Big Support for Small Business
Amherst is committed to helping entrepreneurs and small businesses grow, thrive, and stay resilient.
Whether you’re just starting out or scaling to meet new demand, the Amherst offers a full range of resources, guidance, and support programs tailored to small businesses across industries.
Entrepreneurship
As of 2022, the Town of Amherst has an estimated 24,500 workers that identify as either self-employed, sole proprietors, or non-QCEW workers (Table 4-2). Non-QCEW refers to workers not covered by unemployment insurance, not contracted in a traditional employment setting. Many works in industries known for employing high concentrations of independent contractors, including Real Estate which absorbed the largest net gain of jobs in the previous decade among all other industries. The quantity of self-employed-sole-proprietor-non-QCEW workers expanded across a variety of industry segments. This includes Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, an industry credited for producing high-wages and employing highly educated professionals. Which, consequently, can contribute to several long-term economic development benefits— business attraction and higher spending capacities, and ultimately fiscal-sustainability.
Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, or QCEW, reports data on jobs covered by state unemployment insurance (UI) and Federal workers covered by the Unemployment Compensation of Federal Employees (UCFE).
Support Services
Emerging entrepreneurs can access a network of local organizations for guidance with business plan development, certification, legal services, training, and more.
Amherst Industrial Development Agency |
Amherst Industrial Development Agency
The (AIDA) promotes economic diversity, quality employment opportunities, and broadens the tax base in the Town of Amherst to reduce the tax burden on homeowners while maintaining and enhancing a high-quality living environment.
The Town Of Amherst |
The Town Of Amherst
The Town of Amherst promotes the town as a premier destination for businesses and residents by focusing on business attraction and retention, workforce development, infrastructure investment, strategic growth, community engagement, and streamlined permitting.
Amherst Chamber Of Commerce |
Amherst Chamber Of Commerce
The Amherst Chamber provides professional networking, education & training, health insurance & benefits and plays a role in public policy to its membership. Serving Town of Amherst businesses of all sizes for more than 60 years.
Williamsville Business Association
Representing merchants and professionals in the Village of Williamsville for more than 30 years.
Invest Buffalo Niagara
Invest Buffalo Niagara serves as a single point of entry for economic development inquiries on understanding and connecting with regional resources to locate your business in the area.
ECIDA
Offering tax incentives, or tax discounts and exemptions, to qualified businesses who invest in the community within the borders of Erie County.
Empire State Development
New York State’s economic development agency offers a number of programs for existing and new businesses.
Buffalo Niagara Partnership
Regional business organization providing services and programming since 1844.
Small Business Administration - Buffalo Office
Loan and assistance programs, special outreach efforts and initiatives to aid and inform small businesses.
Small Business Development Center
Providing management and technical assistance to start-up and existing small businesses throughout Erie County.
National Grid
Amherst’s electric utility offers incentives for eligible companies investing in new facilities and equipment and energy efficiency initiatives.
Score Buffalo Niagara
SCORE’s experienced business mentors provide general business advice on every aspect of business planning, start-up, management and growth.
Alternative Lenders Directory
ESD supports Alternative Lenders throughout New York State so they are better able to meet the financing needs of small businesses.
Additional Small Business Resources
This list is meant to be a starting point and may not cover all your needs depending on the type of business you are looking to start.
Important Phone Numbers
Town of Amherst Small Business Liaison: Office (716) 631-7160, Cell (716) 238-3409
Erie County Clerk: (716) 858-8785
NYS Department of State Division of Licensing Services: (518) 474-4429
NYS Department of Taxation & Finance: (518) 485-2889
IRS Buffalo Office: (716) 961-5100
Business Certificates
Taxes
Employees
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