New resources for entrepreneurs are coming to the Tri-Lakes in the fall. The Adirondack Economic Development Corporation and Clarkson University are teaming up to help entrepreneurship thrive in the Tri-Lakes. As our Rachael Paradis found out, these resources are a great opportunity for potential entrepreneurs and veteran business owners.

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FRANKLIN COUNTY, N.Y. -- Entrepreneurship can be a difficult road to travel, but for business owners in the Tri-Lakes, they will soon have new resources that will help them get started and grow.

Mike Conway, AEDC Executive Director, said, "Day one, questioning your decision to start a business. Working your way weekly through each of the components of a business plan, marketing, finance, human relations."

The Adirondack Economic Development Corporation has teamed up with Clarkson University to create the Adirondack Business Center, a program in Saranac Lake that will offer classes, training and financial support. Broadband will also be accessible, a current issue the Tri-Lakes face.

"If you want to grow your business in the Adirondack Park, you are limited by the consumer base. In most places you are limited by consumer base but you can just go online and take advantage of the country or the world. In the Adirondack park, you don't have that option either," said Marc Compeau, CU Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Existing businesses in the Tri-Lakes can also benefit from this new resource. Saranac Lake has about 50 small businesses. The clothing store, Bear Essentials, opened in 2005 and founder Greg Moore says that thanks to the AEDC, he was able to open another store in Lake Placid just four years later.

"They were a great help. We've been utilizing them more for how to run our business, also how to get more efficient with things. Learn more of the management techniques- they've been a great help with that," Moore said.

Both the AEDC and Clarkson University have a high success rate with the businesses they have worked with. Between the two of them over five hundred businesses have launched. The new business center will open in early fall.

Anyone interested in this program you can contact Marc Compeau at Clarkson University at (315) 268-3840.