Empire State Development, a small business division of the New York State Department of Economic Development, is committed to helping small businesses start or expand their enterprise. The development offers materials that contain information regarding starting or operating a small business, generally defined as companies with fewer than 100 employees. The agency notes that nearly 98 percent of all companies in New York state are classified as small businesses. Empire State Development can be reached toll free at 1 (800) STATE-NY (782-8369). The New York State Department of Economic Development, at 30 South Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12245, can be reached at (518) 292-5100. Its Web site is accessible at www.empire.state.ny.us.

Other helpful Web sites for various state and federal economic development agencies are:

Governor’s Office of Regulatory Reform, www.gorr.state.ny.us/gorr
Department of Labor, Office of Employer Services, www.labor.state.ny.us
U.S. Small Business Administration, www.sba.gov
New York State Insurance Department, www.ins.state.ny.us