In 2025, Grow LivCo continued to drive transformative economic growth across Livingston County, balancing modernization with the preservation of our unique, rural and historic character Through strategic investment in infrastructure, downtown revitalization, and targeted business support, we have fostered a resilient, thriving community that attracts new businesses and elevates local entrepreneurs.
This report showcases our commitment to creating sustainable, high-quality jobs while maintaining the exceptional quality of life that defines Livingston County.
Infrastructure& Investment
Significant advancements in shovel-ready industrial sites and expanding broadband access to fuel long-term growth.
Downtown Revitalization
Continued progress on Downtown Revitalization projects, enhancing storefronts and creating vibrant, walkable community spaces.
SupportingLocal Businesses
Enhanced support for small businesses through specialized grants and initiatives, ensuring a diverse and strong local economy
The LivingstonCountyIndustrialDevelopmentAgency (IDA) is a public benefit corporation with the mission of creating and retaining employment opportunities for the locals of Livingston County and generating tax revenues to support government services. This mission is accomplished through the financing, development, sponsorship, acquisition, construction, and equipping of certain economic development projects.
The LivingstonCountyDevelopmentCorporation (LCDC) aims to improve the quality of life in our communities by offering instruction and training that encourages entrepreneurship and assisting in the startup of new business as well as the retention and expansion of existing businesses. The LCDC administers multiple loan and grant funds which work to grow our local economy and improve quality of life.
LivingstonCountyTourism,Inc.(VisitLivCo) is the official tourism promotion agency for Livingston County. The mission of Visit LivCo is to drive economic growth through travel and increase the number of annual visitors and overnight stays in the county.
We offer a variety of programs to encourage or assist with business attraction and recruitment, business retention and expansion, small business and entrepreneurship, and tourism and quality of life promotion. The following is a list of some of our core and most common programs, however we ’ re regularly seeking innovative and tailored approaches to respond to the needs of our business community.
TaxExemptions
Tax exemptions are issued through the IDA to encourage and strengthen business development by providing incentives to qualifying businesses that make significant capital investments and create and retain jobs within the county. Available tax exemptions include: Property Tax/Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) ; Sales Tax; Mortgage Tax. Tax exemptions are further outlined in the IDA’s Uniform Tax Exemption Policy.
RevolvingLoanFund
Loans can be issued through the Livingston County Development Corporation to new or expanding businesses Revolving loan funds may be used for any justifiable business purpose including, but not limited to startup costs, working capital, expansion costs, and fixed assets including furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Loan terms vary based on the size and use of the loan but generally have a five-seven year term. A business plan detailing current operations and/or future plans is required with all loan applications.
Grants
The Economic Development office applies for and administers a variety of grants to assist with Economic and Community Development projects. All of our entities are eligible to apply for and receive grants The IDA cannot make grants The majority of grant activity in the office runs through the Local Development Corporation Some common grants that we access are: 1
NewYorkMainStreet
The New York Main Street (NYMS) program is a state-funded initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to stimulate economic revitalization in traditional downtowns and mixed-use neighborhoods. Administered by the Office of Community Renewal (OCR) within New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), it offers reimbursement grants for architectural planning, building improvements and streetscape enhancements.
CommunityDevelopmentBlockGrant(CDBG)
The New York State Community Development Block Grant (NYS CDBG) is a federally funded program that provides financial assistance to smaller "non-entitlement" communities though the state’s Office of Community Renewal (OCR) within New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR).
CDBG Economic Development funding assists large attraction, expansion or retention projects up to $750,000.
CDBG Small Business funding assists development and growth projects up to $100,000.
Designed for businesses with 5 or fewer employees/owners, CDBG Microenterprise funds a local program to assist multiple businesses Livingston County Economic Development has used CDBG Microenterprise funding to build local programs like Small Business → Big Boost and Dream-O-Vate:
SmallBusiness → BigBoost
Small Business → Big Boost supports entrepreneurs to bring their dream of opening or expanding a business to reality. The program will provide applicants with training, funding, and the essential resources and tools needed to successfully open or expand their businesses. The program is designed to stimulate economic growth, creating businesses and jobs that will improve and preserve Livingston County communities.
Dream-O-VateBusinessCompetition
Produced by Livingston County Economic Development, Dream-O-Vate is a retail business competition that encourages entrepreneurs to compete for the chance to open a storefront and earn a coveted business start-up package to turn their dream into reality The goals of the program are to:
Recruit new businesses that will enhance the existing business mix
Improve the economic climate for all area businesses through increased resident and tourist traffic in our Village cores
Capture greater resident and visitor spending
Create a positive buzz about Livingston County and its communities
Through Dream-O-Vate, Livingston County is seeking makers, creators, movers, and shakers to open retail establishments that will enhance the visitor experience in and around nine historic Main Street districts. We are looking for the next “best” business in LivCo. You bring the innovation – we’ll make the dream come true.
