The Hub Hamilton NY

07/22/2026

Colgate University's Thought Into Action Incubator is now accepting applications for its 2026–27 cohort, and through a partnership between The Hub and Colgate Entrepreneurship and Innovation, a limited number of community entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to participate.

To learn more and apply, please complete the intake form linked below and complete an initial evaluation meeting with Hub Director, Melissa Davis.

forms.monday.com/forms/810ed86fa8a90173e84d61431a4d37e5?r=use1

The TIA Incubator supports entrepreneurs who are building businesses and nonprofits by providing mentorship from experienced founders and business leaders, monthly workshops, keynote speakers, and valuable networking opportunities. Designed for entrepreneurs who are serious about growing their ventures, this intensive program requires a significant commitment and active participation throughout the year.

If you're ready to take your business or nonprofit to the next level, this is an exceptional opportunity to gain the knowledge, connections, and support needed to accelerate your success.

Requirements:

Must be currently developing a scalable venture, with preference for ventures in manufacturing and food/agtech

Venture operations must be based in Madison County

Venture must be actively doing business and have growth strategy plan

Must be able to meet the following participation requirements:

Attend all sessions at Colgate University from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the following dates: September 26, October 17, November 14, and December 5, 2026; January 23, February 13, March 6, and April 3, 2027.

Participate in 30-minute virtual calls monthly from October-March, scheduled at your convenience

Communicate promptly with mentors and program staff via email and Slack

Learn more at colgate.edu/success-after-colgate/entrepreneurship-and-innovation

07/16/2026

One of our most underrated offerings here at The Hub is our free, confidential, one-on-one business counseling.

We work with new and existing businesses spanning from main street lifestyle to agriculture, manufacturing, and more, in all stages of development from the beginning ideas of a business concept all the way through to exit and succession planning.

In other words - any industry, any stage!

Did we mention it's free?

If you have a question about your business or idea and aren't sure where to begin, contact us here at The Hub.

You'll meet with Melissa Davis, our Director of Economic Development, who has an immense wealth of experience serving as an invaluable resource to New York State businesses.

Areas you can cover with Melissa include:

🔗 General start-up assistance
🔗 One-on-one advisement
🔗 Business plan development
🔗 Cash flow projections
🔗 Marketing strategies
🔗 Funding opportunities
🔗 Lending preparation
🔗 MWBE certification assistance
🔗 Veteran certification assistance
🔗 Formation of business entity

Visit hubmadisoncounty.org/mentoring to schedule your appointment today!

07/14/2026

Last week, we hosted a roundtable discussion with town supervisors from Georgetown, Nelson, and DeRuyter, along with Joseph A. Griffo, Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan, and a few local businesses.

We discussed infrastructure, housing, business needs, and how to strengthen Madison County and our surrounding region for a stronger future.

Looking for a space to host your next meeting? Wondering about how to receive free and confidential business counseling? Reach out to Melissa at [email protected]!

06/30/2026

Melissa recently judged the business plan competition for the Syracuse Cooperative Federal!

This competition was designed to support business owners preparing for an ask - such as applying for a loan or raising investments - and encouraged folks to hone their business plans and position themselves to better showcase their business.

Participating Businesses Included:

• Aliyah's Floral Fantasy
• Bandz Streetwear LLC - First Place in Elevator Round $1,000 grant
• Dezy’s Construction LLC
• DJ AI Business Consultant LLC
• Fiber Besties
• Instant Cleaners LLC
• Loving Loads LLC - Second Place in Pitch Panel $1,000 scholarship
• Lumira Jewelry
• Marvelously Done
• Peace, Love and a Happy Heart LLC - Second Place in Elevator Round $500 scholarship
• Pringle Will Get It Done LLC
• Rackzzz Wrldwide
• The Beadiculous Bead Bar
• The Plug LLC
• Thrive in Healing LLC - Grand Prize $2,500 grant
• TiaMarie LLC
• Ulysses Enterprises dba PeacePost[dot]org

06/19/2026

Wow, we are so happy with the turnout for our NYS Funding Opportunities Workshop, held this week at The Hub!

Over 30 people attended to meet with our Empire State Development representative, explore NYS grants and programs for local businesses, learn about funding available to municipalities and local governments, and discover programs to support economic growth in our community.

This was a fantastic opportunity to learn how New York State can help you get your project, plan or initiative off the ground, whether or not you're ready to apply for funding.

Stay tuned for more informational workshops right here at The Hub and don’t forget, we offer confidential and free one-on-one business counseling as well! Visit hubmadisoncounty.org/mentoring to book your session.

06/18/2026

💵 Attention small business owners! Micro-Grants in the amount of $5,000 to $30,000 are available for small businesses! 💵

New and existing businesses with five or fewer employees are eligible to apply.

The final deadline for applications is June 29 , 2026.

If your household income is above the required threshold, you must create at least one full-time equivalent job made available to low-to-moderate-income (LMI) individuals.

See the application for more information about income requirements.

