Economic Development
The Rockland County Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Film helps to create a sustainable economy by supporting a healthy business environment and empowering companies to grow and compete. We provide services directly to businesses through advocacy, retention and expansion assistance, and workforce development.
The Department of Economic Development identifies and facilitates various resources connecting municipalities, startups, entrepreneurs, developers, and corporate leadership with incentives that encourage economic growth in Rockland County. We support economic development through the cultivation of partnerships with:
- Community-based strategic partners.
- Lending institutions.
- Colleges.
- Hospitals and medical centers.
- Individual businesses.
- Industry associations.
- Business organizations.
Partnerships, Innovation & Collaboration
Rockland County presents a unified front for businesses by collaborating with local, regional, state, federal and non-profit partners to provide tailored support. Major stakeholders include:
- The Rockland County Government for welcoming leadership and fiscally responsible stewardship.
- The Rockland Business Association for business advocacy, topical events, B2B and B2C connections.
- The Rockland Industrial Development Agency for local incentives.
- The Rockland County Career Center for a qualified and skilled workforce.
- Empire State Development Corporation for grants and funding programs.
- Rockland Community College; Dominican College; St. Thomas Aquinas; BOCES; medical centers such as Montefiore Nyack Hospital; Good Samaritan Hospital; and Helen Hayes Hospital; and research facilities like Lamont Doherty Observatory (#1-ranked earth science institution in the country) for their expertise, cutting-edge research, and outstanding student body.
- Millennium Strategies for assisting clients by identifying funding through federal, state and county grants as well as private foundations and charitable organizations, to finance critical projects.
Make it in Rockland! Right Here, Right Now!
As the county with the third highest population density in New York State, Rockland has one of the most diverse demographic makeups in the state and is represented by a multitude of nationalities and groups.
Our business environment provides companies with the right tools to maximize profits with a progressive vision that includes innovative place-making strategies, public-private partnerships and asset capitalization. It's no wonder why dozens of companies have relocated, renovated and retooled in Rockland, making it the number one destination for corporate investment and jobs in the Northeast.
Rockland County's vast and diverse array of industry sectors include:
- Advanced Manufacturing.
- Data/IT.
- Bio Med/PHARMA.
- Renewable Energy.
- Food/Beverage Processing and Distribution.
- Healthcare & Medical Devices (including PPE production and distribution).
- Hospitality & Tourism.
- Warehousing & Cold Storage.
- Logistics and Transportation.
Great Things Are Happening in Rockland County!
On December 12, 2020, the Pfizer and BioNTech (Pfizer's German biotech partner) vaccine, BNT162b2, became the first in the U.S. authorized for emergency use by the US Food and Drug Administration. On December 14, the first shots were given to the American public.
Rockland Speaks Your Language - The Language of Business!
There are many opportunities and economic development incentives available to create an environment that is conducive to business retention, expansion, and job growth in Rockland County. Here are several reasons why businesses are making Rockland County their home:
• Less than 30 miles to New York City.
• Affordable industrial and office buildings.
• Highly skilled workforce.
• Pro-business focus.
• Diverse options for dining, recreation, arts and culture, shopping and more which provide a healthy work/life balance.
• Three Public and private colleges.
• Incentives from all government levels.
Strategically located along the Hartford-to-Philadelphia distribution corridor, Rockland County is perfectly positioned to welcome corporate business with low costs, targeted incentives, and the space to grow.
The vitality of Rockland's economy is fueling the local growth while at the same time serving to attract outside investment to the region and state. We're proud that so many industries, such as advanced manufacturing, bio-med, data-tech, renewable energy, and food and beverage, have chosen Rockland County as their home. In fact, Rockland has attracted some of the most recognized businesses in the world today, including:
- Pfizer.
- Amazon.
- Nice Pak/PDI.
- Linden's Cookies, Inc.
- Caribbean Food Delights.
- Sander's Collection / Linen Choice.
- RK Pharma.
- Star Kay White.
- Active International.
Rockland is Recognized Around the World!
