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 Starting a Business in PotsdamThe Planning and Development Office is a nimble and responsive local development organization that merges local planning and zoning as well as economic development in a one-stop shop. Whether your business start-up requires the perfect location, start-up or expansion financing, technical support or help moving your project through the local zoning approval process, the Potsdam Planning and Development Office is here to help.Location, Location, Location!Potsdam is blessed with a variety of retail commercial, light industrial and industrial sites that will meet you unique location needs, size and budget. A current list of available commercial and industrial sites in the Village of Potsdam is available here, as well as:St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency St. Lawrence County Board of Realtor’s Multiple Listing Service Local Realtors include:
The Code Enforcement OfficeThe Code Enforcement Office administers the NYS Building Code, the Property Maintenance Codes and Village zoning laws. The chief Code Enforcement Officer is John Hill, he may be reached at jhill@vi.potsdam.ny.us or (315) 265-7678.Zoning RegulationsThe Village of Potsdam has adopted a progressive zoning code that protects the property rights of resident and corporate taxpayers as well as advancing orderly and well thought-out development of land and buildings.The Village Planning Board is comprised of five voting members who are responsible for reviewing proposed to ensure each complies with the Village’s zoning code found in §180 of the Village Code. Planning Board reviews include:
    Criteria for getting a variance Apply for a temporary sign/banner permit Business Start-up, Expansion or Relocation FinancingThe Village of Potsdam has the ability to provide businesses wishing to locate or expand within the community with debt financing products. Whether you’re a sole proprietor and employee, small business or manufacturer, the Planning and Development Office has the ability to tailor debt financing to meet your needs, including:Micro-enterprise loans to businesses with five or fewer employees including the owner. The maximum loan is $25,000 at 5 percent interest with a 60 month term. 
Small business loans through the Potsdam Growth Fund. The Growth Fund can provide up to $125,000 in debt financing at 5 percent interest and a negotiable repayment term. The Planning and Development Office often partners with other regional economic development organizations and commercial lenders to help finance start-up, expansion or relocation deals. Some of these organizations include: Commercial Lenders Community Bank, NA Key Bank, NA NBT Bank M & T Bank SeaComm Federal Credit Union Labor and Employment Potsdam is known for having a highly educated workforce. The 2000 US Census of Population reported that 86 percent of all Village residents had graduated from 12th grade; and, that 41 percent had earned a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree. Eight percent of the Village’s population in 2000 reported that English was their second language and that they spoke English “well” or “very well”. Of these the highest percentage spoke an Indo-European language followed by speakers of Asian/Pacific Island languages. Being the host community to two universities and a regional health care center draws a global population base that has first-hand knowledge of diverse cultures and language skills. Within the St. Lawrence County “labor shed” there is a civilian workforce of approximately 90,140. In 2006, the St. Lawrence County area has approximately 20,180 workers for new or expanding businesses. The St. Lawrence County One Stop Career Center is a significant resource for firms wishing to hire qualified employees and providing a wide range of employment benefits including On-the-Job training programs, training wage subsidies and customized training programs. The One-Stop-Career Center can be reached at (315) 379-9806. Both Clarkson University and SUNY Potsdam can provide qualified student interns to undertake short-term projects. Business Support Services The Village of Potsdam’s economic development efforts are supported by both the Potsdam and St. Lawrence County Chambers of Commerce. The Potsdam Chamber of Commerce sponsors a wide range of promotional and educational programs for its members and the community. The Potsdam Chamber can be reached at (315) 274-9000. Potsdam is home to a number of firms that provide services to local businesses including attorneys, insurance agencies, and accounting firms. Area attorneys include:
 
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