Binghamton Economic Development Office - BEDO
MISSION STATEMENT
In order to further our goal of a desirable, safe city in which all residents can live, work, study, worship, play and have opportunities to improve the quality of their lives, the Binghamton Office of Economic Development (BEDO) is committed to a progressive vision of building and strengthening our diverse community by providing government services that foster economic vitality, sustainable growth, civic engagement, citizen participation and neighborhood stability.
In support of our mission, BEDO works in partnership with citizens, stakeholders in the public and private sectors, and other City departments to:
- Strengthen the quality of life in Binghamton’s neighborhoods;
- Preserve and develop decent, safe and affordable housing opportunities and increase homeownership;
- Maintain and improve the vitality of the Downtown and neighborhood business districts;
- Encourage a thriving and sustainable small business sector;
- Foster job growth, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities;
- Increase civic engagement and citizen participation, especially among Binghamton’s youth;
- Support the delivery of efficient and vibrant community services; and
- Revitalize Binghamton’s use of the rivers and waterfront areas.
Binghamton Means Business!
The Economic Development professionals at BEDO provide a comprehensive array of services to help business start-up, grow and relocate to the City. BEDO participates in the Greater Binghamton Coalition of Economic Development--professionals working together to tailor the best possible incentive packages for our customers.
Our webpages also offer a variety of economic development resources.
Resources for Start-Ups and Established Business:
Developers Please Note:
Effective March 2, 2009, City Ordinance 09-008 expanded the Planning Commission’s review of commercial and residential properties. A review is required for almost all new commercial ventures in the City of Binghamton. Failure to comply carries significant penalties.
Planning & Zoning Work Sessions:
To assist developers with getting projects implemented, the Planning Department in cooperation with the Building Inspector, Engineering Department, Economic Development and Corporation Counsel, offers work sessions every Tuesday from 2:00 – 4:00pm. Such a 30-minute session at the start of a development project to discuss scope and direction can give developers a clear understanding of the planning and/or zoning approval process and help avoid delays in obtaining necessary permits. To schedule a work session appointment, developers should contact the Department of Planning, Housing & Community Development at 772-7028. For more information, please click here.
Siting Assistance
BEDO staff maintains and updates a detailed database of available properties to assist interested developers and business owners looking to expand or to find tenants. (With the advent of the City's improved GIS function, location assistance have been greatly enhanced.) Services include:
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Information about available square footage, sprinkler systems, docks and communication infrastructure
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Photographs of the buildings and maps identifying the site and neighboring businesses, as well as proximity to major thoroughfares
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Contacts with business owners for a walk-through for potential tenants
Low-Interest Loan Programs
The Binghamton Local Development Corporation - BLDC offers low-interest loans to support start-up and growth of qualified companies. For more information on these programs, please visit the BLDC web-page.
UDAG and 108 Loans
The City can provide financial assistance through these resources for businesses that require greater financing than that which is available through the BLDC. The Office of Economic Development currently manages two 108 loans and eight UDAG loans.
Partnership Facilitation
BEDO maintains a strong working relationship with all area financial institutions, the Greater Binghamton Coalition, the Broome County Industrial Development Agency, the Small Business Administration, Empire State Development Corporation, and other resource providers. We bring these partners to the table to develop the best opportunities for your company in the areas of finance, training and competitiveness.
Technical Assistance
BEDO provides start-up and existing businesses with technical support including referrals to a variety of service providers for specific help with business plan development, entrepreneurship workshops, networking opportunities, and applications for State grants including training and other benefits.
Business Visitation Program
BEDO staff meets with City enterprises regularly to provide assistance and plan for the future. As a result, BEDO often brings compatible businesses together to form synergistic partnerships and seize opportunities. The Office provides Binghamton businesses with leads on solicitations for business in New York State.
Environmental Expertise
In conjunction with City Planning, the office provides information on Brownfield redevelopment programs and environmental cleanup/remediation for property owners. The City actively develops partnerships to seek State and Federal funding for rehabilitation of Brownfield sites.
Assistance with other City of Binghamton Departments
The Office of Economic Development facilitates your interactions across all City Hall departments. We provide you with access and advocacy with zoning, code enforcement, public safety, assessment, public works, finance and administration.
Business District Associations
BEDO encourages the formation of neighborhood business associations and supports these such associations where appropriate. Two active organizations are:
- Downtown Binghamton Business Association organizes "July Fest" and supports the Downtown Binghamton Farmers' Market, Columbus Day Parade/Tournament of bands and many other downtown events. DBBA meets every 3rd Friday of the month at Java Joe's, 81 State Street. For more information, please contact Ron Sall, SallStearn@aol.com at (607) 722-7780.
- Gorgeous Washington Street Association organizes the monthly "First Friday" art walk/gallery night. GWSA aims "...to beautify and revitalize our community through beautification projects as well as events which highlight our beautiful city." GWSA meets on the 4th Friday of the month at the Holiday Inn Arena, 2-8 Hawley Street. For more information, please visit, www.gorgeouswashington.com, or contact Rob Wandell, drumiac@hotmail.com, (607) 348-0090.
Marketing
BEDO staff create marketing pieces for specific properties, districts and business building programs to attract investors, customers and visitors.
Business opportunities in the City of Binghamton means a creative approach to meeting your needs, customer focus through accessibility and facilitation, and a continuing concern for the health of your business.
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