Winners of SUNY Oswego Launch It contest to use funding to develop mental-wellness app

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OSWEGO — Two SUNY Oswego business-administration majors won the top prize of $2,500 in the school’s Launch It entrepreneurship competition. Noah Bull and Tyler Flack won for their idea for a mental-wellness app. Both Bull and Flack are members of the SUNY Oswego Lakers men’s ice-hockey team. “Our business idea was Anonymous Athlete,” Bull said […]

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OSWEGO — Two SUNY Oswego business-administration majors won the top prize of $2,500 in the school’s Launch It entrepreneurship competition.

Noah Bull and Tyler Flack won for their idea for a mental-wellness app. Both Bull and Flack are members of the SUNY Oswego Lakers men’s ice-hockey team.

“Our business idea was Anonymous Athlete,” Bull said in a SUNY Oswego news release. “We want to create a safe haven for college and pro athletes across the country. We just wanna be an outlet, an honest outlet. I know there’s always in-person communities and events for that, but we just wanna be something that students, student athletes and pro athletes can reach out to 24/7.”

Bull went on to say that it’s going to be a website where a lot of athletes can reach it through their own collegiate programs.

The $2,500 in prize money will help get the concept in motion, and Bull and Flack continue to research “other avenues” to move Anonymous Athlete forward, SUNY Oswego said.

“Since we were probably [age] four or five, we were playing hockey and other sports like that, so we know it can get pretty hectic and just being in person all the time kind of is a weight on your shoulders,” Flack said in the release. “So having this avenue where you can be online and kind of be in the comfort of your own home while you’re having these conversations is very important as well.”

He added, “Noah’s done some great research regarding the mental health practitioners, and he also found some grants that we would look into in order to build some revenue for this and get it really going.”

With the Launch It program, teams receive help from alumni mentors, and this year’s winner benefited from the guidance of 1992 graduate Bridget Curran, SUNY Oswego said.

“We had a quick Zoom call with her and she was just such a calming presence,” Flack said. “We both didn’t really know what to expect going into that final, and she just kind of sat us back, told us we had a good idea, we had good charisma, we had a good opportunity to present our product and I mean, she just made us feel so relaxed and we couldn’t thank her enough for what she’d done for us.”

About Launch It

SUNY Oswego’s School of Business coordinates Launch It, an annual student startup competition. This year’s Launch It contest included more than 100 business pitches and a semifinal round, after which judges selected six finalists.

Frintz, a photo print and direct-mail advertising firm based in Rochester, sponsored the $2,500 first-place prize, SUNY Oswego said.

Besides Anonymous Athlete winning the top prize, Price Flores earned second prize and a $1,500 award for Aqua Avenger, which is a drone to extinguish fires. Wegmans donated the $1,500 award.

Natasha Robinson won the third-place prize of $1,000 for Battery EMT, which is a battery repair/replacement service. Fulton Savings Bank provided the $1,000 third-place prize, per the SUNY Oswego news release.

Jessica Metzner and Sriam Ventakassamy won the Fan Favorite prize of $500 for Spotlight (preventing online scams app for small business). The Fan Favorite was determined by audience voting.

Report: 37 percent of small firms couldn’t pay January rent

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Subscriber Only

A recent survey report finds that 37 percent of small-business owners nationally were unable to pay their January rent in full and on time, indicating ongoing economic difficulties across many industries and states. The data comes from Alignable’s monthly rent report. Compared to this time last year, when the rent-delinquency rate was seven percentage points

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The data comes from Alignable’s monthly rent report. Compared to this time last year, when the rent-delinquency rate was seven percentage points lower at 30 percent, this year is “off to a rocky start for the U.S. small business economy,” according to Alignable, an online referral network for small businesses with about 8 million members across North America.

This January’s rent-delinquency rate of 37 percent was an improvement from 41 percent in December, per the report.

Alignable’s data showed that 38 percent of small-business owners in New York state were unable to pay their January rent in full and on time, up from 37 percent in December and 35 percent in January 2023.

Despite recent government reports of a “sunny,” stronger economy and lower inflation rates, most small-business owners (58 percent) nationally said they have yet to feel the positive effects of cooling inflation, Alignable contends. Noting that the damage caused by inflation is cumulative for them, three out of four small U.S. firms also say that the cost of supplies is higher now than it was a year ago.

