Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Economic Development in Cattaraugus County, NY

The Challenge

While Cattaraugus County, NY, has experienced familiar economic trends of typical rust belt geographies — disinvestment, outmigration, and an aging population — the COVID-19 pandemic created a new set of market circumstances and transformed opportunities for communities across the region. With several successful business attraction and expansion efforts slated to bring a substantial number of jobs to the county over the next five years, economic development partners recognized that it was more important than ever to set intentional goals and build on the momentum that has been created. This also included documenting where there was untapped potential in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and identifying what distinct resources and partnerships could help bolster the business environment.

The Solution

The Olean Business Development Corporation retained Camoin Associates to conduct a series of data analyses, facilitate stakeholder engagement, and develop strategies for success in attracting and retaining a qualified workforce while also creating a nurturing entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Identified strategies included place-based investments, small businesses resource development and allocation, targeted training pipelines, and expanding economic development capacity as a foundation for the identified strategies.

The Impact

Cattaraugus County economic development partners set themselves up to achieve lofty goals and, in the process, propel individuals and families to achieve economic prosperity.

The goals in the strategy will be leveraged with existing County resources and efforts, making it possible to move forward without overhauling what is already in place. The strategies support and maximize areas where there is already momentum and add necessary pieces to strengthen economic and entrepreneurial success.

Camoin Associates’ team worked closely with representatives from economic development bodies across the county to launch these strategies and create a roadmap for the partners to use on a daily basis. Funding opportunities and programming additions are now being pursued for priority strategies.

Services Provided:

• Workforce analysis
• Stakeholder interviews
• Entrepreneurship analysis
• Strategy development
• In-person and digital meeting facilitation
• Local student engagement

View an infographic of Cattaraugus County’s entrepreneurial system