Economic Development

The Rockland County Department of Economic Development and Tourism 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.
- Rockland Works! for a qualified and skilled workforce.
- Workforce Development Board of Rockland County connecting partners to build a strong, innovative, inclusive, diverse 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.
- Hospitality & Tourism.
- Food/Beverage Processing and Distribution.
- Healthcare & Medical Devices (including PPE production and distribution).
- Renewable Energy.
- 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.
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, 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.
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 of 2020. 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."
Rockland County Business Incentives Brochure
Two versions are provided for your convenience. One is formatted for easy reading online and the other is made available for printing and z-fold.
Online Rockland County Business Incentives Brochure
Z-fold printable Rockland County Business Incentives Brochure
Business Development Benefits and Incentives
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Rockland County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) 254 South Main Street, Suite 410 New City, New York 10956 (845)335-4492 (TTY) 711 | www.rocklandida.com The Rockland IDA provides a variety of financial incentives to promote the attraction of new businesses to Rockland County, as well as the expansion of existing businesses in the community. These include: • Sales Tax Exemption: The IDA can provide exemption from the 8.375% State and County sales tax for capital expenditures related to the project. Sales tax exemption can be applied to furniture, fixtures, equipment and renovation/construction materials related to the approved project. • Mortgage Recording Tax Exemption: The IDA can provide exception from 1.05% of the State/County mortgage recording tax for applicable project financing. • PILOT (Payment In Lieu of Taxes): The IDA is the legal vehicle for an eligible project to negotiate a property tax abatement agreement with local taxing entities (village, town, school district). In Rockland, each PILOT is unique and individually negotiated – and this allows PILOTs to establish a creative structure that can meet the needs of both developers and the local communities. • Tax Exempt Bond Financing: This type of financing is limited to manufacturers, certain types of housing projects and non-profit entities. For eligible projects, the IDA can provide an "umbrella" of tax exemption for a bond that is provided by the applicant's lending institution. Incentives are subject by the submission of an application, meeting eligibility requirements and consideration by the IDA board for approval. |
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Rockland County Business Association (RBA) 9 N. Mill Street, Suite 103 Nyack, New York 10960 845-735-2100 (TTY) 711| www.rocklandbusiness.org 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.
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Rockland Community College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) 145 College Road Suffern, New York 10901 (845) 356-6065 (TTY) 711| www.sunyrockland.edu. 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.
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FILMING in Rockland County Rockland County Department of Economic & Tourism Filming Division 50 Sanatorium Road, Building A Pomona, New York 10960 (845) 364-2170 (TTY) 711 www.explorerocklandny.com |
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Rockland Works! BOCES Educational Resource Center (BERC) 131 N. Midland Avenue Nyack, New York 10960 (845) 770-2900 (TTY) 711 www.rocklandworks.org Rockland Works is a grant-funded program offered in partnership with the Workforce Development Board of Rockland County (WDBRC). Rockland Works is the county's one-stop employment and training resource, supporting both the employment and training needs of job seekers and the staffing needs of local employers. Located at the BOCES Educational Resource Center (BERC) in Nyack, all services are provided free of charge. Rockland Works provides career advising and counseling in both individual and class settings. Customers will acquire job search skills for employment, create a cover letter, resume and develop interviewing techniques. They will also learn to locate resources, navigate, organize and plan for their educational and career goals. Rockland Works' programs and services include the following training: • Computer Skills: Excel, Word and PowerPoint
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Workforce Development Board of Rockland County (WDB) 14 Liberty Square Mall Stony Point, New York 10980 (914) 393-3649 (TTY) 711 | www.rocklandwork.org 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.
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SCORE of Rockland CountyBrucker Hall, 6102G 145 College Road Suffern, New York, 10901 (845) 426-1206) (TTY) 711 | www.rockland.score.org 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. |
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Orange & Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R) One Blue Hill Plaza Pearl River New York 10965 (845) 577-2498 | (TTY) 711 www.oru.com/economicdevelopment Orange & Rockland offers incentive rates to qualifying commercial electric customers locating to – or expanding within – the company's New York service territory. This incentive is designed to help ease the cost of making major relocation or expansion decisions. Businesses that qualify for the New York Economic Development Rate (EDRO), will receive a 20 percent discount off the electric delivery portion of the rate for five years. In addition, O&R offers energy-efficient programs and equipment upgrades designed for businesses of all sizes. These include: • Business Direct Install Pathway Program: Under this program, O&R will cover up to 70% of the cost for energy improvements. • Instant Lighting Incentive Program: Offers instant incentives on energy-efficient LED interior and exterior lighting. • Custom Rebate Pathway Program: Offers rebates for cost-effective measures including HVAC Upgrades - Electric or Gas. • Prescriptive Rebate Pathway Program: O&R's best option for heating, cooling, and ventilation (HVAC) or variable speed drive (VSD) upgrades and installations that meet program eligibility requirements. To learn more about O&R's Rebate Programs, please visit: www.oru.com/save. O&R also has programs for businesses interested in electric vehicle power. These include: • Power Ready Program For more information on these programs, please visit www.oru.com/EV and www.oru.com/PowerReady. |
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Rockland Business Women's Network (RBWN) P.O. Box 235 West Nyack, New York 10994 (845) 535-1011 (TTY) 711 | www.rbwn.org |
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Rockland County Clerk's Office(Registering your Business, DBA, Licenses, Permits, etc.)
Rockland County Courthouse |
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Rockland County Purchasing Center for Excellence(Rockland County Government Contracting, Bid and RFP opportunities).
Rockland County Purchasing Department |
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Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection/Weights & Measures 50 Sanatorium Road, Building A, 8th Floor Pomona, New York 10970 (845) 364-3901 (TTY) 711 https://rocklandgov.com/departments/consumer-protection-weights-and-measures/contact-consumer-protection/ |
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ReCharge NY(Energy Bill Savings) Partnerships/Clean Energy Solutions New York Power Authority 30 South Pearl Street Albany, New York 12207 (914) 287-3637 (TTY) 711 www.nypa.gov/services/clean-power-programs/recharge-ny 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. |
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New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) (Energy Efficiency & Savings) 17 Columbia Circle Albany, New York 12203-6399 (518) 862-1090 or (866)-NYSERDA (TTY) 711 www.nyserda.ny.gov 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. |
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SUEZ NY (Conservation Commercial Rebate Program) 360 West Nyack Road West Nyack, New York 10994 (845) 620-3353 (TTY) 711 www.mysuezwater.com 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. |
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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 tax credits and financial incentives to help businesses invest in their workforce, locate in strategic areas and improve their facilities. These include:
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New York State Department of Labor 120 Bloomingdale Road, Rm. 218 |
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New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership ESD Division of Science, Technology and Innovation 25 Monroe Street Albany, New York 12210 (518) 768-7030 or (518) 292-5700(TTY) 711 www.newyorkmep.org The New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NY MEP), a network of organizations that provide growth and innovation services to small and mid-sized manufacturers in every corner of the state, helps hundreds of companies a year create and retain jobs, increase profits, and save time and money. |
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Administered by: FuzeHub 25 Monroe Street |
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Division of Minority and Women's Business Development (DMWBD) MWBE Certification Business Development Unit New York State Department of Economic Development 633 Third Avenue New York, New York 10017 (212) 803-2433 (TTY) 711 www.esd.ny.gov/doing-business-ny/mwbe
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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 is currently developing a new, comprehensive website. Coming soon, visitors will be able to access information and resources related to economic development, tourism, and film all in one convenient location at https://explorerockland.com. Please be sure to check back regularly as we continue to make developments to enhance our new website.