Discover Downtown Gloversville
- Jennifer Donovan
- 2 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Rooted in the Glove City: Honoring Our Local Entrepreneurs
February 14–21, 2026, marks National Entrepreneurship Week. In Gloversville, being an entrepreneur isn’t just about having a "big idea"—it’s about the grit required to stay dedicated and grow even when the work is hard. We want to give a massive shout-out to the business owners who serve as the heartbeat of our city. It’s your late nights, your mountain of paperwork, and your unwavering determination to stay rooted that allows our community to thrive. You aren't just running shops; you are the foundation of our future.
Resilience in the Glove City: Building on a Legacy of Hard Work
While the challenges are real, so are the successes. Downtown Gloversville is held together by business owners who show up every single day:
The Staples: Long-standing anchors like Gloversville Palace Diner, Mr. G’s Hair Gallery, Dunday’s Clothiers, and Rossbach Shoe Store (a third-generation business) have navigated decades of change by focusing on customer care.
The Newer Guard: Businesses like Mohawk Harvest Cooperative Market and Sage & Cedar Cafe have turned historic spaces into functional, thriving hubs.
The Specialized: Shops like Adirondack Stained Glass Works and The Fly Shack show that there is still a market for unique, locally-made products in our city core.
These owners aren't just "creators"; they are the backbone of our community’s resilience.
Resources: Navigating Hurdles
You don't have to tackle the technical side of business alone. There are local programs—many free or low-cost—designed specifically to help you manage the hard parts, like taxes, business plans, and funding.
1. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) via SUNY Albany
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) funds a network of advisors who provide no-cost, confidential 1-on-1 counseling. For Gloversville, our regional hub is the UAlbany SBDC.
What they do: They help with business plan development, financial projections, and navigating government contracting.
How to access it: You can book an appointment online at nysbdc.org or call the Albany center directly at (518) 442-7232. Many sessions are held virtually or at local satellite locations.
2. Fulton County Center for Regional Growth (CRG)
Located right at 34 West Fulton Street, the CRG is the front door for anyone looking to start a project in the city. They specialize in connecting business owners to localized funding that isn't always advertised elsewhere.
Key Programs:
Project Funding Available: There are dedicated financing options and programs specifically for businesses operating within the city limits to help with capital needs.
Microenterprise Program: Grants (often up to $25,000) for small businesses with five or fewer employees to help with startup or expansion costs.
How to Start: The best way to begin is to schedule a meeting to discuss your specific project. You can call them at (518) 725-7700 or email fccrg@fccrg.org.
There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing our community thrive through our collective effort. Let’s keep building a Gloversville that rewards that spirit.
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Discover Downtown Gloversville