The Rockland County Department of Economic Development and Tourism is proud to be a member of the Transatlantic Business & Investment Council (TBIC); the official European representative of selected U.S. cities, counties, chambers of commerce and other service providers.
As a member of the TBIC, Rockland County is provided an effective platform and unique opportunity to be introduced to potential European investors, site selectors, European chambers of commerce, business development agencies and other vital Foreign Domestic Investment (FDI) institutions across Europe who are looking to expand their companies into the United States.
Grow Your Business in Rockland!
The Rockland County Department of Economic Development has developed close working relationships with commercial real estate brokers, developers, and property owners to respond promptly and effectively to the needs of industrial prospects looking to relocate or expand in Rockland County.
Through its various partnerships and collaborations, including local, national, and global, the Rockland County Department of Economic Development identifies measures that help to promote properties suitable for economic development throughout the county.
SPACE TO GROW
- Public and private industrial space for lease and for sale.
- AFFORDABLE lease options.
PRIMED FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS
- TAX INCENTIVES for businesses.
- 20% DISCOUNT OFF the electric delivery rates offered by Orange & Rockland Utilities for new or expanding business customers for five years.
CONVENIENT LOCATION & ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORTATION
Located less than 30 miles from Manhattan and central to New Jersey, Connecticut, and Westchester County, Rockland’s transportation network connects to where you want to go: 
- New York State Thruway, Palisades Interstate Parkway, and Garden State Parkway.
- Metro-North Railroad/New Jersey Transit train service.
- Transportation of Rockland (TOR), Hudson Link, and Rockland Coaches bus service.
- NY Waterway (the Hudson Valley's only regional ferry service located in Haverstraw, NY).
- John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Westchester County Airport, and Stewart International Airport.
EDUCATED WORKFORCE 
With three public and private colleges, Rockland’s educated workforce and customized training programs ensure a pool of qualified candidates to meet all employment needs.
Rockland has an amazing array of resource partners and service-providers including:
- The Workforce Development Board of Rockland County.
- Rockland Community College’s satellite centers (e.g., Herbert Kurz Automotive Technology Center, Haverstraw Extension Center/3D Printing Lab, Rockland Community College Hospitality and Culinary Arts Center and BOCES educational and training programs).
- Rockland Community College’s Small Business Development Center.
COVID-19 Response
At the onset of COVID-19, the Rockland County Department of Economic Development created an initiative under the new slogan: Rockland on A Road to Recovery and Stimulus (R.O.A.R.R.S.). Through partnerships and collaborations with other county agencies and nonprofit organizations, the county quickly mobilized and focused its efforts on the development of programs and initiatives designed to assist and guide businesses on the road to recovery, some of which include the following:
ROCK COMM Economic Development Committee
The county formed the ROCK COMM Economic Development Committee at the onset of the COVID pandemic to provide the business community with expertise in specific industry sectors and assist with recovery and reopening efforts. The committee consists of a strong group of local public and private sector partners tasked with helping the county chart a strategic course towards sustainable, long-term economic growth.
COVID-19 Business & Nonprofit County Outreach Web Page
The county created a dedicated web page on rocklandgov.com to serve as a resource for up-to-date information on COVID-related business resources, including SBA funding/loan opportunities and reopening phases.
Livestream Business Public Service Announcements
To better cope with the ramifications of COVID-19, the county hosted several livestream information sessions which covered a wide range of resources and initiatives available to businesses and nonprofits including loan assistance, perspectives from local and global economic experts, and recovery and revitalization efforts. Additional information seminars are planned for 2021.
Reopen Rockland Questionnaire
The county created and circulated a survey in conjunction with the Department of Fire & Emergency Services and Human Rights Commission to all the municipalities prior to the announcement of the New York Forward Guidelines to Reopening. The feedback helped the county assimilate multi-jurisdictional concerns in the formulation of concrete strategies for reopening the local economy, including health and safety protocols, PPE distribution and innovative business community pivots.
Rock Gov/Face Cov Program
The county delivered free, donated face masks to small businesses (between 1-20 employees) during the summer. Over 30,000 face masks were distributed. No taxpayer dollars were spent on supplies.
