News
SBA Announces New $50 Million Grant Opportunity to Support Made in America Manufacturing, Workforce
SBA Announces New $50 Million Grant Opportunity to Support Made in America Manufacturing, Workforce TrainingManufacturing in America E2G Grants will fund training for small manufacturers in critical industries WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced a new funding opportunity offering up to $50 million in grant awards to as many as 10 eligible applicant organizations who will provide training and technical assistance to support small manufacturers in the SBA’s Empower
DEC Offers Sustainable Business Navigator Program
DEC is proud to launch the Sustainable Business Navigator (SBN) program. SBN provides fast, free, and impactful advice to help small businesses meet their sustainability and cost cutting goals. Businesses that participate in the program have a one-hour conversation with DEC’s sustainability experts on topics that matter to them. Since one size doesn’t fit all, what sustainability topics the business wants to talk about are up to them. They can include: Waste reduction Energy efficiency Toxics use
Verizon Small Business Grants
Owners of for-profit small businesses based in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands who are 18 or older may apply by registering and completing any combination of two eligible courses or events anytime in 2026 to unlock the grant application. Apply once to remain eligible for $10,000 grants awarded throughout the year. Applications will be reviewed monthly from June through December 2026. Each month, 10 small businesses will be selected for grants. If you are not selected in a given
Friends of Five Rivers Now Accepting Scholarship Applications
Port of Albany Chief Commerce Officer Megan Daly receives Irish Maritime Honor
(April 22, 2026) Last week, Port of Albany Chief Commerce Officer Megan Elizabeth Daly was honored at the IrishEcho Irish Maritime Excellence Awards 2026 that recognized outstanding Irish Americans and dynamic companies or agencies whose leadership, innovation, and impact are shaping the future of the maritime sector. “I was proud to nominate Megan Daly for this unique recognition," said Senator Patricia Fahy (D—Albany). "Through her leadership at the Port of Albany, she has helped position our region at
Bethlehem Police Department Introduces Carter Kits During Autism Awareness Month
Bethlehem, NY — April 22, 2026 — In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, the Bethlehem Police Department has begun deploying Carter Kits sensory bags to better support individuals on the autism spectrum and others who may experience sensory overload or distress during emergency situations. The initiative was inspired by a recent effort from the Slingerlands Fire Department, whose use of the kits highlighted their value in first response settings. Carter Kits are portable sensory bags that include
Pioneer Announces Strategic Expansion of Employee Benefits Division with the Acquisitions of Reiser
For Release: Immediate – Monday, April 20th, 2026 Pioneer Announces Strategic Expansion of Employee Benefits Division with the Acquisitions of Reiser Consulting Group, Inc. and Wyndham Benefits, LLC Theresa Reiser named Vice President of Employee Benefits to oversee the expanded division; acquisitions advance Pioneer’s More Than a Bank™ strategy Albany, NY – Pioneer (NASDAQ: PBFS), a leading financial institution in New York’s Capital Region, today announced an expansion of its employee benefits
Warning: Fraudulent emails supposedly from the Town, requesting payments for town services
The Town of Bethlehem is notifying residents regarding widespread phishing campaigns. These fraudulent emails attempt to appear as being sent from the Town and soliciting payments for town services, recently targeting planning and building permit applications. These communications mimic legitimate invoices or notices in an attempt to lead recipients into making fraudulent payments. We strongly advise all residents not to reply to any suspicious messages, click on links, or download attachments. To
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BCC Email Newsletter Archive
Did you miss one of our Wednesday emails? You can find the most recent ones here in our archive.
Turning Weakness Into Strategy: A Practical Approach to Business Improvement
Every business, no matter how successful, has areas of inefficiency quietly draining its performance. These weaknesses—whether operational bottlenecks or financial blind spots—rarely announce themselves. They erode profit margins, stall growth, and often go unnoticed until they cause measurable damage. The good news? Identifying and improving these weak points can transform your business from reactive to resilient.Quick Insights You Can Act On Audit both operational processes and financial statements
How Bethlehem Businesses Can Streamline Growth and Scale with Confidence
Running a business in Bethlehem, New York, is both rewarding and relentless. Growth brings more clients, more transactions, and more to manage. Suddenly, the systems that worked when you were small start to creak. Teams juggle too many tools, approvals drag, and small inefficiencies multiply. The solution isn’t more hustle—it’s structure. By refining your processes, improving systems, and choosing the right technology, you can reduce friction, boost focus, and scale your business
Proven Tactics to Survive and Thrive During Business Downturns
Running a small business is rarely smooth sailing. Whether it's a drop in revenue, staffing struggles, or rising costs, difficult periods are inevitable. But how you respond in those moments can define your long-term success. Below, we walk through concrete strategies you can use to stabilize operations, stay visible in your market, and set up for recovery — or even growth. 1. Reassess Your Financial Foundation Start by reviewing your current financial position. This means more than just checking
These Are Key Investments Every New Business Owner Should Make for Long-Term Success
Launching a new business is a moment of transformation — one that demands more than passion or a killer idea. Whether you're transitioning from freelance work to full-time ownership or opening your first storefront, early investments can dramatically influence your long-term trajectory. Below, we outline core investments that don’t just help your business launch, but help it stick, scale, and stay visible — across financial, operational, and digital fronts. 1. Foundational Infrastructure: Don’t DIY
What’s Working Now: Free and Paid Tools That Boost Profit Without Burning You Out
Running a small business isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters—better, smoother, and with the least amount of wasted motion. Customer satisfaction, online engagement, and profitability aren’t just buzzwords. They’re survival metrics. And getting them right doesn’t always mean spending big or hiring a team of consultants. Sometimes, it’s about choosing the right tools—free or paid—that work hard in the background while you focus on running your business.Ask Smarter, Not Louder Customers
