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The Office of Business and Community Relations (OBCR) enhances and promotes sustainable economic vitality through job creation & training, economic growth, and community development.

Services

Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a major public-private partnership between government and higher education. A team of professional counselors provides one-on-one services to small businesses and entrepreneurs, helping business plans and resolve organizational, financial, marketing, technical and other business-related issues.

A working community is a strong community, and the goal of the Workforce Development Board (WDB) is to create a diverse, high-quality workforce. The WDB writes and obtains training grants for the private and public sectors, and provides workforce needs assessments to area businesses.

Leadership Oswego County prepares individuals to become the community leaders of the future. Over a nine-month period, the leadership class completes an intensive course of study of Oswego County, its resources, residents and vital issues, and develops crucial networking and leadership skills.

The Center for Nonprofit Excellence provides programs for the development of all levels of non-profit organizations from board member to CEO with offerings at SUNY Oswego facilities from the Oswego campus, the SUNY Oswego Phoenix Center and the Metro Center in downtown Syracuse. Additionally, the center is open to collaborating with groups across New York state to make becoming a successful non-profit organization be achievable anywhere.

Entrepreneurial training programs and workshops provide the skills individuals need in starting or expanding a small business. Programs include classroom training designed to guide entrepreneurs through all aspects of starting and running a business, including expansion or diversification.

Public Issues Forums provide an opportunity to bring information about current issues and technologies to those who have a need or interest to know more. These forums bring individuals from business, industry, education, government and the general public together to explore specific topics and provide opportunities for informal networking.

Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) places and supports people age 55 and older in volunteer assignments they find meaningful and rewarding while at the same time satisfying community needs. RSVP targets Oswego County's most pressing needs and develops mutually beneficial programming to address those needs.

The Business Commons is a business resource center available to the business community and SUNY Oswego students. It provides a reference library for market research and business planning. You can find the Business Commons on the first floor of Rich Hall, directly across from the OBCR office.

The Technical Assistance Center provides support to local government and non-profit community agencies. Services include workshops, research and grant writing.

OBCR provides the opportunity for faculty and students to participate in partnerships and initiatives with a variety of state agencies and employers. Examples include managing the New York State Office of Temporary Disability contract for state and local departments of social services, consulting and training programs and assisting the community as it explores renewable energy options.

Community Resources

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