Ithaca Area Economic Development | Business Creation, Retention and Expansion

View our latest COVID-19 resources here.

The Ithaca of tomorrow
is being built today.

The economy in Ithaca and Tompkins County is thriving, our unemployment rate is low, and our population is growing. People want to live and work here; their continued investment in us is proof. Learn more about how IAED supports businesses, the economy, and communities of Tompkins County.

Do Business Here

New Name.
Same Mission.

Our new name, Ithaca Area Economic Development (IAED), strengthens our ability to support business creation and expansion in Ithaca and Tompkins County. IAED’s experienced staff and dedicated board greet every challenge as an opportunity to provide the customized solutions for which we’re known. If it involves building a thriving and sustainable economy, IAED is on it.

About IAED

Ithaca is ripe for business.

Ithaca and Tompkins County have abundant resources: a conducive climate, intellectual capital, and a talented workforce. Whether you’re considering starting a business here or want to grow your established company, we’ve got what you need to succeed.

Get Started

All are welcome here.

A diversity of people and opinions, public spaces, and a packed calendar of events make Ithaca and Tompkins County a vibrant and varied community. We’re a whole lot more than just a great place to live and work, though. We’re an even better place to be uniquely you.

Tompkins County
Recovery Strategy

When the Covid-19 pandemic arrived in Ithaca, IAED and partners mobilized resources, stabilized at-risk businesses and identified actions to rehabilitate, rebuild and grow the economy. That work, summarized in the Tompkins County Economic Recovery Strategy, is as much recapping a record year as it is looking forward and into the future.

Press Release

There’s no better place to build a business than
right here, right now.

Here's Why

1. Academic Resources

Top talent and groundbreaking research right in our backyard

2. Economic Stability

Our area outperforms state and federal averages

3. Location

Only a stone’s throw to major metros

Build Here

Incentives

IAED provides incentives to feed your project and passion.

Connect Here

Business Resources

IAED is the cog, coordinating business assistance across our service area.

Thrive Here

Economy

IAED ensures the Tompkins County economy stays great and growing.

Live at the nexus of work and play

It’s just as gorges
as they say it is.

A growing economy and active community collide here with tremendous force, just like the geology that shaped the area and provides a stunning backdrop. What’s not to love? Come see for yourself.

Learn More

Do Business Here to Everywhere

Centrally-located in the heart of the Northeast.

Get to anywhere from here easily and quickly. NYC, DC, Philly, Boston, Buffalo, and Toronto, all at your doorstep.

Waterfalls

Population

Feet Above Sea Level

Let us help

We empower economic and community vitality.

Our simple yet refined tools for success: Leadership. Experience. Dedication.
Let us work for you.

Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency

The Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency (TCIDA) delivers tax incentives to support job growth, business development, and community revitalization.

Tompkins County Development Corporation

The Tompkins County Development Corporation (TCDC) is a conduit to the tax-exempt bond market and low-cost financing.

IAED Loan Fund Program

The IAED loan fund helps entrepreneurs start new enterprises and expand existing businesses.

Initiatives

IAED coordinates critical initiatives, including the Economic Development Strategy 2.0, the 2020 Water and Sewer Update, broadband access, and the Tourism Capital Grants program.

Economic Development Leadership

IAED collaborates with local and regional partners to promote economic prosperity, whether it’s an economic recovery strategy, advanced manufacturing training program, assistive technologies accelerator, or so much more.

"IAED’s loan fund provided critical funding to rapidly accelerate the growth of our start up company... We couldn’t have done it without IAED’s support and ongoing commitment to our company’s success.”

Nick Nickitas, Founder & CEO, Rosie

"Getting Ithaca Beer started, I received great support from IAED. Without their help, I may not have gotten the support of other financial entities critical to getting my company off the ground.”

Dan Mitchell, Founder, Ithaca Beer Company

The IDA delivered meaningful incentives which were instrumental in making GreenStar’s expansion project a reality.”

Brandon Kane, General Manager, GreenStar Food Co-Op

"The support of the TCIDA and the IAED revolving loan fund helped provide the means to afford the new building and the necessary equipment to bring all production in-house, and increase output to meet demand. IAED was an incredible partner during our expansion journey and we are so appreciative of their support and assistance that allowed us to remain a part of this incredible community."

Ian Gaffney, Co-Founder, Emmy’s Organics

Economic News

WEBINAR: Learn About The COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Grant Program

Empire State Development is hosting a webinar on Thursday, September 9th at 2:00pm to provide information to small businesses in the...

Ithaca Arthaus Opening Soon!

A transformative project in Ithaca’s West End, Arthaus offers 124 units of affordable housing, an on-site art gallery, and more ITHACA,...

Tompkins County Health Department Mask Advisory for Local Businesses and Organizations (8/2)

Tompkins County Health Department Health Advisory Guidance for Local Businesses Thank you for your tireless efforts to ensure the health...

IAED Invests in Dimensional Energy

IAED’s loan fund supported local startup, Dimensional Energy, in furthering the development of their carbon dioxide reduction innovation...

June 2021 Newsletter

Check out the latest of what's happening at Ithaca Area Economic Development in our June 2021 Newsletter. Stay up to date on all of...

IAED Releases Economic Recovery Strategy for Tompkins County

An action plan to position the county for success as theeconomy rebounds from the COVID-19 Pandemic ITHACA, N.Y. – June 8, 2021 – Ithaca...

Our Supporters

Thank you to our
Platinum Investors

Our investors believe in IAED. Their support enables us to provide the consistent, customized economic development leadership that helps our businesses, community, and economy prosper. We’re successful because of them.