The Southern Finger Lakes has storied history of innovation – from technology to materials science companies, across industries from wine and spirits, to healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, education, agriculture, literature, and more. Home to an expanding ecosystem of small start-ups and Fortune 500 companies, businesses here develop cutting-edge technologies that literally change our world.

INNOVATION BY THE NUMBERS

Nobel prize winner
in chemistry (lithium
ion battery)
0
Ny state grants &
tax incentives for
tech annually
$ 0 M
Regional
business
incubators
0 +
Patents per 100,000
people in the opi
sector
0

DID YOU KNOW?

Volunteer Firefighters of Corning

Get to know the volunteer firefighters at the Corning Joint Fire District and learn more about the opportunities they help make available to the community. READ MORE

Corning Museum of Glass

The Studio at the Corning Museum of Glass, which first launched in 1996, has undergone a major expansion and renovation? READ MORE

Wegman’s

Did you know Wegmans Food Markets first started in Rochester, NY in 1916 as a fresh produce pushcart! READ MORE

LOCAL INNOVATION NEWS

Apple CEO Tim Cook and Corning CEO Wendell Weeks sit down with Jim Cramer
Goto Article

Governor Hochul announces winners of round eight of Luminate NY OPI Accelerator competition Goto Article

National Science Foundation grant to expand access to technology degree at FLCC Goto Article

STARTUP SCENE

Starting a small business in SOFLX offers entrepreneurs the benefits of a supportive community, affordable costs, and access to valuable resources. With regional programs, incubators, and partnerships through local universities and economic development organizations, new businesses can tap into mentorship, funding opportunities, and skilled talent. Combined with the area’s strong sense of community and growing emphasis on innovation, the Southern Finger Lakes provides a welcoming environment for small businesses to launch, grow, and thrive.

"Being an entrepreneur in the Southern Finger Lakes has been incredibly rewarding. Life changing in fact!! There’s such a strong sense of community here—and so many great resources that truly help small businesses grow and thrive."

– Susan Efthimiou, Owner, Soupapotamus Foods

"Moving to the Southern Finger Lakes region brought me not just new scenery, but a sense of belonging and possibility. Here in Elmira I found a community that rallies around new businesses, the freedom to live healthier, and the space to build something meaningful."

– LaTeka Cooke-Davis, Owner, The Juice Collective

REGIONAL BUSINESS RESOURCES