Become a Partner in Economic Growth

Investing in Steuben County’s Future

Investing in the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation, known as Invest Steuben, is more than a financial commitment; it’s an investment in the future of Steuben County.

Over the years, Invest Steuben has been privileged to receive the ongoing support of dedicated investors, as well as to welcome new organizations and businesses that recognize the importance of a strong, collaborative approach to economic development. Together, public and private partners help create opportunities, strengthen local businesses, and build a more resilient economy.

As we approach the end of 2026, we want to take a moment to sincerely thank our investors for their continued support of Invest Steuben.

We are incredibly grateful for each organization that chooses to invest in Invest Steuben and in the future of Steuben County. Your support plays an important role in making many of our programs, initiatives, and economic development efforts possible. Thank you for your partnership, your commitment to our community, and your continued investment in Steuben County. We look forward to building on this momentum and working together to create new opportunities for economic growth and prosperity in the years ahead.

Our Investors

Why Invest?

Economic development takes collaboration, commitment, and long-term vision. By investing in Invest Steuben, businesses and organizations gain opportunities to engage with and help shape the county’s economic development efforts.

Investors have exclusive opportunities to contribute to the development of the Invest Steuben Strategic Plan while building meaningful connections with community leaders, businesses, and other stakeholders.

Private investment also strengthens the partnership between the public and private sectors. This is an important component of advancing economic progress throughout Steuben County.

Economic development can contribute to a wide range of community outcomes, including:

Maintaining, increasing, and diversifying the local tax base

• A strong and diverse tax base provides communities with the resources needed to support essential services and make investments in infrastructure and quality of life. Economic development can encourage new businesses, expansions, redevelopment, and increased property investment, all of which can contribute to the local tax base.

Generating revenues that surpass the cost of municipal services

• When development is strategically planned, the resulting revenues can help offset the costs associated with providing public services and maintaining infrastructure. This creates an opportunity for communities to pursue growth that adds long-term value while being mindful of the resources required to serve new development.

Supporting business retention and expansion

• A large part of economic development entails helping businesses identify resources, navigate challenges, explore expansion opportunities, connect with workforce, financing, training, and other support services. Existing businesses are a critical component of a healthy local economy. 

Strengthening economic vitality and diversification in commercial and industrial areas

• Vibrant commercial and industrial areas help create a community where businesses can grow and residents can find employment, goods, services, and amenities close to home.

Maximizing property values through optimal utilization

• When properties are put to productive use, they can generate additional economic activity and potentially increase their contribution to the local tax base. Strategic redevelopment can also help revitalize areas while making efficient use of existing infrastructure.

Creating and sustaining jobs while increasing per capita income

• When businesses expand or new employers locate in the community, they can create jobs for residents and provide opportunities for career advancement. A strong business environment can also encourage employers to offer competitive wages and benefits as they compete for talent.

Supporting community self-sufficiency despite budgetary constraints

• Economic development can contribute to a community's ability to support itself by encouraging private investment, expanding the tax base, creating employment opportunities, and leveraging partnerships and outside resources. 

Showcasing and celebrating local businesses and products

• Economic development efforts can help bring greater visibility to these businesses through marketing, events, publications, networking opportunities, and community initiatives.

Building partnerships among local governments, businesses, and community members

• Economic development organizations can serve as a bridge among these groups, creating opportunities to share information, identify common goals, and work together on solutions.

Five Levels of Investment

Invest Steuben offers five investment levels, allowing businesses and organizations to participate at a level that aligns with their goals.

• Community Influencers — $10,000
• Community Developers — $5,000
• Community Planners — $3,000
• Community Marketers — $1,000
• Community Supporters — $500

Every investment plays an important role in supporting Invest Steuben’s mission of nurturing economic excellence throughout Steuben County.

More Than an Investment

Each investment level includes incentives designed to strengthen the partnership between the Invest Steuben and its investors. Depending on the level of investment, benefits may include opportunities to:

• Contribute to economic development decision-making
• Participate in strategic partnerships
• Receive marketing recognition
• Access tailored promotional opportunities in Invest Steuben publications
• Receive priority invitations to events and networking opportunities
• Access insider reports and economic updates
• Gain insights into the Invest Steuben Strategic Plan
• Access JobsEQ data
• Utilize Cowork Steuben facilities

These benefits provide investors with opportunities to stay informed, connected, and engaged in the economic development efforts shaping Steuben County.

Become a Steuben County Investor

A strong local economy is built through partnership. When businesses, community leaders, local governments, and residents work together, the entire county benefits.

Becoming an Invest Steuben investor begins with a conversation. Contact Invest Steuben CEO Isaac Lee to learn more about the five investment levels, discuss the benefits associated with each level, and determine which opportunity is right for your organization.

Your investment can help shape the future of Steuben County.

Join the growing network of businesses and organizations investing in economic excellence, strengthening our communities, and creating opportunities for the next generation.