This Alignable report is based on responses from 6,101 randomly selected small-business owners surveyed from Jan. 1-30, as well as input from 100,000-plus other respondents over the past two years. Other highlights from the report include the following.

• New wave of rent spikes: 52 percent of U.S. small-business owners say the cost of rent has escalated significantly compared to what they had to pay six months ago, with 14 percent facing rent expenses that are more than 20 percent higher.

• Revenue decline: 63 percent of small-business owners reported lower fourth-quarter earnings compared to a year prior. Among this group, 44 percent reported an earnings shortfall of 50 percent or more compared to a year earlier.

• Still-high interest rates enhance suffering: 53 percent of owners of small firms say current interest rates are harming them, eroding margins, reducing consumer spending in their Main Street stores, and hindering loan payments or their ability to obtain new loans.

• Labor costs rise: 54 percent of small businesses said the cost of new hires has jumped over the past year, with 11 percent noting that they’re forced to pay new hires at least 25 percent more than a year ago.

Further details about the poll findings are available at: https://www.alignable.com/forum/37-of-small-businesses-cant-pay-january-rent-but-some-industries

CenterState CEO report: 72% of area firms expect higher sales

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SYRACUSE — Nearly three quarters of area firms (72 percent) surveyed anticipate increased sales or revenue in 2024. That’s according to a new report from CenterState CEO, that’s based on the responses of 165 businesspeople in the region. The report also found 55 percent of those surveyed expect an increase in jobs and hiring in

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SYRACUSE — Nearly three quarters of area firms (72 percent) surveyed anticipate increased sales or revenue in 2024.

That’s according to a new report from CenterState CEO, that’s based on the responses of 165 businesspeople in the region.

The report also found 55 percent of those surveyed expect an increase in jobs and hiring in 2024 — down 17 percent from 2023 projections.

CenterState CEO released the 2024 Economic Forecast for Central New York report on Jan. 31. Baldwinsville–based Research & Marketing Strategies, Inc. (RMS) conducted the survey.

The economic forecast report includes the insight and projections of CenterState CEO members and business leaders from across industry sectors, with perspectives on company growth, employment trends, and the expected impacts of Micron Technology’s (NASDAQ: MU) investment and other major initiatives taking place in the region on their own businesses, and on the region’s economy, CenterState CEO said in its news release about the report.

Besides the hiring and revenue projections, the survey found 56 percent of respondents expect to expand products and services in 2024, up about 2 percent from the 2023 projections. And 49 percent anticipate they will increase capital investments, up 2 percent from 2023.

Nearly 65 percent of respondents expect the strength of their business in 2024 will be “strong” or “very strong,” with 49 percent dealing with a mix of positive momentum and challenges.

Of those surveyed, 89 percent have a positive outlook for Central New York’s economic health. Additionally, 85 percent said they see the Central New York economy five years from now getting better.

The economic-development organization released the report during its annual Economic Forecast breakfast on Jan. 31 at the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center at Oncenter.

The program attracted 750 attendees, CenterState CEO tells CNYBJ.

During the event, Robert Simpson, president and CEO of CenterState CEO, highlighted the “positive momentum felt by the business community” in this year’s Economic Forecast survey.

“This year’s forecasters felt the forces of continued momentum and shared an optimistic outlook, with increased confidence in the success of projects on the horizon,” Simpson said in the news release. “The economic success experienced by many Central New York businesses in 2023 is more proof that Micron’s historic investment was the launching point, not the limit, for this region’s potential. However, despite many successes, our forecasters are still fully aware that growth doesn’t come without challenges. They identified talent attraction as an ongoing pain point and potential deterrent to their growth, as well as concerns ranging from housing and health care system capacity, to supply chain issues. We must intentionally invest in our business ecosystem to address these challenges and take full advantage of all the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Keynote speaker

Luke Tilley, chief economist at Wilmington Trust Investment Advisors, Inc., was the event’s keynote speaker.

Tilley presented a national economic outlook with a focus on the drivers of U.S. economic and market outperformance, while questioning whether the prospects of maintaining its superior status may be imperiled by risks — such as massive debt and deficit spending — especially in a high interest-rate environment.

