Small Business Support

Empowering Local Entrepreneurs

Small businesses are the backbone of Sullivan County’s economy. From main street storefronts and family-owned companies to professional services, trades, specialty food producers, and emerging entrepreneurs, local businesses help define the character and strength of our communities.

The Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development helps entrepreneurs and small business owners start, sustain, and grow their ventures by connecting them with the guidance, resources, financing tools, and local partners needed to move forward.

Whether you are a first-time founder, an expanding business, or a multi-generational company preparing for its next stage of growth, the Partnership can help you navigate the process.

Strategic Financing Guidance

Securing capital is often one of the biggest hurdles for a growing business. The Partnership helps business owners understand available financing options and connect with the right lending, public funding, and economic development resources.

Our support may include:

    • Member Bank Partnerships: Connecting businesses with local member banks and financial institutions that understand the Sullivan County market.
    • Gap Financing Guidance: Helping identify potential funding sources when a project requires more than conventional lending alone can provide.
    • Financing Package Coordination: Supporting conversations that may include applicant capital, private investment, conventional bank financing, public funding sources, grants, incentives, or other eligible programs.


    • The goal is to help business owners build a stronger, more realistic path toward project financing.

    Small Business Programs & Services

    The Partnership’s support goes beyond financing. We help small businesses understand the local business environment, connect with the right agencies, and prepare for sustainable growth.

    Our support may include:

  • Technical Assistance: Guidance related to regulatory requirements, permitting, approvals, and local development processes.
  • Site Selection: Support identifying potential storefronts, offices, production spaces, or commercial locations that fit your business goals and budget.
  • Business Plan Review: Feedback on business models, project plans, and financing readiness to help strengthen your path forward.
  • Funding Resource Identification: Assistance identifying grants, tax credits, loan programs, incentives, and partner resources that may align with your business or industry.
  • Market & Resource Guidance: Connections to local partners, business organizations, tourism resources, and community networks that can help support visibility and growth.
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    A Partner in Your Success

    No two small businesses follow the same path. A restaurant, contractor, manufacturer, retailer, nonprofit, professional service provider, and specialty food producer may all need different kinds of support.

    The Sullivan County Partnership helps business owners cut through confusion, identify next steps, connect with the right partners, and move projects from idea to action.

    Ready to Start or Grow Your Business?

    Connect with the Sullivan County Partnership to discuss your goals, challenges, and opportunities.

    Contact the Partnership