If you are buying new machinery and equipment, or upgrading your back office or industrial operations, you may be eligible for the following programs:

Con Edison's Energy Efficiency Programs
Empire Zone Tax Credits
Empowerment Zone Benefits
Environmental Investment Program (EIP)
Film Tax Credit
Foreign Trade Zones
Industrial Effectiveness Program (IEP)
Linked Deposit Program
Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP)
NYC Capital Access
NYC Green Roof Tax Abatement
NYC Solar Electric Generating System Tax Abatement
NYS Energy Research and Development Authority Programs
New York State Green Building Tax Credit
New York State Investment Tax Credit
Qualified Emerging Technology Company Tax Credits
RenewableNY (NYIRN)
Sales Tax Exemption for Manufacturers
Section 179 Deduction
Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 & 7(a) Loan Programs

Con Edison Central Air-Conditioning Program
What it is: A free high-tech programmable thermostat that will allow temperature adjustment manually or remotely via the internet to efficiently manage energy usage. Con Edison will also communicate with the thermostat to reduce demand on the electric system
When to apply: Prior to increase in electric demand for air-conditioning to save money on energy costs
Who is eligible: Con Edison customers with peak demand less that 100kW using air-conditioning
Which agency: Con Edison
To apply: Complete Business Application

Con Edison Demand Response Programs
What it is: Con Ed offers financial incentives and technology to help manage energy usage by administering electric load-reduction programs during peak demand times
When to apply: Prior to increase in electric demand to save money on energy costs
Who is eligible: Con Edison customers who agree to participate in one of the programs
Which agency: Con Edison
To apply: Complete Demand Response Programs Application

Con Edison Small Business Direct Installation Program
What it is: Con Ed will provide a free energy survey to identify how your business could save money on lighting and energy for cooling the business and heating water. Con Ed will install free energy efficiency measures such as compact flourescent lamps (CFLs) and more. Con Ed will also provide financial rebates and savings up to 70% when you install high efficiency measures
When to apply: Prior to beginning a renovation project to save money on energy costs
Who is eligible: Con Edison business customers with a monthly electric demand up to 100kW
Which agency: Con Edison
To apply: Complete Business Inquiry Form

Empire Zone Credit for Real Property Tax
What it is: Refundable tax credit based on real property taxes for Qualified Empire Zone Enterprises (QEZE)
When to apply: Annually for 10 years
Who is eligible: Qualified Empire Zone Enterprises (QEZE)
Which agency: New York State Dept. of Taxation and Finance
To apply: Contact your local Empire Zone Coordinator

Empire Zone Sales Tax Refund/Credit
What it is: Refund or credit of New York State sales taxes on building materials for Empire Zone businesses; additional sales tax benefits available for Qualified Empire Zone Enterprises (QEZE)
When to apply: At time of purchase of building material
Who is eligible: Businesses within Empire Zone
Which agency: New York State Dept. of Taxation and Finance
To apply: Contact your local Empire Zone Coordinator

Empowerment Zone Benefits
What it is: Package of tax credits, accelerated depreciation, wage tax credit and various loan and work opportunity programs for businesses located within the zone
When to apply: Generally within tax year
Who is eligible: Retail, commercial and industrial businesses located in zone
Which agency: Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone (UMEZ) or Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (BOEDC)
For additional information: If you are located in Upper Manhattan, please contact the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Office
If you are located in the Bronx, please contact the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation

Environmental Investment Program (EIP)
What it is: Funding assistance for NYS business projects that result in measurable environmental improvements that may be achieved through pollution prevention, waste reduction, reuse, recycling or the development/deployment of sustainable products and process technologies
When to apply: Prior to initiating project
Who is eligible: Eligible commercial businesses and not-for-profit organizations
Which agency: Empire State Development
For additional information: Program Guide
To apply: Contact Antonio Rodriguez, (212) 803-2283

Film Tax Credit
What it is: A New York State 30% refundable tax credit and a New York City 5% refundable tax credit on production costs for quality feature films, episodic television, pilots, and television movies/miniseries
When to apply: Applications must be submitted prior to the start of principal and ongoing photography, but not more than 180 days prior to the start of principal and ongoing photography
Who is eligible: Productions that complete at least 75% of their stage work on a qualified stage in New York City or an eligible combination of stage and location work
Which agencies: The Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting; New York State Governor's Office for Motion Picture and Television Development
To apply
Click here for additional NYS incentives

Foreign Trade Zones
What it is: A government-designated, restricted-access site that allows foreign and domestic merchandise to be admitted for storage, assembly, processing and manufacture, while reducing or eliminating duty on imports, exports, damaged goods and scraps
When to apply: Generally application must be approved prior to entering zone
Who is eligible: Companies importing/exporting merchandise
Which agency: New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
For additional information: NYC Foreign Trade Bulletin
To apply: Contact Patricia Ornst, (212) 312-3600 or patricia.ornst@nycedc.com

