DEVIL PEPPER CO., etc).

I am also currently working on music. I won’t go too in depth on that yet, but I will have some really great tunes lined up for everyone’s enjoyment.

I currently work in my home in a very, very small room. I have two machines now. For my larger orders, I take my equipment to Electric City Barn in Schenectady. It has a lot of room and I get to socialize with other creatives and the staff there.  That’s what I miss when I’m working from home constantly. Working from my home gets to be a bit stressful because my workspace only has room for one embroidery machine. I plan to invest in a commercial embroidery machine that will require a lot more space than I have.

Electric City Barn has a space for screen printing and I am currently learning that skill. Long story short, my space is working but I really need to be in a bigger space that accommodates everything. I am blessed though because I could still be working in an office, which I dread. So shout out to the universe for putting me in position.

Reality hasn’t set in yet. The lack of socializing has made it very difficult to focus on work and creativity. It reminds me of being a kid again though. I was the only boy in my family and also the youngest. A lot of my time was spent creating stuff and ideas, typically with my wrestling toys, etc.

Back in the 90s, the best part about things not being as advanced as they are now was our need to create our reality within our limited amount of space.  And we had time available due to curfews, bedtime, etc. So in a way, I’ve been going back into my mind finding that kid that would re-enact the battle of Fort Wagner from the movie “Glory” in his living room. Or plan out an entire Pay-Per-View wrestling event with all of my wrestling toys. That always gave me something to look forward to when I got home from school. I would be in school thinking about my makeshift wrestling event literally all day (lol).

With these circumstances, I try to allow myself to be that kid again, but with access to the internet, an embroidery machine and a sense of self awareness that may not have existed then. Also, lots of Facetiming with Fam and my girlfriend!! 

That is still something I am working on. Luckily my operation has been via my online store so sales haven’t been really interrupted. But I am aware that after all of this madness is over that LIFE will be different so LYF must become an evolved version of itself.

I have proposed the idea of TROY NIGHT IN which is a take on Troy Night Out but in this instance, creating a one stop shop for people to have access to every creative person, small business, etc. in the form of a live feed which gives a direct to consumer, pop up-like event using social media. The plan is to do pop-ups once a month, independent and collaboratively, and free from any groups or affiliations that we would have to get permission to do so but the Coronavirus happened.

Having a place online where people can get direct contact and access to the creator and their services and goods would be very convenient and user friendly for the consumer and help continue to build the creative economy here in Troy despite the circumstances. I am open to suggestions as to how to make that work effectively.

Honestly, it is amazing at how fast everyone came together to support one another during this time. It has been great seeing people and other businesses really show support for one another by posting each others stuff. I hope that all of this love and generosity continues when this is all over because this showed us how resilient we can be and also how much we actually do love and need each other. As far as support, I have seen a lot of different business grant opportunities by way of Facebook and other mediums.

Understanding your consumer is always important. A lot of my customers may have lost their jobs or have their income cut, so I have created discounts on products and reduced the cost of embroidery services for regular clients because I know it’s hard and I rely on them for my well being. I also had to take some time and rid myself of shame of selling items despite the fact that we are in quite difficult times. I’ve still gotta make a living and while doing so, I help when and where I can.

We are only week two into this and I haven’t suffered enough yet to offer anything outside of what I have already done pre-Coronavirus, but I would say to reach out to others, get help when needed. Allow yourself to evolve, even if it means letting go of something/someone/somewhere to make room for what you need.

Absolutely. With all of this social distancing, it makes me really miss the ability to be around people. I get inspired by people randomly. Whether it’s a beautiful face, or song by a local artist I accidentally stumbled into while getting a drink or my current friends, I miss being inspired by people so I want to use that inspiration and include people in the communication aspect of LYF SUPPLY. I want to tell the story better and more clearly, from a multi perspective instead of just my own because as I said, I am inspired by people and LOVE.

HELL YEAH! Honestly, that’s all I have been thinking of.  Especially the workers who are deemed ”essential.” I really hope they are getting paid what they are worth now and moving forward. Hopefully during this period, people can find a passion or something that they can freelance at and create opportunity for themselves.

