Inclusive Growth: Innovation & Entrepreneurship

CenterState CEO provides programs, resources, facilities and events as part of a vibrant innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Its dedicated business incubator, The Tech Garden, provides a suite of support for entrepreneurs and innovators at any stage of the business life cycle to help ensure the best chance for success.

For generations, entrepreneurs have taken advantage of Central New York’s inherent venture-friendly assets, such as accessible transportation, modern infrastructure and educational resources, combined with an exceptional quality of life, to become sustainable contributors to the Central New York business community. That entrepreneurial spirit continues to thrive today. Within the region innovation ecosystem, technologies are researched and developed, business models are nurtured, and entrepreneurs and innovators thrive. This inclusive ecosystem brings together innovative local business builders, startups and pioneering enterprise level companies in a community that values career-long and life-long relationships.

Business Incubator: The Tech Garden

The Tech Garden is CenterState CEO's dedicated business incubator. Its mission is to stimulate high-tech entrepreneurship, foster the development of emerging growth companies, and support technology commercialization throughout the region. Startup technology businesses are offered entrepreneurial support with business plan assistance, mentoring and resources, marketing advice, targeted referrals, educational events and workshops, and networking opportunities. By providing affordable space, in addition to co-working space, for early-stage businesses, The Tech Garden helps the region foster growth and innovation.

Since 2005, The Tech Garden has served as the region’s entrepreneurial hub. It works collaboratively with several other ecosystem partners, including, CNY Biotech Accelerator, the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC), Syracuse University and the Syracuse CoE, and InSourcing.

The Tech Garden is home to several programs designed to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses, including: