Small Business Recognized for Providing Childcare Solutions

Finding affordable, reliable childcare is one of the most significant issues facing families. In fact, a March 2024 report titled The Status of Childcare in New York State shows the lack of access to affordable childcare is forcing New Yorkers out of the workforce. The critical need for childcare makes the accomplishments of one of the clients of Onondaga Community College's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) even more meaningful.

On July 29, Hand In Hand Early Childhood Center was presented with the 2024 New York Rural Small Business of the Year Award. Hand In Hand recently opened a new childcare facility in the Harrisville Central School District where it serves 32 children in northern Lewis County. Hand In Hand partnered with Onondaga's SBDC to obtain nearly $3 million dollars in funding from the Northern Border Regional Commission to expand childcare services in Lewis County. This is Hand In Hand's third facility in that county. Their main location is in the village of Lowville where they serve 96 children. Its other facility is in the South Lewis Central School District where 32 children are served.

This is the second significant award this year for an Onondaga SBDC client. In May, Vetted Tech Inc. was presented with the 2024 Upstate New York Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year Award. The award covers a 34-county region. Vetted Tech is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned manufacturer located on Court Street Road in Syracuse. It utilizes 3-D printing to make high performance components in metal and polymer composite materials. Vetted Tech's President and Owner is Mike Mowins. He's a graduate of Baldwinsville High School and the United States Naval Academy. Vetted Tech's success story was highlighted in a "Tell Me Something" Good segment on WSYR TV.

OCC's SBDC was also honored with the 2024 ALLY AWARD by Operation Oswego County. The plaque they were presented with said: "In recognition and appreciation of the vision, commitment, and leadership exhibited at the Onondaga Small Business Development Center to provide critical entrepreneurial training and technical assistance to the small business and entrepreneurs of Oswego County; and for being a vital and essential partner in economic development in Oswego County, NY."

OCC's SBDC is led by Regional Director Robert Griffin, CEPA. It provides no-cost, confidential business advisement services to individuals and companies in an 8-county region. The advisor team provides customized solutions through advisement, education, research, and advocacy for entrepreneurs, innovators, and small & medium enterprise community. The office can be contacted by phone at 315.498.6070, or email at sbdc@sunyocc.edu.

The SBDC is funded by a grant from the US Small Business Administration and the state of New York.