Industrial Effectiveness Program (IEP)
What it is: Grants up to $50,000 to small and medium sized manufacturers for productivity improvement projects
When to apply: Prior to initiating project
Who is eligible: Qualified manufacturers
Which agency: Empire State Development
To apply: Contact Isaac Joseph Elliston, (212) 803-2317

Linked Deposit Program
What it is: An economic development initiative to encourage and assist businesses to invest in projects that will improve productivity and competitiveness. Eligible businesses can obtain commercial loans through participating lenders at an interest rate that is two (2) or three (3) percentage points lower than prevailing rates. Lenders are compensated with a deposit of State funds at comparably reduced rates
When to apply: Prior to initiating project
Who is eligible: Manufacturing and commercial businesses. Personal and professional service businesses are not eligible
Which agency: Empire State Development
To apply: Application, List of Participating Lenders

Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP)
What it is: Grants up to $1 million to manufacturers employing 50-1,000 people, exporting 30% of production out of the region and investing $1 million in eligible project
When to apply: Prior to initiating project
Who is eligible: Qualified manufacturers
Which agency: Empire State Development
To apply: Contact Joseph Tazewell, (212) 803-2317

NYC Capital Access
What it is: A streamlined method to obtain loans and lines of credit up to $250,000 for working capital, leasehold improvements, equipment purchases, and some consideration for start-up loans
When to apply: Prior to investment or initiating project
Who is eligible: Retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, non-profit organizations, contractors, and distributors located and doing business in New York City
Which agency: NYC Economic Development Corporation
To apply: Access participating lenders
NYC Capital Access Program Brochure

NYC Green Roof Tax Abatement
What it is: A one-time property tax abatement equal to $4.50 per square foot up to $100,000 (no greater than the tax liability of the building for one year) for green roof installations that cover at least 50% of the roof and meet certain criteria (vegetation depth, waterproofing requirements, etc.)
When to apply: Application must be received by March 15th in order for a property tax abatement to take effect on July 1st of the same calendar year
Who is eligible: Property owners who have installed a green roof meeting the criteria required after August 5, 2008
Which agency: NYC Department of Buildings
To apply: Green Roof Property Tax Abatement Application
Additional information: Green Roof Legislation

NYC Solar Electric Generating System Tax Abatement
What it is: A property tax abatement up to $250,000 for solar electric generating system installations on buildings. The abatement equals 8 3/4% of installed costs up to $62,500 for installations completed in 2009 - 2011 and drops to 5% for installed costs up to $62,500 for installations completed in 2012 - 2013; taken in equal parts over four years and not to exceed the annual property tax liability
When to apply: Application must be received by March 15th in order for a property tax abatement to take effect on July 1st of the same calendar year
Who is eligible: Property owners who have installed a solar electric generating system after August 5, 2008
Which agency: NYC Department of Buildings
To apply: Solar Electric Generating Systems Property Tax Abatement Application
Additional information: Solar Panel Legislation

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
What it is: Public benefit corporation focused on research and development, allocating funds towards energy efficiency programs
When to apply: Generally, prior to initiating project
Who is eligible: Must meet eligibility criteria for each program
Which agency: New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
Programs: Existing Facilities Program, Transportation Programs, Solar Electric Incentive Program
Access NYSERDA for a broader portfolio of benefits

NYSERDA's Technical Assistance Programs
What it is: New York State sponsored programs which provides low-cost or cost-shared, energy audits, technical feasibility studies and a variety of technical assistance services to help identify and implement cost effective energy efficiency measures for a business' operation facility
When to apply: Prior to initiating a construction or renovation project
Who is eligible: Certified customers of Con Edison of New York
Which agency: New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
Programs: FlexTech, Technical Assistance, Energy Audit

The New Construction Program (NCP)
What it is: A New York State sponsored program which promotes the energy-efficiency measures into the design, construction, and operation of new and renovated buildings
When to apply: Applications accepted through September 30, 2009
Who is eligible: Certified customers of Con Edison of New York
Which agency: New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)

New York State Green Building Tax Credit
What it is: A New York State tax credit available to owners and tenants of eligible buildings and tenant spaces which meet certain "green" standards that increase energy efficiency, improve indoor air quality, and reduce the environmental impacts of large commercial and residential buildings in New York State
When to apply: Within the tax year of investment
Who is eligible: All Building Property Owners and tenants making qualified “green investments” into the property
Which agency: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
To apply: Instructions and Form

New York State Investment Tax Credit
What it is: Business tax credit on qualified purchases of machinery, equipment and an additional employment credit for creating new jobs
When to apply: Generally within tax year of investment and subsequent three years for new jobs added
Who is eligible: Generally industrial and select commercial and financial service businesses
Which agency: New York State Dept. of Taxation and Finance
To apply: Instructions and Form