3
RestoreNY
The Restore New York Communities Initiative (Restore NY) is a state-funded grant program designed to help municipalities revitalize their communities by redeveloping or removing blighted structures. Administered by Empire State Development (ESD), the program provides financial assistance for the demolition, deconstruction, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of vacant, abandoned, condemned, or surplus properties.
4
FirstImpressions
The First Impressions Program supports projects that enhance the initial perception of Livingston County's businesses and communities, fostering local identity and economic growth. It offers up to 50% reimbursement, up to $5,000, for improvements such as signage, lighting, facades, public art, and streetscapes
5
DigitalMarketing
Digital Marketing Grants aim to stimulate tourism and foster economic development year-round. This program is a strategic initiative tailored to enhance digital advertising for tourism-generating festivals and programs Its primary focus is on attracting out-of-county visitors to boost overnight stays.
Training
Entrepreneurship training is a structured educational program designed to equip individuals with the specific skills, mindset, and practical tools needed to start, manage, and scale a business venture. Unlike general business degrees that focus on corporate theory, entrepreneurship training is often action-oriented and covers the practical "fundamentals" of business ownership. Some common programs we offer include:
CO.STARTERSCore A 10-week, cohort-based entrepreneurship program designed to help aspiring business owners turn their ideas into action
CO.STARTERSBootcamp A condensed, high-intensity version of the Core program
DestinationCreation An 8-chapter business training program developed by consultant Jon Schallert. It is designed to teach independent business owners a proprietary 14-point strategy to turn their businesses into "Destination Businesses" establishments that are so unique they attract customers from far beyond their local market
ShopLocal
Livingston County Economic Development and Tourism funds a shop local program each year, encouraging visitors and residents alike to support local LivCo businesses to generate sales tax revenue that supports Livingston County, its 17 towns, and 9 villages. The program aims to raise awareness about the economic, environmental, and community benefits of thinking local first.
IMPACT IN
ACTION
Alookatthetangibleyields ofourdedicatedefforts
LetchworthWaffles
Bringing a modern twist to a classic treat, Letchworth Waffles officially opened its doors at 40 Main Street in Mount Morris, becoming a standout addition to the village's historic downtown corridor. The shop specializes in Bubble Waffles a visually striking, customizable snack that has quickly become a favorite for locals and tourists visiting the nearby "Grand Canyon of the East" and the number one State Park in the Nation.
The opening was made possible through the coordinated efforts of the CO.STARTERSCore, DreamO-Vate, and FirstImpressions programs, all offered by Livingston County Economic Development. The business represents the successful adaptive reuse of a Main Street storefront, supported by the county’s commitment to fostering a diverse local ecosystem that appeals to residents and the thousands of visitors frequenting Letchworth State Park.
Ines Abid Owner, Letchworth Waffles
I was honored to be one of the students who received a grant in 2025. Working with your office and participating in the CO STARTERS program was a turning point for Letchworth Waffles The class helped me better understand my market, refine my pricing and menu, and build a stronger, more sustainable business model The guidance, support, and grant opportunity were incredibly valuable, and I’m grateful for the role your team played in helping my business grow. I’m very thankful to the entire team for their professionalism and their continued support, even after the CO STARTERS class ended and I received the grant The guidance, encouragement, and resources provided truly helped me move forward with confidence and grow Letchworth Waffles
BigTreeInn
The Big Tree Inn, a historic landmark in Geneseo, NY, officially celebrated its grand reopening after a four-year closure following the COVID-19 pandemic April Haynos and her business partner, John Stranko, operate the inn through their company, A & J Hospitality Ventures, LLC. Big Tree features a lunch and dinner menu that includes comfort food and local specialties, eight uniquely decorated guest rooms, and event space for weddings, fundraisers, and meetings The reopening was supported by a combination of private investment and Community DevelopmentBlockGrant funding secured by Livingston County Economic Development.
April Haynos and John Stranko
Operators, Big Tree Inn
The Livingston County Economic Development Office was truly the catalyst for the opening of our business Louise Wadsworth introduced us to the property, and both she and Maureen Wheeler presented us with every resource available to us through their office to help us navigate opening the Big Tree Inn At a time of so much uncertainty, as first-time business owners, their expert guidance provided us a road map to success We are incredibly grateful for the support of the entire office that allowed us to pursue our dream and bring this iconic property back to life We look forward to a long career here and our ongoing partnership with the Livingston County Economic Development Office as they continue their important work of making Livingston County an incredible place to work, live, and visit.
