The Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corp (SEEC) is pleased to announce its support for the Village of Schoharie in applying for two significant New York State funding programs: the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and New York Forward (NYF) for 2024. These programs offer transformative funding opportunities to enhance community development and economic growth. 

The Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC) proudly hosted a pivotal MWBE Certification event at 287 Main Street last week, just days before Women’s Equality Day. This luncheon brought together 17 women-owned small businesses, along with local business owners and agency representatives, to provide crucial insights and support for pursuing Minority-Women Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) certification. The event underscored SEEC’s commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs and advancing business opportunities in the community.

SEEC features, Dean Haskin, owner of Mickle Hollow Maple & Honey in Schoharie County for the August 2024 ROOTED article. Dean has turned his passion for beekeeping and maple tapping into a successful business known for its premium honey and maple products - offering a variety of products like infused creamed honey and maple creams. Mickle Hollow emphasizes sustainable agriculture and the importance of bees in local crop pollination by hand-building the hives, and creating a thriving environment for them. Visit Mickle Hollow’s apiary in Warnerville, Schoharie County, NY - or find their products at local farm stands and retailers.

SEEC announces the “NYS Sail-Thru Summer MWBE Certification Chat,” scheduled for Thursday, August 22nd. The event will take place at 287 Main, Schoharie, and will feature a panel of distinguished representatives from New York State’s Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) certification office of Empire State Development. This certification is intended to support and enhance opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses across all sectors, by providing access to government contracts, funding opportunities, and other resources designed to help them grow and succeed. Schoharie County has 16 certified MWBE businesses, and local MWBE owners have been invited to attend and share their experiences with interested guests.

Click the image to read the full August 2024 release of "Tales from the Trail" from the Schoharie County Eagle Trail!

SEEC got the opportunity to interview the founder of Brimstone Bakery, Anthony Leberto. A member of Beekman 1802’s former community of artisans, Brimstone Bakery, takes pride in sourcing local ingredients, using fresh eggs from local farmers, honey from nearby apiaries, and local produce. A local gem in the Village of Sharon Springs, Schoharie County, NY, the local bakery has captured the hearts and palates of locals and visitors alike, and is a true testament to Anthony's 30+ years of culinary expertise and creativity.

In a recent interview, SEEC had the privilege of delving into the journey of founder and owner of Love Shine Tea, Michelle Rivera: a dynamic and determined driving force of community. As a local entrepreneur, mother of four, and community curator, she has become Rooted in Schoharie Valley through her creation of Love Shine Tea: a tea, plant-based and allergen-friendly bakery, eatery, and cafe. Located on Schoharie's historic Main Street, Love Shine Tea emerges as more than a tea shop—but a sanctuary of compassion, community, and empowerment.

Click the image to read the full June 2024 release of "Tales from the Trails" from the Schoharie County Eagle Trail!

SEEC had the privilege of interviewing the founders of Weiss Ferments—an intimate, multi-acre outdoor brewery and biergarten. Owners, Erica and Brian Weiss, weave a narrative of nostalgia and community, drawing NYS Craft Beer Award-winning inspiration from simpler times. To them, their journey in Schoharie County goes beyond crafting gold-medal beer and healthy bread, to create moments of true connection and belonging within Schoharie County's community.

Click the image to read the full April 2024 release of "Tales from the Trails" from the Schoharie County Eagle Trail!

SEEC had the pleasure of sitting down at Schoharie’s own, 287 Main headquarters with serial-entrepreneur, Army veteran, Breast Cancer Survivor, single mom of two boys, and Schoharie County native Tina Wellman--a symbol of resilience and entrepreneurial prowess. Her journey from Army service, to founding successful ventures like BrightDrive Healthcare Solutions embodies the indomitable spirit of the region, and serves as an inspiration for aspiring business leaders.

SEEC designed Digital Power Hour to help Schoharie County business owners excel at digital marketing strategies. The four-part series breaks down the most challenging, yet necessary topics of running a business successfully online into actionable steps and hands-on advice. Digital Power Hour is a resource bin for digital marketing essentials designed specifically for Schoharie County business owners.

On February 26, 2024, SEEC announced that Schoharie County was awarded an additional $500,000 for their Digital Marketing Grant, by the NYS Office of Homes & Community Renewal. This fund is used strategically to improve digital marketing strategies of small businesses in Schoharie County, and make them more competitive and resilient. The program is in cooperation with Schoharie County government, and is a part of the Schoharie County Digital Strategies Initiative: a resiliency-based, proven, and data-supported means to add value to local businesses. The goal is to increase small business access to professional technology services, improve use of digital tools, and enable the hiring of digital strategists, content creators, and technicians-in addition to recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic. Prior to this addition, bringing the program total to $1.2 million, the program has assisted twenty-six businesses in Schoharie County by expanding their customer reach, creating new full-time employment positions, and overall stabilizing their businesses.

The Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC) is pleased to announce an event for Schoharie County Main Street stakeholders: a charette and public talk led by esteemed architect and Village of Perry, NY Mayor, Rick Hauser, representing his Downtown Studio of In. Site: Architecture.

SEEC had the privilege of sitting down with John McKeeby, the Executive Director of the Schoharie River Center. Driven by a shared vision of community preservation, John and his wife, Ellen, set out to breathe new life into a neglected structure in Schoharie County that now offers water quality monitoring programs, upon other skill-building opportunities, that encourage consciously sustainable growth for both participants, and our community environment. SRC is rooted in a commitment to environmental literacy and community empowerment, and fosters a deeper connection between humanity, our planet, and Schoharie County.