New York SBDC

08/11/2026

Bree Bacon Named New York's 2026 America's SBDC State Star

Bree Bacon, Agriculture Specialist and Certified Business Advisor with the Niagara Small Business Development Center hosted by SUNY Niagara, has been named New York's 2026 America's SBDC State Star.

Since joining the SBDC in 2015, Bree has advised more than 6,000 clients, helped them access more than $7.1 million in capital, and become a go-to resource for agricultural and rural businesses across the statewide network.

As Chair of the NYSBDC Agriculture Committee, she also shares her expertise with advisors, entrepreneurs, and partners across New York State.

As Bree put it, "Small businesses really do make our communities possible."

Read the full announcement: https://nysbdc.org/awards/bree-bacon-2026-state-star/

08/11/2026

This week, New York SBDC business advisors from centers across the state will gather in Buffalo for the 2026 NYSBDC Regional Symposium.

Taking place August 12 and 13 at Buffalo State University, the symposium will bring advisors and colleagues together for two days of professional development, regional knowledge-sharing, and conversations about the needs and opportunities affecting small businesses across New York.

Through sessions led by NYSBDC team members and partners, attendees will explore resources and approaches they can bring back to their centers and the entrepreneurs they serve.

We look forward to sharing a look at the learning and connections taking place in Buffalo!

08/10/2026

Kevin and Anthony knew the HVAC/R trade. Over the years, they had developed deep technical expertise, earned clients' trust, and built careers around keeping complex systems running. When organizational changes followed a merger and acquisition, the future of those careers became less certain. Instead of walking away from the experience they had built, Kevin and Anthony began considering what it would take to create a company of their own. Their colleague Joseph joined them, and Elemental Commercial Services took shape.

The three partners knew how to do the work. Becoming owners brought a different set of questions: how to structure the partnership, plan for insurance and startup costs, understand the company's break-even point, and build toward long-term stability. Working with Finger Lakes Small Business Development Center Business Advisor Mohammad Fatin Noor, the partners strengthened their operating foundation and developed bank-ready financial projections.

Elemental Commercial Services went on to secure private financing and support through Monroe County's Micro Advantage Loan Program. By late 2025, the company had secured 10 public-sector contracts, including work with hospitals and state schools.

"The biggest shift for us was learning how to think like owners, not just technicians," Kevin shared. "The right advisory support gave us clarity, credibility with lenders, and a roadmap we continue to refine as the business grows."

08/10/2026

🤝 Congratulations to Yancy McKenzie, our 2026 Procurement Business of the Year!

The New York SBDC Procurement Business of the Year recognizes a business that has used government contracting opportunities as a pathway for growth. Last week, the Annual Client Awards Roadshow stopped in Endwell, where Yancy McKenzie, owner of Y & M Professional Cleaners, LLC, was recognized with this year’s award.

Yancy began building his residential and commercial cleaning business in 2024, investing in equipment, refining his bid pricing, and gaining experience as he worked to establish the business and pursue larger opportunities.

Following last week’s celebration, our State Director Sonya Smith shared, “Yancy McKenzie’s journey is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t happen overnight; it comes from refusing to give up, asking the right questions, and being willing to learn every step of the way. When Yancy encountered obstacles, he didn’t see them as roadblocks. He sought guidance, embraced new opportunities like Section 3 contracting, and positioned his business for long-term success. His story demonstrates how determination, combined with the right support and strategic planning, can transform a small business into a trusted government contractor.”

Working with Southern Tier Small Business Development Center Business Advisor Robin Alpaugh, Yancy identified new procurement opportunities and strengthened his approach to competing for publicly funded projects.

That positioning helped Y & M secure major subcontracting work, including work connected to the Court Street Apartments project in Binghamton and additional development projects. His progression from startup to trusted government subcontractor reflects persistence, smart use of procurement pathways, and a clear commitment to long-term growth.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at SEPP Hooper Road Apartments to recognize Yancy, his hard work, and this achievement!

Among those who joined us to recognize Yancy were:

• Dan Rickman, District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration's Upstate-Syracuse District Office
• Representatives from the offices of Governor Kathy Hochul, Representative Josh Riley, State Senator Lea Webb, and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo
• Kelly Mattucci, Christa Construction
• Dustin Grassi, Project Manager, Christa Construction
• Robin Alpaugh, Southern Tier SBDC Business Advisor
• Liam McMahon, Southern Tier SBDC Regional Director
• Yancy’s family, team, and community partners

Congratulations again to Yancy McKenzie, Y & M Professional Cleaners, LLC, Robin Alpaugh, and the Southern Tier SBDC on this well-deserved recognition!

08/08/2026

Small Businesses don't live in silos. They are intimately connected to the communities they are in. Recently, our Southern Tier Small Business Development Center hosted by Binghamton University helped bring together the community and local officials with two SBDC success stories, the Village Alliance of the Southern Tier and Take Adventures Everyday to help kick off Chenango Rivercleanup2026 at Chenango Valley State Park.

