Top Albany Business Opportunities This Week

Why AI Could Outperform You at Networking

Will AI replace professional networkers? The answer may surprise you.

During a recent virtual networking session on Zoom, three unexpected “attendees” appeared in my waiting room:

Otter Notetaker

Bob’s Notetaking Service

AI Meeting Assistant

Yes… at a networking event!

Nice to meet you, Otter, Bob, and AI Meeting Assistant.

How can I help you today?

I guess networking isn’t just for humans anymore …

CAREERS
💼 Albany at Work

Workplace Highlights in Albany, NY

Albany’s job market remains steady, with unemployment holding near 3.8% in the past month. Hiring is strongest in healthcare, government administration, education, logistics, and professional services. Tech and clean-energy roles continue to expand slowly, while manufacturing shows moderate but stable demand. Overall, employer activity remains above pre-pandemic levels, signaling a balanced yet competitive market.

🔥 Top Job Postings

• Sales Representative FMCG– Russian/Spanish Speakers Welcome! + English at Prestige Concept
  💵 $60K – $110K a year | 📍 Albany, NY (Apply)

• Business Development Executive - Wastewater/Water Disposal at Pentair
  💵 $118K – $220K a year | 📍 Albany, NY (Apply)

• Senior Partner Account Manager at Bestpass by Fleetworthy
  💵 $110K – $130K a year | 📍 Albany, NY (Apply)

👀 Top Job Seekers

• Glenda Asante, Product Support Specialist
  👉Seeking Research & Development Opportunities in Biotech/Pharma |📍Albany, NY (Profile)

• Devin Meyers, Administrative Assistant
  👉 Actively seeking employment |📍Albany, NY (Profile)

• Steve Larkin, QA software support
  👉Looking for Work |📍Albany, NY (Profile)

• City School District of Albany needs Food Service Hot Kitchen Equipment Repairs (Link)

• Albany High Graduation Garments & Diploma Covers (Link)

• Safety consultant services needed at Albany City Hall (Link)

• Purchase of 96 4th St Bath house NO.2 (Link)

• Applications for Cyber Warfare: Genesis in Rome, NY (Link)

• Gov. Hochul announces record $3.3B aid for minority-and women-owned businesses (More)

• Habitat for Humanity launches $400,000 campaign for new homes in Schenectady (More)

• Broadview donating $500K to help fight food insecurity (Read)

• SBDC (Small Business Development Center) — Free business advising, training, and mentorship. (More)

• SUNY-NY CREATES Tech Innovation Institute: $4M investment for semiconductor research + workforce dev, based in Albany NanoTech. (More)

What are the top challenges of doing business in Albany?

1. Rising Costs & Inflation – Many local businesses in Albany are still grappling with higher input costs (materials, labor, transportation) while consumer spending remains stretched.
2. Talent Shortages & Hiring Gaps – Employers in Albany continue to face difficulty finding qualified workers, especially in healthcare, tech, and skilled trades, slowing growth and service capacity.
3. Regulatory & Tax Pressures – Businesses in Albany often struggle with complex state-level regulations and rising operational taxes, which increase compliance burdens and reduce margins.

🤝11/19 Network by 9 at Crowne Plaza Albany - The Desmond Hotel (Register)
🤝11/19 The Boldness Factor – Cultivating Confidence for Decisive Action (Register)
🤝11/20 Albany, NY: Empire TM, Online Meeting (Register)
🤝11/20 Business Incubation + Networking: Closing the Deal (Register)
🤝11/20 Startup Tech Valley + Saratoga County (Register)
🤝11/21 2025 Nonprofit Business Awards Luncheon (Register)
🤝12/02 MGet Venture Ready: From Idea to Investment (Register)

🤝= In Person, 💻 = Virtual