Empire Zone Application and Guidelines

To participate in the Empire Zone Program a business must first apply for certification. A business must demonstrate plans to increase or create new jobs in order to be eligible for certification. Applications must be filled out completely and submitted to the City of Albany Empire Zone for local approval and to start the certification process.

Step 1- Determining your eligibility

The first step in applying to be Empire Zone Certified is to determine if your business is located in within the boundaries of the Albany Empire Zone. You can do this by clicking on the PDF link below for the Empire Zone map or by contacting the local Zone Coordinator. If you are moving or have moved your business operations to the Albany Empire Zone from an area of New York State that is not designated as an Empire Zone, you must receive approval from the municipality you are moving from before you can become certified as an Empire Zone business. Documentation of this approval must accompany your application. The local Empire Zone Coordinator can help you understand this process.

• City of Albany Empire Zone Map
  

Once you have determined that your business is within the City of Albany Empire Zone, your next step is to complete the application and any necessary supporting forms.  These forms provide all of the information needed for the local zone and the state to evaluate your application in accordance with the laws and regulations governing the Empire Zone program.  The accuracy and completeness of your application is vital to expediting the certification process.  Completed applications should be submitted to the local Zone Coordinator, failure to follow this process delays your certification.

Application Forms and Materials