Rockland County Legislature Vice Chair Dr. Aney Paul hosted a presentation from the Lower Hudson Valley Small Business Development Center (LHVSBDC) during a meeting of the Special Committee on Minority & Women Business Enterprise, connecting local entrepreneurs with free, confidential resources to start and grow their companies.
Daniel McConnell, a LHVSBDC business advisor and lifelong Rockland resident, outlined services ranging from one-on-one advising to training in business planning, marketing, financing, e-commerce, and government contracting. He reported that in 2024 the center helped create 29 new businesses, assisted 595 firms, created or preserved 55 jobs, and supported more than $15.1 million in local investment—projected to reach $18 million in 2025.
“The LHVSBDC offers exactly the kind of support many in our community need—whether they’re starting a business or looking to grow,” said Legislator Paul. McConnell added, “Our commitment is to helping businesses launch, grow, and thrive—strengthening the local economy and building vibrant communities.”
Hosted by St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, the LHVSBDC serves entrepreneurs across Rockland, Westchester, and Putnam counties. The center is expanding training to meet evolving needs, including How to Open and Operate a Daycare, How to Create a Product, The Business Mindset, and How to Start a Business with Apps. Certification training to do business with New York City and New York State agencies is also being planned, with Paul and McConnell coordinating local sessions in response to strong interest.
The LHVSBDC is part of New York’s network of 20 regional SBDCs and the national SBDC system, funded primarily through U.S. Small Business Administration grants. For more information, visit lowerhvsbdc.org, email SBDC@stac.edu, or call (845) 356-6065.
