Assemblymember Anthony Brindisi Sponsors Legislation to Establish the New York Entrepreneur Program Act

May 3, 2012

Assemblymember Anthony J. Brindisi (D-Utica) has sponsored legislation to establish the New York entrepreneur program act (A.9973), which would allow SUNY schools to develop and accept qualified startup businesses into an entrepreneur program. The legislation goes even further, helping participating entrepreneurs overcome some of the obstacles they may face when working to develop their business or product.

"We need to get creative when it comes to encouraging emerging businesses and creating jobs," said Brindisi. "New York has so many assets that can be used to foster growth, and this legislation will help make it easier for entrepreneurs to gain access to resources and intellectual capital that can help them build their businesses."

Brindisi said the proposed program is only one piece of the puzzle to maximize SUNYIT’s economic impact on the region. Last fall, $15 million was allocated through Governor Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) initiative for the construction of the Computer Chip Commercialization Center (Quad-C) at the Marcy Technology Complex on campus. The building will support partnerships between researchers and industry leaders to develop and commercialize nanotechnology.

Assemblymember Brindisi was also able to secure an additional $500,000 in the 2012-13 state budget to allow SUNYIT to attract top-notch faculty in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields so course offerings can be expanded. The new courses will help train students in emerging fields, including nanotechnology.

"SUNY schools, including their staff and faculty, have more to offer our communities besides degree and certificate programs," Brindisi said. "With programs like this, they can drive even more economic growth in the region where they reside, becoming the critical link between innovation, the manufacturing and marketing of products."

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