Why Niagara County is a Great Place to Start a Business

Are you thinking about moving to Burt, Newfane, or Olcott? Any of these Niagara County hamlets could be a great place to open a business, especially if your family values the simplicity of small-town living. The Niagara County region is an ideal place to work and live. The area boasts a low cost of living, a high quality of life, and a well-educated workforce. What’s more, nearly 10 million tourists visit the nearby Niagara Falls State Park every year! Let’s explore all of the wonderful reasons Niagara County is a great place to open a business!

A Business-Minded Community

Newfane and the surrounding areas are home to a thriving small business community. Residents are eager to support the small businesses that keep money in the community and as a result, tend to shop local whenever possible. Launching a business in a supportive community like Niagara County will give you a great head start as you work to grow your brand!

You’ll also find a wide range of organizations offering services to support businesses like yours, including:

• Creative design services from Prime Encode.
• Accounting and bookkeeping from Frank Cornell Associates.
• Hardware and rental equipment from Flint Brothers Hardware.
• Business insurance from Hibbard Insurance Agency.

The Area is Affordable

Niagara County is the most affordable region in the state of New York. The cost of living in Niagara county is lower than the U.S. average and much lower than New York City. On average, a one-bedroom apartment in the area rents for only $812 per month! Setting up shop in an affordable location like this will make it easier to get your business off the ground while minimizing debt.

If you’re looking to buy a home instead of renting, you’ll find no shortage of affordable homes in the region. The median house cost in Niagara County is $181,900. Redfin explains that you may even be able to get assistance covering your down payment through VA loans, a mortgage credit certificate, or HUD’s Homeownership Voucher Program.

Quality of Life is High

With a low cost of living, the quality of life in Niagara County is high. You don’t need a sky-high salary to enjoy a high standard of living in the region. Opening a business in the area means serving customers who have money to spend and employing happy people who are eager to excel at their work.

Residents of the area also enjoy access to a wide selection of award-winning wineries, popular zoos, free concerts, festivals, and more:

• The Lewiston Jazz Festival
• Niagara County Peach Festival
• Lockport Outdoor Arts & Crafts Festival
• The Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
• Olcott Beach
• Schulze Vineyards & Winery

Easy Access to Major Markets

Niagara County sits right on the Canadian border, giving local businesses easy access to a large cross-border market. According to Niagara County Center for Economic Development, 40 percent of the U.S. and Canada population lives within 500 miles of Niagara County! Businesses in the area have direct access to the U.S. Interstate and Canadian National Highway Systems, allowing for fast and affordable transport of goods in any direction.

Workers are Well Educated

Because so many people live in the area surrounding Niagara County, the region is home to some of the country’s top colleges and universities. As a result, the local workforce is highly educated. Whether you’re looking for intelligent individuals for your tech startup or skilled tradespeople for your contracting business, you’ll have no trouble finding qualified employees in the local talent pool.

Some of the region’s best colleges include:

• Niagara County Community College
• Niagara University
• Empire State College
• The University at Buffalo

Local Businesses Enjoy Financial Incentives

Local businesses have access to all kinds of valuable financial incentives available from city and state organizations. Niagara County offers a variety of tax incentives, loan programs, energy incentives, workforce incentives, and special trade zones. New York State also provides tax credits and incentives to help give local businesses a competitive edge. Whether you’re looking for help building your workforce, improving your commercial space, or implementing sustainability initiatives, take advantage of incentives that will reduce your financial burden.

Your Niagara County Startup Checklist

 Are you ready to open a business in Niagara County? From acquiring the correct business licenses to joining the local chamber of commerce, here’s a list of a few local resources that can help you get started!

• The Small Business Development Center at Niagara Community College.
• Niagara, New York business license
• How to register a business in New York State.
• Join the Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce for small business support.

Starting or relocating a business in a new area can be overwhelming. From finding a suitable home for your family to navigating the local business laws, the entire process takes a lot of careful planning. Get to know your new community and everything it has to offer. Building a strong connection with your new home will ensure your business thrives for years to come!

Could you use some help with branding, graphic design, or web hosting? Prime Encode offers all of these services and more! Fill out the contact form on our website and we’ll get in touch to discuss your needs!