New York State Certified Business Incubators and Innovation Hot Spots | Empire State Development

Through a competitive process, NYSTAR has designated 10 Innovation Hot Spots—one for each of New York’s economic development regions—and 20 Certified Business Incubators, which receive funding to reach a greater number of early-stage companies.

This network of support has created a culture of innovation and success around the state, thanks to ground-level services that make a dramatic difference in a start-up company’s next steps.

Support may vary by location but generally includes: physical space; shared administrative staff; access to capital; coaching; mentoring; networking connections; prototype development; and access to other technical services. Innovation Hot Spots also coordinate regional entrepreneurial ecosystems, and can offer tax benefits to client businesses.