Qualified Emerging Technology Company (QETC) Capital Tax Credit
What it is: A New York State capital tax credit designed to encourage investment in emerging technology companies
When to apply: The tax year of the qualified investment made in a New York State certified qualified emerging technology company
Who is eligible: A New York State taxpayer that makes a qualified investment in a New York State certified qualified emerging technology company
Which agency: New York State Department of Taxation and Finance
To apply: Instructions and Form
To be QETC Certified: Instructions and Form

Qualified Emerging Technology Company (QETC) for Facilities, Operations, and Training Credit
What it is: A New York State tax credit to qualified emerging technology companies, up to $250,000 annually for at least four (4) years, for research and development, qualified research expenses, and high technology training
When to apply: Generally claimed for the tax year when the eligible expenses were incurred. The benefits can be claimed for four (4) consecutive years (five years if relocating from an academic incubator facility) and is fully refundable
Who is eligible: A qualified technology company subject to tax under Article 9-A or Article 22, have 100 full-time employees or less, with at least 75% employed in New York State, have ratio of research and development funds to net sales which equals or exceeds 6%, and have gross revenues less than $20 million for the preceding year
Which agency: New York State Department of Taxation and Finance
To apply: Instructions and Form
Related Links: BioNY/QETC; NYSTAR Incentives

RenewableNY
What it is: A program that provides technical assistance, grants and financing to manufacturing companies in NYC to implement energy efficiency projects such as solar energy systems, lighting, HVAC, cogeneration and other energy efficient technologies
When to apply: Prior to initiating project before June 30, 2009
Who is eligible: Manufacturers within NYC that own their space or have at least four (4) years remaining on the lease
Which agency: New York Industrial Retention Network (NYIRN)
To apply: Contact Tzipora Lubarr at tlubarr@nyirn.org, or (212) 404-6990 x16

Sales Tax Exemption for Manufacturers
What it is: City and state sales tax credit on energy used in production
When to apply: During year energy used and retroactive for three years, must have a valid Certificate of Authority (DTF-17), required to file form ST-121. To reclaim exemptions on sales taxes paid for three years use form AU-11
Who is eligible: Manufacturing and industrial businesses
Which agency: New York State Department Taxation and Finance
To apply: DTF-17 Instructions, DTF-17 Form, ST-121 Form, and AU-11 Form

Section 179 Deduction
What it is: A Federal tax expense deduction allowing qualified businesses to accelerate depreciation for eligible equipment and other qualifying property purchased for business use
When to apply: Within the tax year the property was placed into service (which may include a carryover from a previous year)
Who is eligible: Business enterprises making qualified purchases of equipment and property
Which agency: US Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service
Apply here: 2008 Instructions for Form 4562, 2008 Form 4562

Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 Loan Program
What it is: Provides businesses with long-term, fixed-rate loans for fixed assets, such as land and building. The SBA works with Certified Development Companies (CDCs) and private lenders to provide the loans to small businesses. The private lender takes a senior position for up to 50% of the project cost, the CDC takes a junior position for up to 40% of the cost, and the borrower takes 10%. The maximum SBA portion is $1.5 million when meeting job or other development goals and can increase up to $2 million if approved by the SBA. A business must create or retain one job for every $50,000 provided by the SBA. "Small Manufacturers" have a $100,000 job creation/retention goal.
When to apply: Prior to initiating project
Who is eligible: A business must be for-profit and meet SBA size requirements. Under the program, a business qualifies as small if: 1) it's net worth does not exceed $7.5 million; and 2) it's average net income does not exceed $2.5 million after taxes for the preceding two years
Which agency: Small Business Administration (SBA) Lenders
SBA has recently eliminated certain fees for the 504 Loan Program
Click here to learn more about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Highlights of SBA & Federal Tax changes
For more information: Regional SBA Program Office
Example of how it works with other programs: proforma

Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) Loan Program
What it is: All 7(a) loans are provided by participating lenders who receive a guarantee from SBA on a portion of the loan. The SBA does not fully guarantee 7(a) loans. The risk is shared between the lender and SBA. Commercial lenders make and administer the loan and the business applies to the lender for financing. Under this program, the borrower remains obligated for the full amount due. The SBA offers a variety of 7(a) financing vehicles including the Patriot Express, SBA Express and Community Expess Programs, each with its specific eligibility criteria.
When to apply: Prior to investment, purchase or initiating project
Who is eligible: Eligibility criteria are designed to be broad to accommodate a diverse range of business needs. Must be a for-profit business, meet SBA size standards, demonstrate ability to repay and not have existing internal resources of financing.
Which agency: Small Business Administration (SBA) Lenders
The government now guarantees SBA's 7(a) Loan Program up to 90% and has eliminated certain fees
Click here to learn more about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Highlights of SBA & Federal Tax changes
For more information: Regional SBA Program Office
Example of how it works with other programs: proforma