START-UP NY

Operate your business in NYS tax-free for 10 years

New York State established START-UP NY—which stands for SUNY Tax-Free Areas to Revitalize and Transform Upstate NY—as a way to transform communities across the state. This initiative gives companies the opportunity to operate state tax-free on, or near, a UB campus. If you qualify, your eligible employees will also pay no state personal income taxes. At UB, we can help you navigate the START-UP NY program.

The START-UP NY program is no longer accepting new applicants as of January 1, 2026, however UB BEP continues to support existing participants.

In addition to tax benefits, the START-UP NY program under UB sponsorship allows companies to align their businesses with university resources and facilities, access to UB students, faculty and alumni, connect with a vast support network and more.

ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS

You may be eligible for START-UP NY if your business is:

A new business in New York State; or
An existing business in New York State that is expanding within the state; or
An existing business out of state that is moving or expanding to New York State

In addition, your business must:

Create new jobs in the first year
Bring positive economic benefits to the community
Align with the academic mission of University at Buffalo

Eligibility Guidelines

Ineligible Businesses

Retail and Wholesale Businesses
Restaurants
Law and Accounting Firms
Medical or Dental Practices
Real Estate Management Companies/Brokers
Hospitality
Retail Banking
Utilities and Energy Production
Finance and Financial Services
Businesses Providing Personal Services
Businesses Providing Business Administration Support and Services

Are you a current START-UP NY company? Contact us with any questions or updates.

INQUIRE ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS

Testimonial

“When I signed on to come to UB, my friends back home [in the UK] fell into two distinct camps. They’d say, 'Buffalo—Are you crazy?' or 'Buffalo—You’ll love it!' And the thing was, the people that said [I was] crazy—they’d never been here. I came here and I love it...I want to thank everybody for all the support. It is the people that really make this work…the support has just been absolutely super. ”

6/22/26

Dr. Glenna Bett

Founder and CEO, Cytocybernetics; UB Faculty