New York SBDC Launches Pilot to Strengthen Growth-Stage Small Businesses

EAST SYRACUSE, NY – March 18, 2026 — The New York Small Business Development Centers (NYSBDC), in partnership with the North Central Small Business Development Center and Onondaga Community College, announced the launch of Strategic Growth Services, a new pilot initiative designed to help established small businesses scale and compete in a rapidly expanding regional economy.

The program was unveiled at Eagle Metalcraft, a veteran-owned precision manufacturing company in East Syracuse, and represents a new model of support for growth-stage companies. The initiative is being piloted in Central New York as the region prepares for significant economic expansion driven by advanced manufacturing investment and the emergence of a semiconductor supply chain ecosystem.

Sonya Smith, State Director of the New York Small Business Development Centers, said:

“This pilot marks a pivotal evolution for the NYSBDC by expanding our impact beyond startup support to intentionally fueling the growth of established businesses that are ready to scale, innovate, and drive New York’s economy forward. Through the leadership and efforts of the North Central SBDC, Bob Griffin and his team will spearhead this work in Central New York and across New York State. With the launch of Strategic Growth Services, we are investing in the businesses that power our communities, helping them grow stronger, create jobs, and build long-term value across New York State.”

Strategic Growth Services is the product of a study funded by a grant to support supply chain development in microelectronics from U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer in collaboration with CenterState CEO.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said:

“With construction of Micron’s $100 billion semiconductor megafab underway, it’s all hands on deck to ensure Central NY’s workers and small businesses are ready to maximize opportunity from this once-in-a-generation investment. That is why I am proud to have delivered the multi-million dollar federal investment that funded the inspiration for OCC’s new Strategic Growth Services Pilot Program.

This new program will help OCC prepare small businesses to thrive by plugging into the semiconductor supply chain being built for Micron’s growth, as well as expanding into other high-tech industries, all of which will create new, good-paying jobs. Small businesses are the beating heart of Upstate New York, enlivening main streets and powering local economies, and I will always fight to help them grow and be at the forefront of the next chapter for American manufacturing and innovation being built right here in Central NY.”

The program builds on a proven national model developed by the Michigan SBDC known as Focus Four, which helps business owners align vision, strategy, execution, and cash flow to scale their companies more effectively. While SBDCs are widely recognized across New York for helping entrepreneurs start businesses, this initiative focuses specifically on second-stage companies—established firms that are growing and navigating the challenges of scaling operations, managing complexity, and capturing new market opportunities.

“New York has built a really strong start-up ecosystem. Now is the time for us to build a really strong growth ecosystem. It’s really about helping our companies become more valuable. Valuable companies retain their employees, valuable companies hire employees, and valuable companies contribute to their communities and their economies,” said Bob Griffin, Regional Director of the North Central SBDC.

Eagle Metalcraft, the host site for the launch, exemplifies the type of growth-stage company this initiative is designed to support. The company specializes in sheet metal fabrication, CNC machining, and full production assembly for clients across the United States, serving industries ranging from advanced manufacturing to defense and electronics.

“We went through a pretty hard year last year, so this couldn’t be better timing, and we really appreciate the support. It’s pretty heart-warming from an emotional standpoint. I am extremely excited about the program because of the relationship I have with Bob and the SBDC,” said Michael Bower, President and CEO of Eagle Metalcraft.

Nora Spillane, Senior Vice President of Inclusive Growth at CenterState CEO, said:

“The Strategic Growth Services initiative is something we are really proud to have supported the pilot and analysis of in this moment of growth for Central New York. We’re excited about taking those mid-stage businesses to the next level. We’re excited to help focus some of these resources and opportunities into where they can be the most useful.”

Mark Manning, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Onondaga Community College, said:

“Onondaga Community College is proud to support this pilot, strengthening local businesses and strengthening our communities, workforce and regional economies. We’re proud that this important initiative is launching here in our region and we look forward to the impact it will have on our businesses and communities across New York State.”

The pilot initiative will begin with companies in Central New York through the North Central Small Business Development Center as the NYSBDC refines the program’s delivery model, with the potential to expand across the statewide network. Advisory services provided through the SBDC, including the new Strategic Growth Services program, are offered at no cost to participating businesses.