• We Are Committed

    We Are Committed

    to doing whatever we can to improve Watertown and make it an even better place to live and do business.

    Click to Learn More
  • Constantly Investing

    We Are Constantly Investing

    to use our financial resources to leverage other investment, with the goal of job creation, retention and elimination of blight.

    Click to Learn More
  • On a Mission

    We Are On a Mission

    to foster an environment of cooperation between City Government, Economic Development Agencies and the private sector with the goal of promoting economic expansion and prosperity in the City of Watertown.

    Click to Learn More

The Watertown Local Development Corporation's office is currently closed until further notice. Donald Rutherford can be contacted at (315) 771-9600

Please Continue to check the Small Business Association's website (SBA.gov) for Disaster Relief Loan Programs

Rent Assistance Program

Learn more and apply online today!

Learn More

Façade Renovation Program

Learn more and apply online today!

Learn More

Welcome to Watertown

The Watertown Local Development Corporation (WLDC) is a 501-(c) 3 public benefit corporation engaging in economic development in the City of Watertown. The WLDC exists to help move your strategic business plans forward. Financing options and incentives through the WLDC:

  • Fixed-interest loans for real estate, machinery and equipment
  • Working Capital financing
  • Leasehold improvement financing
  • Assists in securing primary financing through commercial banks

Retail and commercial space is available in the newly renovated Franklin Building, 50 Public Square, Downtown Watertown. For more information call 315-786-3494.

The Buck Building
82 Public Square
Watertown, NY 13601

(315) 786-3494

Phone

(315) 786-3495

Fax

Area Demographics

There are many demographics and resources that make Watertown NY the ideal location for many types of businesses and industries. Here are just a few:

  • Close to Fort Drum, home of the U.S. Army the 10 Mountain Division, Light Infantry, the county's largest employer, infusing over $500 million annually into the local economy.
  • Located close to abundant natural resources Lake Ontario, Thousand Islands,St. Lawrence River, Tug Hill Plateau and Adirondack Mountains.
  • Higher education can be found locally at Jefferson Community College, and within 90 minutes you can reach nine different universities and colleges.
  • The City of Watertown (pop. 27,000) is the county seat of Jefferson County (pop. 115,000), and the largest city in Northern New York.
  • Jefferson County offers exceptional health care, and is home to a number of excellent public and private schools.
  • The Northern New York area offers an available and affordable real estate market.

Contact Us

Emergency Working Capital Program

Details of Program:

  • $10,000 maximum loan

  • Unsecured

  • Guarantees required

  • 3% fixed interest rate

  • Statement of need required

  • Fee will be waived

  • No payment for 3 months, interest only payments for 9 months then amortized over 5 years

  • Personal financial statement required

  • Signed credit authorization form required

Link to required forms

Why Do We Exist?

We exist to foster an environment of cooperation between City Government, Economic Development Agencies and the private sector with the goal of promoting economic expansion and prosperity in the City of Watertown. To use the LDC’s financial resources to leverage other investment, with the goal of job creation, retention and elimination of blight.

Area Links

Local News

Chambers of Commerce

WLDC Board Meetings

The Watertown Local Development Corporation holds regular monthly meetings on the third Thursday of every month in the Board Room of the Watertown Local Development Corporation, 82 Public Square, Watertown, NY at 8:30 a.m. unless otherwise specified.
The Buck Building
82 Public Square
Phone (315)786-3494
Fax (315)786-3495

Space Available in newly
renovated Franklin Building

The Franklin Building houses 6 to 12 commercial units at street level. Contact WLDC at (315) 786-3494 for information on commercial space available in the Franklin Building.

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