“The U.S. economy continues to outperform for a host of reasons but mainly because of the dynamism of large and small businesses managing through the challenges of high labor costs and elevated interest rates,” Tilley said. “The main threat to the U.S.’s dominant global position is the high and rising debt burden of the federal government.”

Tilley’s assessment of national economic trends provides “important and relevant context for understanding the forces that are influencing the Central New York region’s trajectory,” CenterState CEO contended.

Marquardt partners with Dronehub to advance drone technology in CNY

Manufacturing & Engineering, News, Small Business, Subscriber Only, Technology

cutting-edge technologies,” Christopher Berry, Marquardt’s business-development manager, said. “This strategic partnership reinforces our commitment to staying at the forefront of advancements in the industry, ensuring that we continue to deliver state-of-the-art solutions for our customers and contribute to the evolution of Central New York as a hub for technological innovation.” Marquardt, which manufactures electromechanical and

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Samaritan Health adds cardiology practice to its network

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WATERTOWN, N.Y. — Samaritan Health in Watertown announced it has addedcardiology services under the Samaritan Medical Practice umbrella in a move that represents a succession plan for the practice owner. Samaritan Cardiology, formerly Cardiology Associates of Northern New York, remainsat its current location with the same providers, Dr. James Willis and physician assistant Kate Symenow.

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Genius NY program accepting applications for 8th round of accelerator competition

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Genius NY — which the state describes as the world’s largest business-accelerator focused on uncrewed aerial systems — is now accepting applications for the 8th round of the year-long program. The in-residence accelerator is operated by CenterState CEO at the Tech Garden in downtown Syracuse. It will invest more than $3 million

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Genius NY — which the state describes as the world’s largest business–accelerator focused on uncrewed aerial systems — is now accepting applications for the 8th round of the year-long program.

The in-residence accelerator is operated by CenterState CEO at the Tech Garden in downtown Syracuse. It will invest more than $3 million in five finalist companies, including a $1 million grand prize, Empire State Development (ESD) said in its Thursday announcement.

Genius NY stands for Growing ENtrepreneurs & Innovators in UpState New York.

The program will accept applications through May 15 at www.geniusny.com. Those that can apply include tech startups focused on uncrewed aerial systems, automation, artificial intelligence (A.I.), and advanced air mobility (AAM).

Subsets may include precision and remote sensing, smart–city applications, data collection and analytics, guidance or communication systems, and sensors, among other technological categories.

The program also offers business resources, programming, mentorship and networking opportunities to assist innovative startups with the tools they need to take advantage of emerging opportunities, ESD said.

Genius NY participants are required to operate their business in Central New York for at least one year.

The program is funded through the CNY Rising Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI), the region’s strategic plan to generate economic growth and community development.

“We’re looking for startups interested in pushing the bounds of current UAS technologies in Central New York.” Kara Jones, director of Genius NY, said in the ESD news release. “The region’s growing innovation ecosystem offers early-stage companies a unique opportunity to work collaboratively with industry leaders while advancing their own technologies. The targeted resources awarded to Genius NY companies enable them to scale faster, generate revenue sooner, and create jobs for the local economy.”

A panel of judges will evaluate the applications, and the program will select semifinalists to present demos and pitches this summer, ESD said.

People news: Syracuse mayor appoints director of neighborhood grants

News, Nonprofits, Subscriber Only

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh has announced the appointment of Tanya Eastman to director of neighborhood grants in the Department of Neighborhood and Business Development (NBD). Eastman is responsible for providing leadership and strategic oversight of the department’s portfolio of federal, state, and local-sector grants aimed at increasing safe, quality affordable housing, and

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Tanya Eastman (Photo credit: City of Syracuse)

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh has announced the appointment of Tanya Eastman to director of neighborhood grants in the Department of Neighborhood and Business Development (NBD).

Eastman is responsible for providing leadership and strategic oversight of the department’s portfolio of federal, state, and local–sector grants aimed at increasing safe, quality affordable housing, and advancing neighborhood–development goals, per a release from the mayor’s office. She also works to ensure grant strategies and programs align with the city’s priorities for neighborhood and economic development and inclusive growth.

