Top CNY Business Opportunities This Week

The Insider's Guide to The Central New York Business Network

Author

Mike Marcellus
November 21, 2025

The Syracuse Networker

👋 Good afternoon, Central New Yorkers’! Welcome to The Syracuse Networker, the local newsletter for professionals in the CNY business community.

In today’s issue:

👍 Hundreds from all over come to IKEA in Destiny USA for grand opening

👀 Community rallies to help Syracuse business owner

⭐ Why AI Could Outperform You at Networking

💼 The Top Jobs Postings and Top Job Seekers in CNY

📈 Central New York organizations looking Website Professional Services, Term Design & Engineering, Employee Assistance Program, marketing and advertising agencies, and more

✅ $1 million Grow-NY prize, Six Student Ventures Awarded Fall 2025 Orange Innovation Fund Grants, 63 Million In Grants, and more

🔎 What are the top challenges of doing business in Syracuse?

📅 Register for Central New York networking events

👨‍💻 And more …

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COMMUNITY
🍇 The Syracuse Grapevine

The Business Buzz around Central New York

  • Hundreds from all over come to IKEA in Destiny USA for grand opening (Read)

  • Community rallies to help Syracuse business owner leave U.S. after ICE detention attempt (Read)

  • City moves to close Syracuse auto business with history of DMV, city code violations (Read)

  • A family business feeding Syracuse for generations (Read)

  • ICE comments on Syracuse business owner’s self-deportation amid visa controversy (Read)

  • Syracuse City School District launches new two-hour delay schedule (Read)

  • Business Listings: See new businesses that include chimney repair and retail (Read)

  • $7 million in road work planned to improve several busy intersections in Onondaga County (Read)

  • See 42 latest business, apartment, land sales ($200 to $3.6M) (Read)

STRATEGY
⭐ Deep Dive

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
💼 Syracuse at Work

Workplace Highlights in Central New York

Private-sector employment in the region rose by approximately 6,300 jobs, or about 2.2%, year over year, reaching more than 295,400 jobs. Growth was strongest in leisure & hospitality, private education & health services, and professional & business services, reflecting ongoing regional momentum. The unemployment rate for the region stood at 4.0%, while manufacturing employment showed a slight decline (-600 jobs), underscoring a shift toward service-sector strength.

🔥 Top Job Postings

👀 Top Job Seekers

SALES
📈  Syracuse Leads

Who's Buying in Central NY Right Now?

  • Website Professional Services needed at Oneida County Department of Information Technology (Link)

  • Term Design & Engineering needed at Central New York Regional Transportation Authority (Link)

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for Oneida County Workforce (Link)

  • Cortland County needs Miscellaneous Groceries and Frozen Foods (Link)

  • The City of Syracuse Police Department (SPD) invites marketing and advertising agencies with prior experience working with government, public safety, or similar organizations to submit proposals for professional services that will support the Department’s recruitment initiatives. (Link)

SUPPORT
✅  Syracuse Resources

Helpful Tools & Positive Developments in Central New York

  • Brekland wins $1 million Grow-NY prize at Canandaigua summit (More)

  • Six Student Ventures Awarded Fall 2025 Orange Innovation Fund Grants (More)

  • Federal heating aid for 1.5M New Yorkers still frozen after shutdown ends (More)

  • Governor Hochul Boosts Local Arts With Over 63 Million In Grants (More)

  • Syracuse’s Department of Neighborhood & Business Development is now accepting applications for its Program Year 52 HUD grants (CDBG, ESG, HOME). (More)

KNOWLEDGE
🔎 Syracuse Insights

AI-Powered Business Tips & Trends for CNY Professionals

What are the top challenges of doing business in Syracuse?

1. Rising Costs & Inflation – Many local businesses in Syracuse are still grappling with higher input costs (materials, labor, transportation) while consumer spending remains stretched.
2. Workforce Shortages & Skills Gaps – Employers continue to face difficulties finding qualified workers, especially in manufacturing, healthcare, and skilled trades, slowing growth and expansion plans across the region.
3. Commercial Real Estate & Infrastructure Constraints – Aging infrastructure, rising commercial rents in key areas, and limited availability of modern industrial/office space make it harder for businesses to scale or relocate efficiently.

NETWORKING
📅 Syracuse Events

Top Business Events in CNY

🤝12/03 2025 Family Business Awards | (Register)

🤝12/05 Rekindle The Fire Conference | (Register)

🤝12/09 Foodies + New Friends: Newport | Small Business Owners Edition | (Register)

🤝12/12 AlanAction.com Presents the REAL Holiday Masquerade in S Florida 12/12/25 | (Register)

🤝12/16 PMP Certification Program In-Person Training In Syracuse, NY | (Register)

🤝12/27 The Ebony Excellence Gala | (Register)

🤝= In Person, 💻 = Virtual 

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