The Business Council of Westchester represents more than 1,000 employers throughout the county, providing its members with access to business development opportunities, demographic research, and lobbying efforts on issues that directly affect their businesses.
Westchester County’s Office of Economic Development helps businesses thrive and grow by connecting them to grants, training, and other resources.
The Construction Industry Council represents more than 600 construction businesses, including contractors, suppliers, consultants, and other professionals. The council maintains a directory of union apprenticeship training programs, which can be found at www.cicbca.org/resources.
The Council of Industry is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the success of manufacturers in the Hudson Valley. Offerings include management and leadership trainings and an array of workforce development programs, such as the New York State Manufacturing Alliance Apprenticeship Program. For a full list of workforce development programs supported by the Council of Industry, go to www.councilofindustry.org/aboutus.
WCA is an independent voice for Westchester’s business community, representing members in real estate, healthcare, finance/banking, hospitality, technology, nonprofits, higher education, local government, and others. The association uses its strong relationships with colleges and other training providers to help employers build their talent pipeline. It has also published a comprehensive employer resource guide, which can be found at www.westchester.org/employerguide.
The institute works directly with employers and unions to understand major workforce development issues and address them. Employers looking to develop their workforce can apply to WDI for grants, with funding individualized to meet the exact needs of each applicant. WDI is particularly committed to helping manufacturing operations grow.
This website, an initiative of the New York State Workforce Development Institute, works to connect job seekers with training providers in industries such as construction, healthcare, and IT.
The department maintains a comprehensive list of currently available apprenticeship programs, which can be found at dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship/overview. It also offers recruitment services for employers as well as funding opportunities for apprenticeships and other internal training programs. Learn more at dol.ny.gov/services-businesses.
TAP has helped nearly 100,000 small businesses — most of them owned by women or people of color — with its consulting and strategic advisory services.
This nonprofit lender works to create an inclusive and equitable economy by focusing on funding for entrepreneurs and small business owners typically excluded by other lenders.
The Small Business Development Center provides small business owners and entrepreneurs with business counseling, training and business research at no cost.
At SCORE, experienced entrepreneurs, corporate managers and executives volunteer their expertise to help small businesses start and succeed.
WEDC provides free online courses to help build women’s skills in crucial areas such as negotiation, marketing, presentation, social media, and technology. Entrepreneurs can also apply to the organization for small business loans up to $50,000.
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CW’s career focus programs are designed with input from local employers, and class schedules are flexible, with evening and online classes available. The college offers a range of certificate programs for adult students looking to enhance their skills or launch a new career.
Fordham can create customized learning experiences to develop the talent of new and veteran employees through short-term, on-site, on-campus, or online learning options. Subject-specific boot camps for employees are also offered.
Iona’s Gerri Ripp Center for Career Development supports employers’ recruitment efforts by working to identify students whose skills make them a good fit for the employers’ needs.
LIU’s innovative MBA at Your Office program brings professional development onsite to participating employers.
Employers can partner with the School of Professional Studies at Manhattanville to provide their workforce with training opportunities, including certificate programs, at a significant discount.
Mercy College offers more than 40 online degree programs and certificates in dozens of disciplines, including health services, education and accounting. Through its Career Communities, Mercy provides students with personalized, industry-based career education, and coaching. Learn more at career.mercy.edu/channels/career-communities.
Monroe College’s offerings include certificate programs and associate degrees, many of which can be pursued online. Monroe’s Corporate Partnership Program connects job seekers and employers through panels, job fairs, and networking events.
Pace combines strong academics with internships, research opportunities, and other resume-building experiences. Pace’s Career Services program helps connect students with the university’s employer partners. Learn more at careerservices.pace.edu.
The School of Continuing Education at Purchase College offers professional certificate programs, some of which can be completed online, in areas such as healthcare, computer programming, and project management.
At Westchester Community College’s Spring Open House, prospective students can explore more than 60 degree and certificate programs to find their perfect fit. Courtesy Westchester Community College
WCC offers more than 65 different degree and certificate programs for both recent graduates and older job changers, as well as workforce training that can lead to industry-recognized credentials and licensures. The college’s Professional Development Center also provides workforce development scholarships. Learn more at www.sunywcc.edu/continuing-ed/pdc.
The One-Stop centers provide a number of training and job-placement programs specifically aimed at students. While the One-Stop centers are currently closed to the public, their resources and services are still available. One-Stop staff members can be reached via email or phone. For an employee directory, see www.westchesterputnamonestop.com/about/locations-and-contacts.
WestCOP provides free skills training for those looking to change careers or enhance their employability. Find a list of currently available trainings at www.westcop.org/trainings.
The availability and cost of childcare is one of the biggest hurdles to reentry into the labor force. For a comprehensive list of available care providers and financial assistance options, go to www.childcarewestchester.org/services/parents/paying-for-care.
Affordable housing near employment opportunities can be a major consideration for those reentering the job market. HAC provides counseling for households looking to purchase their first home, including help with improving credit scores and affording a down payment.
WDI aims to remove obstacles for talent to join or rejoin the workforce through its Child Care Subsidy Program. Learn more at www.wdiny.org/explore-our-work/child-care-subsidy-program.