About the Adirondacks Region

Located in northeastern New York, the Adirondack region is a six-million-acre mosaic of natural assets and vibrant communities, well positioned to foster a community of place-based entrepreneurs. 

Within the Adirondack Park, there are over 100 small towns and villages, each with its own character and sense of community — creating a diverse social fabric and deep commitment to place that forms the true foundation of the region’s ecosystem.

The region is a year-round destination for outdoor recreation — from hiking the 46 High Peaks and paddling thousands of lakes and rivers to world-class skiing and snowmobiling — reinforced by a continued tradition of hosting major events like World Cups and championships in bobsled, luge, ski jumping, cross-country skiing, figure skating, and hockey, building on Lake Placid’s history as a two-time Winter Olympic host.

Strategically situated, the region offers direct proximity to Canada and easy access to Vermont and the New York Capital District, connecting its local talent pool to academic institutions, resources, and capital networks across the Northeast. It is a place where people come for the natural beauty and stay for the community, the opportunity, and the uniquely adventurous way of life.

Community Partners

Adirondack Innovation Initiative (A2I) is a project powered by the Adirondack Community Foundation to cultivate a tech innovation ecosystem and professional network in the greater Adirondacks. A2I is actively building a community of remote workers and tech professionals, and laying the groundwork for founders and entrepreneurs to launch and grow their ventures in the region.

Adirondack Community Foundation works to strengthen Adirondack communities by connecting people, ideas, and resources to improve lives and expand opportunity. ACF serves as a central hub for philanthropy across the region, bringing together donors, nonprofits, and community needs to create lasting change — with a focus on building local wealth, meeting basic needs, fostering education, and supporting economic vitality.

ANCA and AEDC (Adirondack North Country Association and Adirondack Economic Development Corporation) provide development support and technical assistance to entrepreneurs and businesses across the region, helping to grow a more diverse and resilient local economy.

North Country Community College (NCCC) and Clarkson University’s Shipley Center for Innovation anchor the region’s workforce development and entrepreneurship education pipeline, connecting residents with the skills and resources needed to participate in the digital economy.

Point Positive, Inc. provides capital and investment support for emerging ventures in the Adirondacks, helping entrepreneurs access the funding they need to launch and scale.

Essex County and Franklin County IDAs, the Town of Jay, and the Town of North Elba serve as key municipal partners, providing the local government infrastructure and resources that make entrepreneurship and innovation possible across the region’s many communities.

The Carry is a coworking space supporting remote professionals and entrepreneurs with the workspace, community, and connections they need to thrive here.

Explore our Network

Today, these local leaders are focused on educating and training local residents in digital skills (especially those traditionally excluded from the tech industry), employing them in new economy jobs, and empowering them to launch startups that will drive a prosperous 21st-century economy. Diverse in geography, economic origin, and demographics, these communities represent the full spectrum of rural America.

Explore the Communities