CedarHouseWellness
Located at 5 Chestnut Street in downtown Geneseo, Cedar House Wellness celebrated its grand opening and ribbon-cutting in November 2025. Founded by Mandy Oakes, the studio was developed with a mission to make approachable wellness a natural, accessible part of everyday life for Livingston County residents. Cedar House Wellness opened with strategic support from Livingston County Economic Development through the CO.STARTERSCore course, RevolvingLoanFund, and the Dream-OVateBusinessCompetition. Its opening represents another successful collaboration between local entrepreneurs and the Grow LivCo team to revitalize vacant or underutilized spaces into vibrant community assets.
Mandy Oakes Owner, Cedar House Wellness
CO STARTERS came at exactly the right time for us As a startup and first-time business owners, we had a big idea but a lot of questions, and the program helped us slow down and really think through what we were building It broke things down in a way that made the process feel manageable and gave us tools we could actually use. The education and resources we gained were incredibly valuable, especially when it came to understanding our numbers and making thoughtful decisions Being surrounded by other local entrepreneurs going through similar stages made the experience even more meaningful The class gave us clarity, confidence, and the foundation we needed to move forward and bring our business to life
As a new small business, Livingston County Economic Development has been an incredible resource for us From the very beginning, their team was supportive, approachable, and genuinely invested in helping us as we worked to establish our business They took the time to answer questions, talk through ideas, and help us navigate our options for additional financing, which made the process feel far less overwhelming We are truly lucky to have them as a local resource, and their support played a meaningful role in turning our vision into a reality
NativeWellness
Native Wellness + Aesthetics, located at 3517 Thomas Drive in Lakeville, has undergone a significant expansion to meet growing demand for holistic health and medical aesthetic services in the Conesus Lake area. Founded by Amy Hayes, a board-certified family nurse practitioner, the boutique focuses on a "slow and intentional" approach to care that blends medical science with di i l ll i Li i
LivCoBasecamp
The historic business district of Mount Morris has gained a dynamic new destination with the opening of Jereko Gear and Renewed Coffee, colocated within LivCo Basecamp at 4 O’Connell Avenue This innovative multi-use space was brought to life through the collaborative efforts of local entrepreneurs, Livingston County Tourism, and Livingston County Economic Development.
Strategically positioned near the entrance to Letchworth State Park, LivCo Basecamp serves as a vital resource for outdoor enthusiasts and the local community alike. The project highlights the Grow LivCo mission of cultivating unique, destination-based businesses that capitalize on the county's natural tourism assets.
Amy Hayes Owner, Native Wellness
We can't express enough our gratitude for your office and the work you put in to assist businesses such as ours and various others in Livingston County You, Maureen, and your office have always been quick to respond to any inquiries we have had. Your openness and willingness to work with us to help us find funding have been exceptional You have always clearly laid out the groundwork for us to fill out our applications and successfully obtain the First Impressions grant. With it, we were able to put up new signage on our building You also worked with us to find extra funding at the end of this last fiscal year, which we used toward our immersive salt cave We are forever grateful for the dedication your offices provide to business in LivCo It is what separates this county from any county that surrounds us We are lucky to have you, and we are excited to continue working with you in the future!
JerekoGear
Jereko Gear offers new and pre-owned highquality outdoor apparel and adventure equipment They also provide bike sales, repair, rental, and trade-in services. Their presence fills a critical retail gap for specialized outdoor gear in the Mount Morris downtown corridor.
Jeremy
Kocsis Owner, Jereko Gear
The CO STARTERS program was an invaluable help. I initially worried it would be filled with people who already had everything figured out, but it was reassuring to find others like me who had plenty of questions about getting their business off the ground. I learned a great deal about the smaller, often overlooked tasks involved in opening a retail storefront, as well as how to make stronger, more informed decisions moving forward. The program is well taught and full of valuable information and connections Participating in CO STARTERS also gave me access to New York State grant funding, which helped kick-start my business much faster. The application process was straightforward, and the support made a meaningful difference
Hannah Green Owner, Renewed Coffee
Working with LivCo Economic Development has been great Every member of their team has gone out of their way to answer my questions and assist in helping my small business We are extremely grateful and lucky to have them in our county Not every county cares about small business as they do!