➡ Funds must be matched by a minimum of 10% owner equity. Equity contribution must be provided as cash, not associated with debt of any kind.
➡ Awardees must complete an approved SBDC small business training.
➡ All funds will be received on a reimbursement basis.
➡ The project must be able to be completed in under a year.

Eligible Uses of Funds:

➡ Equipment and furnishings
➡ Inventory
➡ Marketing and website development
➡ Payroll
➡ Other operating costs
➡ Other working capital
➡ Grant funds may not be used for construction, renovations, leasehold improvements, or demolition

*If you’ve ever gotten CDBG funding in the past, please contact us to clarify your eligibility.*

Apply online at hamiltonpcd.org/grants

Questions? Contact Laura Caughlan at 315-825-3537 or email [email protected]

06/11/2026

Test-drive your retail dream in downtown Hamilton at The Hub's brand-new retail incubator space!

Have you been dreaming of opening your own brick-and-mortar storefront but aren't ready to commit to a long-term commercial lease? Do you have a booming online shop, a successful farmers' market stand, or a unique product line ready for prime time?

This is your launchpad. Our freshly built retail space at The Hub in the heart of downtown Hamilton is available for a 3-month temporary pop-up at a highly subsidized rate, letting you escape high overhead risks and prove your business concept in Hamilton's premier entrepreneurial environment.

Why Apply?

The Ultimate "Test Drive": Experience the daily operational realities of running a physical storefront with zero long-term strings attached.

Validate Your Market: Test your pricing, gauge local demand, and see how Colgate students, faculty, and Madison County residents respond to your products.

Build Your Brand: Grow your local footprint, build a loyal customer email list, and establish the reputation you need to transition into a permanent space.

The Perks & Logistics

Brand-New Space at The Hub: Be the first to activate this freshly designed, modern incubator environment.

Highly Discounted Rent: Enjoy 40% to 50% off standard local commercial market rent.

Predictable Overhead: Utilities including high-speed Wi-Fi are included.

Flexible Timeline: A 3-month term to prove your concept, with an optional 1-month extension based on performance.

To keep the storefront vibrant, our selected partner must be ready to merchandise the space, provide consistent core hours, and secure a standard CGL insurance policy prior to move-in. If you have questions about any of these aspects, we're here to help.

Don't let a great concept stay hidden online. Spaces like this in Hamilton rarely open up at this rate!

Apply today to secure your 3-month retail test drive. To request an application or schedule a viewing of the space, contact Melisa Davis at 315-228-8729 or [email protected].

06/10/2026

We are one week out from the New York State Funding Opportunity Workshop, presented by the Partnership for Community Development.

Join us for refreshments and an informative session with a representative from Empire State Development to learn about New York State funding opportunities available to your municipality and/or business.

Tuesday, June 16, 2026
11 am – 1 pm
The Hub at 18 Utica St., Suite 101, Hamilton, NY

🤝 Meet with ESD
Receive one-on-one access to an Empire State Development representative

💰 Business Funding
Explore NYS grants and programs for local businesses

🏢 Municipal Support
Learn about funding available to municipalities and local governments

📈 State Resources
Discover programs to support economic growth in your community

This is a great opportunity to learn how NYS can help you get your project, plan or initiative off the ground, whether or not you're ready to apply for funding.

RSVP here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/c231eec98ec18821e962f3448d382d71?r=use1

06/09/2026

Community over competition! 🤝

Let’s talk about support and camaraderie.

Today, we hosted our first coffee session at LaunchPoint. The idea was simple: bring local entrepreneurs together to grab a cup, talk about what they need, and support one another peer-to-peer. Watching our local business owners lift each other up was great.

But you know who came? Melissa, the Director of The Hub Hamilton NY, another coworking and entrepreneurial support center right here in our county. She didn't view us as competition. She didn't avoid us. She drove out, walked through our doors, and sat at our table to offer her own peer-to-peer support to us.

So while our local entrepreneurs were busy supporting their peers, The Hub was busy supporting LaunchPoint.

This is what an ecosystem looks like. It’s not about competing; it’s about collaborating to ensure everyone wins. When we support one another, our entire community gets stronger.

Thank you to Melissa and The Hub for the warm welcome and for proving that we are all in this together.

06/03/2026

New York State Funding Opportunity Workshop
Presented by the Partnership for Community Development

Tuesday, June 16, 2026
11 am – 1 pm
The Hub at 18 Utica St., Suite 101, Hamilton, NY

Join us for refreshments and an informative session with a representative from Empire State Development to learn about New York State funding opportunities available to your municipality and/or business.

🤝 Meet with Empire State Development
Receive one-on-one access to an Empire State Development representative

💰 Business Funding
Explore NYS grants and programs for local businesses

🏢 Municipal Support
Learn about funding available to municipalities and local governments

📈 State Resources
Discover programs to support economic growth in your community

This is a great opportunity to learn how NYS can help you get your project, plan or initiative off the ground, whether or not you're ready to apply for funding.

RSVP here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/c231eec98ec18821e962f3448d382d71?r=use1