Whether you are a start-up company or an established industry leader with million-dollar contracts, the New York state government provides an excellent environment of support for organizations that would like to do business in the Empire State. Importantly, entrepreneurs and business owners need to know that some types of businesses are eligible for more substantial support than others. In many cases, direct state grants to start or expand the activities of a business are provided only to companies that are developing a new technology product or are a registered nonprofit; but despite restrictions on grant eligibility, there are also tax incentive programs, grants from private foundations and other support mechanisms for small businesses available.