RenewedCoffee
Renewed Coffee offers a welcoming space for residents and travelers to recharge. The shop focuses on premium brews and local snacks, acting as a "community living room" that encourages visitors to linger and explore other Main Street shops
GeneseeValleyCouncilontheArts
In 2025, Visit LivCo, the official tourism promotion agency for Livingston County, awarded Digital Marketing Grants (DMG) to 12 local businesses and organizations to drive tourism and economic growth throughout the year. The DMG program was a strategic initiative designed to provide tourism-generating festivals and programs with a lift in digital advertising, specifically targeting outof-county visitors to increase overnight stays. One of the program's largest recipients was the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts (GVCA), which utilized the funding to launch and promote their new 'Keep the Arts Alive' event series. This series successfully highlighted Livingston County’s cultural landscape, drawing new audiences from across the region.
Morgan Hellquist Executive Director, GVCA
Support from the Livingston County Digital Marketing Grant played a vital role in our new Keep the Arts Alive event series Through targeted online advertising, we were able to reach new participants and saw strong turnout across events, with consistently high attendance. We also heard directly from visitors who told us they decided to attend after seeing our ads online, including individuals who traveled from as far as Pennsylvania to be part of the experience.
LivingstonCountyTourismwinsNYSTIAAward
Each year, the New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) honors exceptional achievements by New York’s destination marketing organizations, attractions, and tourism professionals across a wide range of categories, including marketing, destination stewardship, and leadership
In 2025, Livingston County Tourism was awarded ExcellenceinTourism MarketingCampaigns,Projects& Programs:Trails&Itineraries for the LivCo Libation Loop.
PowerandConstructionGroup(P&CG)
The opening of P&CG’s new utility construction training facility is the culmination of a decade-long vision. By consolidating education and hands-on performance training into one purpose-built environment, the company has created efficiencies that elevate the quality and consistency of its programs
Key highlights of the new facility include:
Advanced Education: Moving beyond minimum compliance, the center delivers best-in-class skills development tailored to the complexities of the modern utility industry.
Modern Technology: Advanced audiovisual tools support hybrid learning, allowing instructors to engage both on-site and virtual participants simultaneously
Operational Success: The facility has transformed Natural Gas Operator Qualifications training, resulting in higher success rates and fewer scheduling conflicts.
Community & Leadership: The space serves as a hub for industry leaders, regulators, and local youth including a pilot program for Dansville students to explore the trades.
This facility sets a new industry standard, reflecting a deep commitment to workforce excellence and community stewardship
Josh Frizzell CFO, Power and Construction Group
When evaluating our future home and training space, we wanted to keep our roots in Livingston County, where P&CG has been since 1995 After almost 30 years at our previous location, we knew we needed a space to meet the growing demands of our company and technical expertise in our industry. We reached out to our contacts at the LCIDA and quickly got on the calendar to work through our potential options to make the project more feasible The LCIDA has been a terrific partner in our project, helping us secure sales tax exemptions on purchases for the building, PILOT tax relief, and a reduction in our mortgage tax Bill, Maureen, and their team provided timely feedback and responses throughout the application process. We are hoping to work with them more in the future if we have any more expansion plans!
Remembering
GregO’Connell
AVisionBeyondBuildings
Greg O’Connell was far more than a developer; he was a visionary community advocate who saw untapped potential in derelict structures His philosophy transcended traditional real estate, rooted in the profound belief that a downtown’s true strength lies in its people. By championing low-cost rents for start-up businesses, Greg pioneered a model of revitalization designed to foster a sustainable, self-reliant, and thriving local economy.
IgnitingChange,CreatingOpportunity
Greg’s impact on Livingston County was monumental. His partnership with our office began in Mount Morris, where he transformed both the physical landscape and the community's mindset This momentum quickly expanded to Nunda, Dansville, and Geneseo, proving that dedicated stewardship can revitalize rural districts.
The true measure of Greg's work, however, was human connection. He bridged the gap between local needs and academic expertise by facilitating partnerships with the Pratt Institute and SUNY Geneseo, bringing students and professors to collaborate with residents on branding and development To ensure a lasting legacy, Greg also established a long-running, paid Main Street Manager internship, directly cultivating the next generation of economic leaders.
ThePowerofBelief
The true hallmark of Greg’s career was the individual lives he touched. From the laborers on his sites to the entrepreneurs in his storefronts, his legacy is summarized in a single, recurring sentiment: "He believed in me"
To ensure his spirit of opportunity endures, Livingston County Economic Development established the GregO’ConnellAwardforVisionary Entrepreneurship. This honor celebrates the next generation of leaders who embody Greg’s commitment to vision, connection, and community impact.
