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Why Erie County?

The Major City in Erie County is Buffalo, NY:

Neighborhoods in Buffalo, NY

Allentown, Black Rock, Broadway Fillmore, Central, Central Park, Delvan Grider, Ellicott, Elmwood Bidwell, Elmwood Bryant, Fillmore-Leroy, First Ward, Fruit Belt, Genesee-Moselle, Grant-Amherst, Hamlin Park, Hopkins-Tifft, Kaisertown, Kenfield, Kensington-Bailey, Lovejoy, Lower West Side, Masten Park, MLK Park, North Park, Parkside, Part-Willard, Riverside, Schiller Park, Seneca Babcock, Seneca-Cazenovia, South Park, University Heights, Upper West Side, West Hertel, and West Side

Other Cities/Towns/Villages in Erie County

Akron, Alden, Amherst, Angola on the Lake, Angola, Aurora, Billington Heights, Blasdell, Boston, Brant,  Cheektowaga, Clarence Center, Clarence, Colden, Collins, Concord, Depew, East Aurora, Eden, Elma Center, Elma, Evans, Farnham, Gowanda, Grand Island, Hamburg, Harris Hill, Holland, Kenmore, Lackawanna, Lake Erie Beach, Lancaster, Marilla, Newstead, North Boston, North Collins, Orchard Park, Sardinia, Sloan, Springville, Tonawanda, Town Line, Wales, West Seneca, Williamsville

Neighborhood Population Profile | OpenData Buffalo

 

Higher Institutions in Erie County

University at Buffalo (UB) – The largest public university in the State University of New York (SUNY) system with two locations, Buffalo, NY and Amherst, NY. Welcome to the University at Buffalo - University at Buffalo

Buffalo State University – A public university within the SUNY system located in Buffalo, NY. Buffalo State University also has the distinction of being a PBI (Predominately Black Institution) SUNY Buffalo State University

SUNY Erie Community College (ECC) – A multi-campus community College offering associate and transfer programs.  Also a part of the SUNY system. SUNY Erie Community College State University of New York

SUNY Empire State University - Home

Canisius University – A private, Jesuit university in Buffalo, NY Canisius University - Buffalo, NY

D’Youville University – A private university in Buffalo, NY Home | DYouville

Daemen University – A private university in Amherst, NY WNY’s Premier Health Sciences Educator | Daemen University

Bryant & Stratton College – A private college with multiple locations within Erie County Accredited Education | Bryant & Stratton College

Trocaire College – A private Catholic college in Buffalo, NY Home

Villa Maria College – A private Catholic college in Buffalo, NY Villa Maria College - See For Yourself!

Erie 1 BOCES - Home

Foreign Trade Zone 

The ECIDA administers Foreign Trade Zone #23 on behalf of Erie County, serving the Western New York region. 

Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ) are secure areas located in or near U.S. Customs ports of entry that are legally considered to be outside the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol territory for the purpose of tariff laws and Customs entry procedures. The U. S. Foreign Trade Zone Program was created by the Foreign-Trade Zones Act of 1934 to facilitate international trade and increase the global competitiveness of U.S. based companies.

General information brochure on Foreign Trade Zones

FTZ Benefits:

  • No duties on re-exports or scrapped goods
  • Customs duties deferred on imports
  • In situations where zone manufacturing results in a finished product that has a lower duty rate than the rates on foreign inputs (inverted tariff), the finished products may be entered at the duty rate that applies to its condition as it leaves the zone -- subject to public interest considerations
  • Merchandise Processing Fee Savings

Relocating or Launching a Business in Erie County, NY

Relocating or launching a business in Erie County, NY offers a strategic blend of opportunity, support, and affordability. Here’s why it’s an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and established companies alike:

 

Robust Economic Development Support

Erie County’s Office of Economic Development and the Erie County Industrial Development Agency (ECIDA) provide a wide range of services—from tax incentives and low-interest loans to site selection assistance and business expansion support.

  • Add statistics 

 

Access to Incentives

Businesses may qualify for:

  • Property, sales, and mortgage tax abatements
  • Low-cost financing
  • Community Development Block Grants These programs are designed to reduce startup and operational costs.

 

Skilled Workforce & Educational Institutions

With institutions like the University at Buffalo, Buffalo State University, and Erie Community College, the region produces a steady pipeline of skilled graduates in fields like engineering, healthcare, and business.

 

Strategic Location

Buffalo’s proximity to major markets—including Toronto, New York City, and Chicago—makes Erie County a logistical hub with access to highways, rail, and international border crossings.

 

Affordable Cost of Living

Compared to other metropolitan areas, Erie County offers lower real estate prices, utility costs, and overall living expenses—making it easier for businesses to attract and retain talent.

 

Quality of Life

From revitalized waterfronts and cultural institutions to professional sports and natural beauty (hello, Niagara Falls!), the region offers a vibrant lifestyle that appeals to employees and business owners alike.

More information on programming

Tax Incentives

  • Sales Tax Exemptions: On purchases related to construction, equipment, and furnishings.
  • Mortgage Recording Tax Exemptions: Savings on the tax typically paid when recording a mortgage.
  • Property Tax Abatements: Reduced property taxes for a set period, especially for new construction or major renovations.

Low-Interest Loans & Financing

  • Business Loans & Lines of Credit: Available for working capital, equipment purchases, or expansion.
  • Tax-Exempt Bond Financing: For qualifying nonprofits and manufacturing projects.

Site Development Support

  • Advanced Manufacturing & Agribusiness Site Development: Assistance in preparing sites for industry-specific use, including infrastructure improvements.
  • Adaptive Reuse Program: Incentives for redeveloping vacant or underutilized buildings that are at least 20 years old and have been vacant for three years.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Programs

  • Microenterprise Loan/Grant Fund: A 50/50 mix of low-interest loan and grant for small businesses with five or fewer employees.
  • Commercial Center Improvement Program (CCIP): Matching grants for exterior building improvements in eligible village and hamlet business districts.

Energy & Sustainability Incentives

  • Open C-PACE Financing: Long-term, low-cost financing for clean energy upgrades in commercial buildings.
  • National Grid & National Fuel Programs: Rebates and grants for energy efficiency, site redevelopment, and infrastructure improvements.

NYSERDA Incentives: Support for energy-efficient construction and renovations.