August 2018
Message from the Director
Colgate’s Thought into Action and the PCD have an exciting new collaboration. In addition to the great programming the two organizations are currently able to offer, we are now opening TIA’s incubator at 20 Utica Street in the Village of Hamilton as a co-working space to the community. For only $30/month, local entrepreneurs will be able to access an amenity-rich facility and network with other business owners. More information is below. This is a huge win for Hamilton and an incredible asset for our small community.
Co-Working at 20 Utica Street
This year, PCD and Thought Into Action have been collaborating to open the TIA incubator at 20 Utica Street in Hamilton as a community co-working space. Our shared goal is to make the TIA Incubator an attractive option to local entrepreneurs looking for an affordable, professional workspace as well as a place to network with fellow entrepreneurs.Members will receive 24/7 access to TIA’s flexible workspace, which includes:
— High-speed fiber optic Internet provided by Colgate
— Two computer stations with full Microsoft and Adobe suites and full printing capabilities
— A conference room that can be reserved and a phone booth for private calls
— AV equipment and stage to practice pitches and presentations
— A kitchenette with equipment for making tea and coffee
— Free regular programming on entrepreneurship-related topics
The monthly rate is $30 per member per month.
We will officially begin accepting applications later this month. If you are interested, please contact us at [email protected] or 315-825-3537.
Monthly Office Hours in Hamilton with SBDC Advisor
Want to use the *free* services of an SBDC business advisor, but are having trouble getting to Utica or Syracuse? Good news! Appointments are now available every third Tuesday of the month in Hamilton starting September 18th.
All appointments will be held at 20 Utica Street. Bring your small business questions and receive free guidance from an expert. Contact the Mohawk Valley SBDC to schedule an appointment.
I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.a
GoSoMad Is Live!
Are you looking to Get Out in Southern Madison County this summer? Visit GoSoMad.com, PCD’s new outdoor recreation website, to explore southern Madison County’s trails, waterways, bike routes, and more. An interactive map and variety of search features will make it easy to find the right activity for you. Click the link below to start planning your perfect outdoor adventure!
Towpath Trail Signage Update
In addition to finishing the new website, this spring PCD worked with a team from Cornell University to design an updated system of signage for the Towpath Trail. This year we hop to begin installing new signs all along the Towpath Trail, starting with the trailheads in Hamilton.
This article from Strong Towns enumerates some of the benefits a strong small business presence can bring to small and mid-sized communities like Hamilton — including more tax revenue, more jobs, and a unique community culture. These are just a few of the reasons the PCD is committed to helping our local entrepreneurs succeed in Hamilton.
HeartStone Bakery was featured this month in this article from Syracuse.com. HeartStone is in the process of expanding their baking facilities by adding more space and a new state-of-the-art oven. This project will create at least four new full-time jobs.
As part of the financing for their expansion, HeartStone received a $90,000 grant/loan through the New York CDBG program. Their loan repayments will in turn help PCD help still more small businesses in Madison County.
Local Business Spotlight: FoJo Beans
If you’ve walked through downtown Hamilton this summer, you may have noticed a flurry of activity at 10 Utica Street. The corner building is the new home of FoJo Beans, a local small-batch coffee roasting company. They’ll be opening the location to the public this fall. FoJo Beans has been roasting since 2012 and have built up a considerable following at local farmers’ markets, including the Hamilton Farmers’ Market. Their beans are also available at local stores such as Parry’s and Hamilton Whole Foods.At the beginning of the year, PCD and the Village of Hamilton were awarded $100,000 of funding through the NYS CDBG program to help finance FoJo’s expansion into a new roasting and retail space. Their goal was to find a place to expand their roasting capacity and establish their own retail space, while also contributing to the liveliness of downtown Hamilton. To that end, in addition to being able to purchase FoJo’s beans and loose-leaf teas in bulk, visitors will be able to see FoJo’s roasting operations and learn about their coffee blends and teas through an interactive “coffee college.” The space will also contain a coffee bar serving drinks and light fare.
We look forward to welcoming FoJo Beans to downtown Hamilton soon!
