Iona College has been selected to be a part of Start-Up NY, a program that encourages new, expanding and relocating businesses to operate in New York State.

By participating in the Start-Up NY, Iona has allotted tax-free zones on its campus for these businesses to operate. The businesses would be tax-free for 10 years.

The program was started by Gov. Andrew Cuomo last year to help improve the economy of New York.

The college is hoping that the program will specifically improve the New Rochelle economy.

“It’s supposed to bring jobs,” Director of Corporate, Foundation and Government Relations Daniel Konopka said. “It’s good for the local economy.”

These businesses will bring new residents, which will help the local economy grow.

“Employees pay taxes and goods and services,” he said. “Employees live in the neighborhood and interact with local businesses. It has a great impact.”

Besides improving the local economy, the college is looking to expand its reach.

“It will bring attention to the capabilities that Iona has,” he said.

Iona is only one of two private institutions in Westchester County to be a part of the program, according to an Oct. 2 press release.

The types of businesses that the college is trying to attract are those that specialize in biosciences, information technology, cyber security, health care and electronics.

The college is also focusing on facilitating health care businesses that will help further the Center for Health Care Analytics that was announced in March. The center focuses on health care management.

One way that these businesses will help the students is that in part with negotiations with the college, the businesses would most likely offer internships to students.

Those who major in computer science, business or biology could benefit from these potential businesses.

“We want to make sure that internships are available,” Konopka said.

Iona is hoping that being a part of the program will draw students to the college.

“I hope that [the program] will position us as a cutting-edge college that is drawing the attention of new startup companies,” he said.

In the application that was submitted in June, the college allotted the tax-free zones on campus that would serve the businesses.

These spaces are located on the top floor of McSpedon and on the top floor of the Hagan School of Business.

In the press release, President Joseph Nyre expressed his commitment to the local community.

“The interaction with business enterprises will have a positive impact on our students and faculty, creating resources of business expertise and internship possibilities for our students,” Nyre said.

“We’re excited about this,” said Konopka. “We did this at the direction of President Nyre and I think that is forward thinking in leadership for the college.”

The college was just recently approved for the program so no contracts have been finalized yet. However, the college is still excited for beginning of the program.

“We’re just starting out, but we’re optimistic that this will be good for us in a lot of different ways,” he said.