11 New Hempstead Road, New City, NY 10956
Telephone: (845) 638-5100
Fax: (845) 638-5675
Email: legclerk@co.rockland.ny.us

Legislator Paul Hosts Small Business Information Session

Lower Hudson Valley Small Business Development Center Shares Free & Confidential Resources to Help Launch & Grow Local Businesses

Rockland County Legislature Vice Chair Dr. Aney Paul hosted a presentation by the Lower Hudson Valley Small Business Development Center during a meeting of theC

“The LHVSBDC offers exactly the kind of support many in our community need - whether they’re starting a business or looking to grow,” said Legislator Paul. “We’re excited to help connect residents with these valuable services.”

The Lower Hudson Valley SBDC, now hosted by St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, provides free and confidential business support to entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout Rockland, Westchester, and Putnam counties.

Daniel McConnell, a business advisor with LHVSBDC and a lifelong Rockland resident, provided an overview of the center’s services and recent impact. In 2024 alone:

• 29 new businesses were created
• 595 businesses were assisted
• 55 jobs were created or preserved
• More than $15.1 million was invested in the local economy - a figure projected to grow to $18 million in 2025

“Our commitment is to helping businesses launch, grow, and thrive - strengthening the local economy and building vibrant communities,” McConnell said.

The LHVSBDC provides assistance across all stages of the business journey - from idea to expansion. Services are open to everyone, from those launching their first business to those who have been in business for decades. One-on-one business advising and training on topics such as business planning, marketing, financing, e-commerce, and government contracting are available, and the LHVSBDC is expanding its training programs to meet changing business needs, including How to Open and Operate a Daycare, How to Create a Product, The Business Mindset and How to Start a Business with Apps.

Advisors are experienced professionals with real-world business expertise. Services are available at no cost, and all consultations are confidential.

Additionally, certification training for doing business with New York City and New York State agencies is in the works. Legislator Paul and McConnell plan to organize local sessions in response to strong interest from area business owners.

“Many entrepreneurs have expressed a desire to me to obtain the proper certifications to qualify for city and state contracts, while others are eager to start their own ventures but lack the knowledge or resources to begin,” Legislator Paul said. “The SBDC programs can help close that gap.”

There are 20 regional nonprofit New York State Small Business Development Centers, part of a national network of SBDCs, which are funded primarily through U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) grants, McConnell said.

For more information about LHVSBDC services, please visit: www.lowerhvsbdc.org, send an email to SBDC@stac.edu or call (845) 356-6065.

Rockland County Legislature Vice Chair Dr. Aney Paul hosted a presentation by the Lower Hudson Valley Small Business Development Center, offered by LHVSBDC Business Advisor Daniel McConnell, during a meeting of the Special Committee on Minority & Women Business Enterprise.

LHVSBDC Business Advisor Daniel McConnell address the LHVSBDC Business Advisor Daniel McConnell. (Right) Brochures highlighting services offered by the LHVSBDC.

#