If you live in West Seneca, you’re probably familiar with the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce’s community involvement from our various business-oriented events and activities. We host breakfast networking meetings, a lunchtime speaker series, webinars by the Better Business Bureau and various outings throughout the year including the Community Awards Dinner, Women In Business Luncheon, Golf Tournament, Taste of West Seneca and so much more.
Conway Beam
In addition to supporting and advocating for our member businesses and organizations, we are also here to help businesses develop and grow. The community development office located within the Chamber should be the first stop for any business looking to build, expand or relocate in West Seneca!
So what exactly does the community development office do and how can it help you?
CPI Process Systems
The office is a starting point for businesses and organizations that need assistance with the actual act of getting started. Whether someone is looking to open a business in West Seneca or not exactly sure where to start, it can point you in the right direction. The office acts as a liaison between businesses/organizations that are looking to start or expand — and in need of finding the right local, county or state tax incentives that may assist with this development — and brings all parties together.
One program that is commonly used is the 485B program, which is a local tax exemption program that incentivizes new or existing businesses that want to relocate or expand in our town. The incentive only applies to the added value created by a new build or expansion of a current building. There is no negative effect on the tax base because whatever the value was before the build or expansion, that tax base will stay the same.
Royal Car Wash
The town’s accelerated 485B program is unique as the incentive applies to town, county and school taxes. This program can be used for retail and service businesses, an area of development not supported by other incentives. Our program also, by requirement, helps to leverage development compliance with the town’s new building standards — standards designed to beautify facades while working toward a “community look” as outlined in the town’s comprehensive plan.
Shell Fab Countertops & Casework
The office also works closely with the Erie County Industrial Development Agency (ECIDA), which is a public benefit corporation created to assist with offering businesses (mainly distribution and manufacturing) tax breaks. In addition to incentives, our Chamber can also identify and coordinate additional programs offered by this agency. Included are micro loans, international programs, collaborative finance deals and not-for-profit assistance.
West Seneca is open for business! If you are interested in starting a new business, expanding a current one or considering our town for relocation, please call the community development coordinator at (716) 674-4900, extension 2.
SynchroNet