Business Certification Affirmation
The county created an initiative under the new slogan: Rockland on A Road to Recovery and Stimulus (R.O.A.R.R.S.) and sent "Certificates of Affirmation" to businesses who demonstrated compliance with the New York Forward Guidelines for Reopening."
Business Development Benefits and Incentives
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Rockland County Industrial Development Agency (IDA)
The Rockland IDA actively promotes, attracts, and encourages the development of sound commerce and industry by offering financing assistance and benefits to business locating and expanding in Rockland County. CONTACT: Steve Porath, Executive Director |
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Rockland County Business Association (RBA)
The RBA's mission is to educate, inform, and provide beneficial services to members and actively represent, promote and support the business community of Rockland County. CONTACT: Al Samuels, President & CEO |
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Rockland Community College Small Business Development Center
The Rockland Community College's Small Business Development Center provides small business owners and entrepreneurs in Rockland and Westchester with the highest quality, confidential business counseling, training and business research at no cost. The program is administered by State University of New York and funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of New York, and host campuses. CONTACT: Thomas J. Morley, Director |
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FILMING in Rockland County (For film production information, locations, questions, etc.) CONTACT: Rockland County Department of Economic Development, Tourism & Film |
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The Rockland County Career Center
The Rockland County Career Center is Rockland's one-stop employment and training resource, supporting both the employment and training needs of job seekers and the staffing needs of local employers. The Career Center is located at the BOCES Educational Resource Center (BERC) in Nyack. All services are provided free of charge. CONTACT: Stephanie Compasso, Ph.D., Director |
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Workforce Development Board of Rockland County (WDB)
The Rockland County WDB is a volunteer organization that provides policy guidance and oversight of workforce development in Rockland County. The WDB directs federal, state, and local funding to programs for adults, dislocated workers and youth to help them acquire the skills employers want and help employers access the talent pool they need to compete and win in a global economy. CONTACT: Debra J. Thomas, Ph.D., Executive Director |
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SCORE of Rockland County
SCORE of Rockland County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) that provides free, private, confidential mentoring, business planning, development, and marketing services to small businesses. CONTACT: Bob Janesak, Chapter Chair |
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Orange & Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R)
O&R Economic Development Incentive Rate (EDR). This incentive provides a 20% discount off the electric delivery rates for new or expanding business customers for five years. O&R also offers generous incentives and turn-key options for energy efficient upgrades (i.e. lighting, refrigeration, HVAC, energy management systems, variable speed drives and more) for business. CONTACT: Deborah Patterson, Economic Development Director |
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Rockland Business Women's Network (RBWN)
CONTACT: Risa Hoag, President |
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Rockland County Clerk's Office(Registering your Business, DBA, Licenses, Permits, etc.)
CONTACT: Donna Silberman, Acting County Clerk |
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Rockland County Purchasing Center for Excellence(Rockland County Government Contracting, Bid and RFP opportunities).
CONTACT: Paul J. Brennan, Director, FNIG, CPPO |
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Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection/Weights & Measures
CONTACT: James J. Elcik, Director and Public Advocate |
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ReCharge NY(Energy Bill Savings)
ReCharge NY is one of the signature economic development initiatives in New York State. Through the ReCharge NY program, qualifying businesses and nonprofits statewide can potentially lower their energy costs by using specially allocated NYPA power which is set aside by the state government and the NYPA board for economic support. CONTACT: Amber Sisson, Channel Partnerships/Clean Energy Solutions |
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NYSERDA (Energy Efficiency & Savings)
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, known as NYSERDA, promotes energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources. NYSERDA works with stakeholders throughout New York including residents, business owners, developers, community leaders, local government officials, university researchers, utility representatives, investors, and entrepreneurs. CONTACT: Adam Ruder | Adam.Ruder@nyserda.ny.gov |
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SUEZ NY (Conservation Commercial Rebate Program)
The SUEZ Conservation Rebate Program helps commercial customers understand their water use and identifies ways they can save water, energy, and money. Together with Water Management Inc., SUEZ offers free audits to eligible customers, as well as significant monetary rebates on water fixtures. CONTACT: Bill Madden, Director of External Affairs | bill.madden@suez-na.com |
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NYS Empire State Development Incentives (ESD)
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York State's chief economic development agency and provides a range of different incentives.