Community leaders gathered Thursday at the Chenango Valley State Park Boathouse to announce the third annual Chenango River Cleanup and celebrate the expansion of a local outdoor recreation business.

08/07/2026

🏆 2026 Phoenix Business of the Year

The New York SBDC Phoenix Award honors business owners who overcome challenges and come back stronger. Earlier this week, the Annual Client Awards Roadshow stopped in Cooperstown, where Jeanetta Osterhoudt, owner of Sybil's Yarn Shop, was recognized with this year’s award.

A July 2025 fire destroyed her Milford shop and inventory. With support from longtime customers, family, friends, local businesses, and the wider community, Jeanetta reopened in Cooperstown just two months later.

Following this week’s celebration, New York SBDC State Director Sonya Smith shared, “The Phoenix Award recognizes entrepreneurs who refuse to let adversity define their future, and Jeanetta Osterhoudt is a remarkable example of that resilience. When tragedy unraveled what she had worked so hard to build, she and her community came together to knit a new beginning. Today, Sybil’s Yarn Shop is once again weaving connections, creativity, and economic vitality into the fabric of Cooperstown. Jeanetta’s story reminds us that with determination, community support, and the right resources, even the greatest setbacks can become the foundation for an inspiring comeback.”

Jeanetta worked with Southern Tier Small Business Development Center Business Advisor Michelle Catan, who joined her family and community at the celebration. Many of those gathered had held fundraisers and offered support to help replenish inventory and reopen the shop. Today, Sybil’s Yarn Shop is once again a welcoming creative hub for knitters, quilters, makers, and neighbors.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate Jeanetta and this remarkable comeback.

Among those who joined us to recognize Jeanetta were:

• State Senator Peter Oberacker Jr.
• Assemblymembers Chris Tague and Brian Miller
• Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh Kuch
• Otsego County Board Chair Edwin Frazier
• Grace Conners, Deputy District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration's Upstate-Syracuse District Office
• Michelle Catan, Southern Tier SBDC Business Advisor
• Liam McMahon, Southern Tier SBDC Regional Director
• Jeanetta’s family, community partners, and the Southern Tier SBDC team

Congratulations again to Jeanetta Osterhoudt, Sybil’s Yarn Shop, Michelle Catan, and the Southern Tier SBDC on this well-deserved recognition!

08/05/2026

08/05/2026

The Greater Buffalo Small Business Development Center is proud to celebrate the launch of BOSO Athletics, founded by Coach Bruce, with a mission to help athletes improve not only their physical performance but also their mental approach to the game.

Built around the philosophy of "Better Outlook. Stronger Outcomes," BOSO Athletics is the only platform that combines IQ development, skill training, and mental performance coaching into a personalized experience designed for each athlete. Through customized training plans, game film analysis, strategy education, and mental performance tools, BOSO Athletics helps players build confidence, make smarter decisions, and perform under pressure.

The inspiration for BOSO Athletics comes from Coach Bruce's own athletic journey. Despite having talent and competing at both the Division I and Division III collegiate levels, he often found himself navigating pressure and mental challenges without the support or guidance he needed. Through seven years of coaching experience, including AAU, junior varsity, varsity, and private training, he noticed a common trend among athletes: many were not being held back by a lack of skill, but by pressure, fear, and uncertainty.

Today, as a high school head coach in Western New York, Coach Bruce created BOSO Athletics to provide athletes with the support he wished he had received. His goal is to create a space where athletes feel understood and receive a development plan tailored to who they are as individuals.

“I had an incredible experience working with both Marilyn and Bailey W. Brouillard. They both expedited the growth of my business. I am grateful for them both and everyone in the Small Business Development Center!”
- Wanya' Bruce | Founder & Performance Coach of BOSO Athletics

Website: BOSO Athletics | Better Outlook. Stronger Outcomes.

Email: [email protected]

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08/05/2026

08/05/2026

"The best part about working with the SBDC was that I was able to take the business plan we created and secure a line of credit. It also showed me that the business is healthy, profitable, and continuing to grow—that was a great marker for me." — Tanvi Asher, Owner of Peppermint Boutique

Meet Peppermint Boutique and owner Tanvi Asher.

Located in Rochester, Peppermint Boutique is a women's apparel, gift, and home goods boutique offering inclusive sizing from XS–4X, jewelry created by local artists, and a thoughtfully curated selection of U.S.-made products.

Read more about this client spotlight by visiting:
https://www.sbdcbrockport.org/community-stories/client-spotlight-peppermint-boutique

If you're in the Rochester area, be sure to visit Peppermint Boutique and support this outstanding local small business. If you're an entrepreneur looking to strengthen your business, plan for growth, or gain a clearer picture of your company's future, connect with the Finger Lakes SBDC to learn how we can help.