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August 1, 2021 As the collaboration between the SBU Innovation Center, JCC and OBDC continued to strengthen, the concept of a co-working space for students and area entrepreneurs was spawned. In line with creating a co-working space, the back end of the 4th floor of the building re-designed and repurposed. Decades of literal junk was hauled out of the space (4 dump truckloads). While the drywall was being torn down, the original brick wall from 1895 was discovered, and the o

August 1, 2019 The influence of a very active OBDC Board of Directors lead to a much higher level of collaboration between St. Bonaventure University, Jamestown Community College’s Olean Campus and OBDC. The entrepreneurial spirit and energy of the college campuses drove the creation of the St. Bonaventure University Innovation Center, with plans to create an entrepreneurial startup community here in Olean (based on the book Startup Communities by Brad Feld). The concept of

August 1, 2017 Part of the new business model was to renovate the building, which hadn’t been updated in decades. A key element of this was adding an elevator to the building and renovating/repurposing what had for years been classrooms into usable office spaces. With the help of a New York State Empire State Development grant, the generosity of local donors and a mortgage from Greater Olean Area Federal Credit Union, the building’s first 3 floors were fully renovated and h

August 1, 2016 Activity in the building was focused on providing office co-working, incubation space, and programming to support potential new business starters. However, it quickly became apparent that a new business model was needed in order to sustain the building.

August 31, 2015 Development for the greater Olean area. In 2015, 301 N Union Street was purchased by 2 entrepreneurs to establish a business incubation space. The non-profit business formerly known as, ” Family Partners Group Inc,” was changed to Olean Business Development Corporation (OBDC). With the change in our name, came a change in our mission; to focus specifically on economic

July 20, 2013 In 2013 we originally started out as a not-for-profit known as, “Family Partners Group Inc.” The mission was to benefit youth, families, small businesses, and the community through establishing mentorship and coaching networks to support the development of the workforce and improve regional economic conditions.

January 1, 2013 Constructed in 1895, our building at 301 N Union St was originally the location of Riley & Wands, a local grocery wholesaler. From 1960 – 2013, the building was home to the Olean Business Institute.