Book an appointment today for free business counseling!
We work with new and existing businesses from main street lifestyle to agriculture, manufacturing, and more in all stages of development, from concept through exit. Some areas we cover include:
One-on-one advisement
General start-up assistance
Business plan development
Cash flow projections
Marketing strategies
Funding opportunities
Lending preparation
MWBE certification assistance
Veteran certification assistance
Formation of business entity
Read about our experienced advisors below and request an appointment.
Paul is a veteran of more than 30 years of directing sales, marketing, business development and venture creation programs in diverse industries. He has held executive positions in markets such as imaging devices, communications equipment, enterprise software, equipment leasing, and the performing arts, and has extensive experience in general management as the executive director of two very different non-profits.
He served as executive director of one of the leading business incubators in New York State, held elected office in a local municipality, and founded a marketing communications firm serving a diverse client mix.
Paul’s background is extensive in leadership and team building as well as network creation for purposes of business growth. For many years Paul has mentored entrepreneurs to create and advance their businesses and offers guidance in the areas of venture creation, business planning, financial modeling, and angel and venture funding.
Paul’s specialties: tech, innovation, medical, 3d printing, manufacturing, and marketing
James Willey provides business advisement services to a variety of small businesses and entrepreneurs engaged in starting, managing, growing, or purchasing a business. Willey has been with the Mohawk Valley Small Business Development Center since 2022.
Willey previously worked for Mohawk Valley Community College’s Advanced Institute of Manufacturing since 2018 as a Coordinator of the SUNY Apprenticeship Program.
Willey holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Marketing from SUNY Polytechnic Institute.
James’s specialties: workforce development, manufacturing, English and Spanish fluency
Reece Wilson
Reece Wilson serves as Entrepreneur in Residence at Colgate University. As an undergraduate student at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, he co-founded UTime, an automated scheduling app for college students, and led the venture’s go-to-market strategy. UTime raised $60k in pre-seed fundraising and was the first student-run startup accepted into the Launch NY Founders Go Big program. Reece has mentored aspiring entrepreneurs and led entrepreneurship workshops. He has a Bachelor's Degree in architecture with a minor in entrepreneurial studies and education.
Reece’s specialties: branding, project management, network building, and UI/UX design
Gwenn Werner
Gwenn is Madison County's small business advisor for the HUB and WISE Women's Business Center. She specializes in mentoring and empowering small business owners by connecting them with the resources they need to succeed.
Gwenn, a serial entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience to her role as the current President of Parry's, Hamilton's Modern Day General Store, co-owner of Ashling Acres, a lodging and events business, and newly launched fitness business Plank Hamilton.
Gwenn's experiences include navigating the NYS WBE certification process, starting, expanding and selling small businesses, and the day to day functions of a business including marketing, accounting, inventory management and customer service.