Eastman has more than two decades of experience leading programs and building talent, data, and administrative systems in the nonprofit, private, and philanthropic sectors. Prior to joining City of Syracuse government, Eastman served as the director of Partners for Education and Business (PEB) at the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (or MACNY). In this role, she led a team committed to closing the gap between education and the STEM industry by engaging local employers in work-based learning programming for secondary schools across the region, according to the release.

Prior to MACNY, Eastman worked as the director of education and training at United Way of Northern New York, where she was contracted to design and implement a training and leadership development program for the regional nonprofit sector. She also spent almost a decade as director of operations and career services at On Point for College, a community-based organization in Central New York known nationally for breaking down barriers that prevent young, underserved individuals from achieving post-secondary education and career success. Before returning to Syracuse, she started her career and spent more than 10 years working on Wall Street at Merrill Lynch on its equity derivatives and commodities teams.

Eastman received her bachelor’s degree in finance and computer information systems from Manhattan College, MBA degree in strategy and management from Columbia University, and her doctorate in the Ed.D. Program in Executive Leadership at St. John Fisher University. She continues to serve as an adjunct instructor at St. John Fisher University and at Le Moyne College. Eastman is also a course facilitator in eCornell’s Women in Leadership Program.

Hancock Estabrook’s Youngs named to NYS SBDC advisory board

Law, Accounting & Taxes, Subscriber Only

James Youngs, an attorney at Syracuse–based Hancock Estabrook, LLP, has been appointed to the advisory board of the New York State Small Business Development Center (New York SBDC). The advisory board for the New York SBDC is a collective of business, government, and educational leaders from across the state. Those involved advise and provide expertise

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SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Midstate Veterinary Services evolves with needs of clients

Health Care, News, Regional News, Small Business, Subscriber Only

CORTLAND — For a while, the pandemic changed the way people did just about everything, including accessing health care. It also accelerated a change among pet owners in when and how they seek care for their furry friends. Midstate Veterinary Services, located at 806 State Route 13 in Cortland, has been right on the forefront

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Midstate Veterinary Services, located at 806 State Route 13 in Cortland, has been right on the forefront of that change.

“We have seen this shift from, ‘It’s just a cat,’ and ‘It’s just a dog,’” says Jennifer Sun, one of Midstate’s co-owners.

It wasn’t that long ago, she notes, that the veterinary practice usually only saw an animal when the owner first got it, and they would bring it in to be spayed or neutered and get necessary shots. Then Midstate might not see the animal again until the end of its life, she adds.

In recent years, however, pet parents have realized that preventive care, the same as it does for humans, helps doctors catch issues earlier and helps the animals live longer, healthier, and happier lives, Sun says.

This has resulted in an increase in demand for veterinary services, and “it’s definitely created an opportunity for us,” she says. A big part of that opportunity is the ability to get to know their animal patients and pet parents much better and develop relationships with them.

Fellow Midstate co-owner Laura Brown credits Sun with building up the small-animal practice at Midstate to meet the growing demand. The practice is now a modern one with all the diagnostic equipment needed to care for the animals it sees, she says.

The large-animal side of the veterinary practice has also seen change in recent years, Brown says. While the number of small farms in the area has decreased, the number of cows has actually increased and keeps the Midstate staff plenty busy.

“The role we play on farms has changed over the last 15 years,” Brown notes. Where Midstate’s veterinarians once visited farms to treat sick animals, their role has become much more of a consultant that is proactive towards preventing illness.

Of course, the Midstate staff still visit farms to treat sick animals, but the veterinarians are more actively involved with their farm clients to help them manage the health and wellness of their animals, she says.

Midstate does a lot of nontraditional veterinary work, teaching farm workers and owners about illness prevention, developing standard operating procedures that foster health, and more. “We do a lot of training sessions with employees,” Brown says.

Whatever the size of their animal patients, “we have four core values that we take very seriously,” Brown says. They are respect, teamwork, customer service, and accountability.

While animal medicine at its core hasn’t changed, Midstate Veterinary Services continues to evolve to provide the best care for its patients and also the best working environment it can for its employees.

“In the past, there was not a lot of focus on employee well-being,” Brown says, but that’s not the case anymore. Sun and Brown work hard to foster a positive work-life balance for employees and provide the opportunity for employees to learn more about niche veterinary issues of interest to them.