CONTACT: James Kostenblatt, Deputy Director, Regional Director |
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New York State Department of Labor
CONTACT: Johny Nelson, Labor Market Analyst - Hudson Valley Region |
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New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership
ESD Division of Science, Technology and Innovation |
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Administered by:
FuzeHub |
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Division of Minority and Women's Business Development (DMWBD)
MWBE Certification |
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New York State Division of Veterans' Services - Starting a Veteran-Owned Business (518) 474-2015 | veteransdevelopment@ogs.ny.gov https://veterans.ny.gov/content/starting-veteran-owned-businesses https://www.ny.gov/services/become-certified-service-disabled-veteran-owned-small-business |
Colleges and Universities in Rockland County
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Rockland Community College A State University of New York, Rockland County Community College strives to offer a safe, affordable learning environment for students with diverse backgrounds. Their award-winning faculty works to ensure the success of their students and meet their goals.
CONTACT: Mark Davidoff, Interim Director Rockland Community College - Herbert Kurz Automotive Technology Center CONTACT: Egbert Shillingford, Program Director |
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Rockland BOCES Culinary Arts Program CONTACT: Kim Bell, Director CONTACT: Christopher D'Ambrese, Director of Adult Education |
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Dominican College Located in Orangeburg, NY, Dominican College is a nationally accredited four-year school named a College of Distinction. It has the finest athletic program among small colleges in the region. |
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St. Thomas Aquinas College Located in Sparkill, NY, St. Thomas Aquinas is a premier liberal arts and sciences college. The college stresses the importance to their students of achieving a well-rounded education, while being actively involved in the community. |
New York State Consolidated Fund Application (CFA)
The New York State Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) recently announced that the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) is now open with over $750 million in funding available through more than 30 state programs. Since 2011, the first year of the REDC initiative, the CFA has enabled businesses, municipalities, not-for-profits and members of the public to apply for multiple sources of funding from dozens of state agency programs through a single application, for projects that create jobs and help to revitalize communities.
CLICK HERE for the Consolidated Funding Application.
All of the 2021 guidelines and resources documents can be found on the REDC website at https://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/.
For more information, please click on the direct links below:
2021 Available Resources Guide – This year there are over 30 programs available through nine state agencies.
2021 REDC Guidebook – Learn more about the 11th round of the REDC initiative.
2021 CFA Program Webinars – Find recorded webinars for all funding programs available in this year's REDC round.
Federal & International Incentives
Federal Opportunity Zone: https://esd.ny.gov/opportunity-zones.
Foreign Trade Zone (Duty-Free Tax Designation). For information, please contact Jeremy L. Schulman, Director of the Rockland County Department of Economic Development, Tourism & Film.
Transatlantic Business Investment Council (European Trade Council). For information, please contact Jeremy L. Schulman, Director of the Rockland County Department of Economic Development, Tourism & Film.
Third Party Lenders
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PURSUIT (SBA Loans and Technical Assistance) CONTACT: Tamara Underwood, Senior Vice President, Hudson Valley Market Manager 118 N. Bedford Road,Suite 100 Mt. Kisco, New York 10549 (914) 358-6404 | tunderwood@nybdc.com |
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Women's Enterprise Development Center Inc. (WEDC) (Micro Loans and Technical Assistance) CONTACT: Zacha Tuttle, Program Associate 901 North Broadway, Suite 23 White Plains, New York 10603 (914) 948-6098 |ztuttle@wedcbiz.org |https://wedcbiz.org/ |info@wedcbiz.org |
New Website Coming Soon!
The Department of Economic Development and Tourism's new, comprehensive website is under construction! Coming soon, visitors will be able to access information related to economic development, tourism, and film all in one convenient location at www.rocklandcommerce.com. Please be sure to check back regularly as we continue to make developments to enhance our new website.