2020 has been dookie so far but I do hope that people who have the spirit for entrepreneurship take a chance. No, take several chances, to see the world from a different perspective and become something more than what they may have settled for.

Sitting in an office for eight hours a day for five days a week is becoming obsolete. This time is proof of that, because if it weren’t the case then work that needed to be done in an office setting would be on complete pause right now.  Work is not on pause because it doesn’t have to be. For those with office jobs who are working from home, take time to reflect and think about who you are and what you want for yourself. There is so much opportunity available but there is so much more opportunity that has yet to be created and discovered. Now’s the time to explore.

Bet on yourself. Invest in yourself. Love yourself. Hold yourself and others around you accountable. Always be curious. Go after more than what is just available to you because there is a great chance that there is always more than what others are offering. No one is going to do it for you so you have to do it.

For those who are transitioning from a job to their own thing, the hours you’re putting into what you’re working to get away from should eventually cease and not exceed the hours you put into what you’re working towards. ESPECIALLY IF YOU LOVE IT!!

Kaciem Swain Has A Vision: CapNY Entrepreneur

Kaciem Swain was born and raised in Arbor Hill and the South End of Albany, in an underserved community. His plan was to move away when he had the chance, but for his whole adult life, he’s stuck around to serve those very same communities he grew up in.

Currently, Kaciem Swain is in the midst of launching a few entrepreneurial ventures, including Capital Curbside. His goal is “to hire creatives of color, bring them into my company, give them equity in it.” We were curious to learn more…

I’ve worked for several corporations, and I tried to contribute ideas or to get them to see things differently, but they didn’t want to. I’ve been working since I was nine. My dad told me it was time for me to start learning how to make money. I was always mowing lawns or helping him with some side hustle. My father taught me how to take care of myself so I could help take care of others. I’ve been entrepreneurial my whole life. I also work part-time for AVillage, where I instilled my vision of a Night Market.

AVillage has always been an advocacy platform that focuses on social justice issues, including economic and health disparities in the community. Originally, the organization started running a small farmers market on Saturdays. I didn’t think it fit what the community or market needed at the time. I had a vision for a night market where people could stop by when they get out of school or on their way home from work. We decided that the South End Night Market would run on Thursdays from 4pm – 7pm. This would be best way to reach the people who need access to food, fresh veggies, etc.

This space was designed for black people and people of color to come and create equity, ownership, and black wealth. We’re currently looking to add more black vendors to the market.

After the market launch, I started thinking…what if there was a way for these foods to be delivered to people who can’t make it to the market? What if there was a more economical delivery service for markets & restaurants? The amount of money GrubHub and DoorDash are taking from restaurants is substantial. I started asking myself, what is a better way to serve small local restaurants and provide a better service than these apps? That’s where Capital Curbside comes in.

In January, I signed a lease for a new restaurant in Troy (more to come on that) and in March, when COVID-19 became more serious, I decided to get Capital Curbside going. These common app based services have no standard operating procedure across the line for PPE. The drivers aren’t concerned with building relationships with the restaurants. All of our workers are on payroll and we have a weekly team meeting. We’re starting deliveries this week! Please visit our website and give us a call if you’re interested in learning more about our services.

You don’t need to work for somebody else. Ultimately, what you’re giving to a company is your intellectual and creative capital. I’m always looking for people who are willing to collaborate, do the work themselves, and share equity in a project. A lot of times we want to come into a pre-developed infrastructure and make change when ultimately, you can be the change yourself.

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!

CapNY Creative: Kulton The Maker

Kulton The Maker is a music star and entrepreneur on the rise in Hudson. His music pulls in elements from R&B, hip hop, pop, and other genres. His melodic vibes, rhythmic smoothness and thoughtful lyrics made us want to learn more about where he has been and where he is going…read on!