“I think happy veterinarians are going to stay longer,” Brown says.

“It’s not an easy profession,” Sun adds.

The veterinary practice has 11 veterinarians and 27 total employees. With the growing demand for veterinary services, there are also opportunities for those numbers to grow.

“I think that at most vet clinics there’s a lot of opportunity right now,” Sun says.

Midstate Veterinary Services was formed in 1998 with the merger of two veterinary practices, Animal Barn and Large Animal Clinic. The practice got started with four owners and just four support staff.

VIEWPOINT: Snow Removal & Insurance Issues for N.Y. Business Owners

Business Mentors, Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Small Business, Subscriber Only

Winter in New York state brings picturesque snowscapes and the joy of seasonal festivities. However, for business owners, it also ushers in unique challenges that demand careful attention. Snow accumulation is not just an inconvenience; it can have far-reaching implications on safety and financial stability. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the essential aspects

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In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the essential aspects of snow removal and insurance considerations for New York business owners, shedding light on navigating the winter season safely and protecting your business effectively.

The impact of snow accumulation

New York’s diverse geography means that the state experiences a wide range of winter weather conditions, from heavy snowfall in upstate regions to icy conditions in downstate urban areas. The consequences of snow accumulation can be significant for businesses:

• Financial implications: The cost of snow removal, potential property damage, and business disruptions can strain a company’s finances. Efficient snow-removal services can be a substantial operational expense.

• Safety concerns: Accumulated snow and ice pose a risk to both employees and customers. Slip-and-fall accidents can result in costly liability claims, impacting a business’s reputation and bottom line.

• Operational disruptions: Snow accumulation can disrupt daily operations, leading to decreased productivity, delayed deliveries, and potential customer dissatisfaction.

Legal obligations

Business owners in New York state have legal obligations regarding snow removal and sidewalk maintenance:

• Local regulations: Many municipalities have ordinances that require property owners to clear sidewalks and parking lots within a specific timeframe after snowfall. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines.

• Liability: Business owners are responsible for maintaining safe premises. Negligence in snow removal can lead to liability claims if someone is injured on their property due to hazardous conditions.

• Contractual obligations: Lease agreements or contracts with tenants may outline specific responsibilities for snow removal. Business owners must adhere to these agreements to avoid legal disputes.

Insurance coverage

To safeguard your business from the financial repercussions of snow-related incidents, it’s crucial to understand your insurance-coverage options:

• Commercial general liability (CGL) insurance: CGL insurance typically covers bodily injury and property damage claims resulting from slip-and-fall accidents on your premises. However, it’s essential to review your policy to ensure it provides adequate coverage.

• Commercial-property insurance: This coverage can help repair or replace your building and its contents if they are damaged due to snow-related incidents like roof collapses or burst pipes.

• Business-interruption insurance: Business-interruption insurance can provide financial support if your business is temporarily unable to operate due to snow-related damage or closures.

• Workers’-compensation insurance: If employees are injured while performing snow-removal duties, workers’-compensation insurance can cover their medical expenses and lost wages.

Risk-mitigation strategies

To minimize the impact of snow accumulation on your business, consider the following risk-mitigation strategies:

• Proactive snow removal: Develop a snow-removal plan that outlines responsibilities, timelines, and procedures for snow removal and de-icing. Engage professional snow-removal services to ensure thorough and timely clearing of your property.

• Regular maintenance: Perform routine maintenance on your property, such as roof inspections to prevent snow accumulation and maintain heating systems to prevent frozen pipes.

• Documentation: Maintain records of your snow-removal efforts, including dates, times, and services performed. This documentation can be valuable in case of liability claims.

• Employee training: Educate your employees on snow-safety procedures and provide them with the necessary equipment to navigate icy surfaces safely.

Conclusion

Snow accumulation is an inevitable part of the winter season in New York state, but with careful planning and proactive measures, business owners can mitigate the associated risks and protect their assets. Understanding your legal obligations and insurance coverage is crucial, and a well-executed snow-removal plan can help ensure the safety of your employees and customers while maintaining the continuity of your operations.

Steve Crobar is director of marketing at Security Mutual Insurance Co.

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The impact of snow accumulation

Legal obligations

Insurance coverage

Risk-mitigation strategies

Conclusion

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