Startup Programs & Resources

CenterState CEO supports early-stage business ideas by offering funding opportunities, business support, access to incubator and co-working space, accelerator programs, and connections to partners and resources throughout the startup and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Innovation Hot Spot

Startup and early-stage companies, either as residents or virtual residents, can receive five years of tax benefits, mentorship and other incubation services through the Innovation Hot Spot . Once they graduate from the Hot Spot program, they are eligible to join Start-Up NY Zones for up to an additional 10 years of benefits.

Tax incentives through Hot Spot include:
  • Corporation Franchise tax benefit
  • Personal Income tax benefit
  • Sales and Use tax benefit
Qualifications:
  • Must be an INSPYRE Innovation Hub client (NYS Certified Hot Spot) as a high-tech/high-growth entity directly or through an INSPYRE incubator partner.
  • Must be in the start up or early stage of development as a company, with a product, service, software, or research that is not yet in the commercial marketplace.
  • Business enterprise: must be a corporation, sole proprietor, partnership, or sub-S company.
  • Must be within the tech or manufacturing industries: Manufacturing is defined as the process of working raw materials into products which gives new shapes, quality, or combinations to matter by the use of machinery, tools, appliances, or other similar equipment. Tech is technology and includes software or research.
  • Must operate within the region while receiving Hot Spot services.
  • Must provide impact data bi-annually to the INSPYRE Innovation Hub Hot Spot to show economic impact and growth.

​Innovation Hot Spot

The Innovation Hub is the designated Innovation Hot Spot for the Central New York region. The Hot Spot program is a five year tax incentive...

GENIUS NY

GENIUS NY brings together some of the most promising startups to help shape the future of Central New York. It offers domestic and international companies in the uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and data-to-decisions industries seed funding and business advisory and programming solutions to accelerate their businesses.. This in-residence business competition accelerator at the INSPYRE Innovation Hub in Central New York goes beyond making a substantial direct investment. In addition to up to $3 million in funding, the program also offers stipends, business resources, programming, and connections, making it among the largest competitions of its kind across the globe.

Learn More About Eligibility
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Kara Jones

Director of Programs & Engagement

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CenterState Cleantech Accelerator, powered by National Grid

The Cleantech Accelerator is a one-year program designed to support early-stage cleantech startups with ties to higher education. Based at the INSPYRE Innovation Hub in Syracuse, this accelerator offers founders access capital, mentorship, and a high-growth entrepreneurial community rooted in sustainability. The program offers the structure, capital, mentorship and connections to help you build a real company with real traction.

Foundational Support

  • Business and commercialization training
  • Legal, marketing, and operational assistance
  • One-on-one startup coaching and growth planning 


Community and Mentorship

  • Curated mentor network across clean energy, climate tech, agtech, and deep tech
  • Networking with GENIUS NY, SURGE, COE, and other top NYS programs
  • Embedded in Syracuse’s innovation ecosystem 
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CenterState Cleantech Accelerator, Powered by National Grid

The CenterState Cleantech Accelerator, powered by National Grid is a one-year program designed to support early-stage cleantech startups...

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Emad Rahim

Syracuse Surge Entrepreneurship Manager

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Up Start Syracuse

Perhaps your business idea is brick and mortar rather than tech. CenterState CEO’s Up Start Syracuse program has launched entrepreneurs who focus on local, service-based businesses. UP Start offers introductory classes on business plan creation, business structure and assistance with launch.

Up Start programing offer access to training, business plan assistance, technical assistance through a pool of resource providers, and support in accessing lending or finding real estate or physical space for their business venture.

Learn more about Up Start  Request Up Start Services

CenterState Up Start

The CenterState Up Start business development program connects local, service based businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs to the tools and...

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Erik Jankowski

Small Business Manager

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Click for more information on resources for small businesses and our innovation and entrepreneurship focus.

Small Business Resources

A range of resources for small businesses is available through CenterState CEO and partners in the region, as well as other sources of assistance and funding through state, federal and nonprofit sources. Read more below to learn more, or contact us at [email protected].