Before I started making music, I founded 518 Films. I wanted to shoot music videos. Originally, I was an actor, a director, and was part of a lot of plays in musical theater and Shakespeare. I wanted roles where I could direct a narrative for People of Color but kept getting violent, villainous, and misogynistic roles.

After dropping out of Full Sail University, I bought a camera, started teaching myself film and began freelancing. After shooting some music videos, I got booked to film a music tour documentary for Lady Moon and the Eclipse (also from the Hudson area).

I was riding in a van with some band members on tour and at the time, there was some music I had been working on. I hadn’t released it yet, but I played one of my songs for them, without telling them it was me, and they were like “wow, who is this?” They didn’t believe me when I told them it was me. After that, they offered me a job opening up for them, in addition to filming the documentary. We stopped in Jersey, DC, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and New Orleans. I toured with them three times and also had the opportunity to shoot a music video with Young Paris, an artist who signed with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label.

Inspired by what I saw on tour, I thought to myself, “I can do this.” I started recording A Beautiful Something, which was in production over three years – that was the birth of Kulton The Maker. I’m currently working on a new project. I recently released a single, “In The Mood,” you can listen to it here.

Systemic racism. I’ve been told that I’m not “good enough” because of the color of my skin. They told me I couldn’t do or be certain things. People called me white because I spoke properly. I haven’t let that narrative defeat me. I’ve made it my life’s work to combat that narrative and change the way people see themselves. If you listen for it, you’ll hear some of these thoughts in my music.

Never give up. Go beyond your limits. Take in as much valid and factual information as you can. Do the research. Self-study. I want people to wake up and realize they have value. We have to come together to make this planet sustainable and livable for ALL OF US, or it won’t work for any of us. I want to see the world change.

Hear more of Kulton’s music: Listen to”A Beautiful Something” Album on SpotifyAppleYouTube

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!

CapNY Transplant: Jeffrey Mirel, Rosenblum Companies

Jeff Mirel is the Founder of Albany Barn, Inc. a non-profit which operates creative arts incubators in Albany and Schenectady, AND a Principal of Rosenblum Development Corp. Plus, he’s a die-hard CapNY enthusiast.
What started in 2016 as a small grassroots effort by founders Renee and Mike Fahey has grown into a tri-city initiative that helps hundreds of people every week. Originally from Westchester County, Jeff became a CapNY transplant in 2004. He lives in Albany’s upper Washington neighborhood with his wife and two young daughters.

A: I am a diehard regionalist. It’s great that no single city is the center of gravity in this eight-county region.Everybody would like to consider themselves the sun, but the region is more a collection of stars that forms this amazing constellation. We have these pockets of experiences to explore that are altogether unique — rural, suburban or urban — within very short distances.

The News Apartments, Troy – A Rosenblum property
Hone Coworks, Albany – A Rosenblum property

A. This region has always been a place of invention. It’s really no surprise to me that we have such a strong creative freelancer population. I feel creative people are drawn here, to the power of the wilderness and waterways, to the outposts and industry that developed from those resources, to the stories that are etched into our accumulated built environment; it’s all of those things and more that make this a place of invention. So, what coworking and flexible workplaces like Hone, as well as makerspaces like Albany Barn provide are launchpads for all these people with ideas. 

Read more about CapNY’s Coworking Spaces here!

A:  You can try different things for a lower cost. You can really get your feet under you and still have a fun and full life. 

A: They’re growing up in the city of Albany, and they experience all of the good of urban centers, but they also see the challenges. I think it provides a broader world view, an opportunity to see all sides. My wife and I really try to instill in our children that those of us who are lucky owe it to be very aware of our advantage, and to fight with and on behalf of those who haven’t been afforded the same opportunities. 

Jeff and his daughter outside of Albany Barn

CapNY native Lauren Halligan is a lifelong Saratoga County resident. She studied journalism at The College of Saint Rose in Albany. She has worked as a full time reporter for The Saratogian and The Record newspapers for the past seven years. Her favorite part of living in the Capital Region is frequenting the local live music venues. Lauren also enjoys exploring the many parks and nature trails within the area, as well as traveling around the globe.