Financial relief is available for New York companies in need.

And career counseling is easily accessible if you're looking for a job.

Action News reporter Erik Burling tells how the New York Department of Labor is working to stimulate the job market here in the Southern Tier.

5 million dollars.

That's how much grant money the New York State Department of Labor is looking to give to New York companies.

"We are targeting all types of industries, green, healthcare, manufacturing, tourism. And all types of training, computer programming, lean manufacturing, machine operation, weatherization in the green sector," said Patricia Smith, Commissioner of the New York Department of Labor.

Speaking at Broome-Tioga Workforce in Binghamton, State Labor Commissioner Patricia Smith says businesses can get up to 50 thousand dollars through the "Building Skills in New York State" program.

Smith says businesses are putting off necessary training needs because of economic restraints, so this could help.

"For the unemployed who are close to, or have exhausted their benefits, there could be relief. If New York's unemployment numbers come in at 8.1% for the month of June, benefits will be extended from 72 to 79 weeks," said Action News reporter Erik Burling.

"You have to think about the time on unemployment as a time for opportunity. And to look for new careers."

The Department of Labor also wants you to look for your new career at their statewide workforce centers.

Anthony Bezuka was laid off by AIG in Vestal.

Broome-Tioga Workforce helped land him a new job.
Unemployment in New York is at 8.1%.

"I needed to take on some training resources to sharpen my skills," said Anthony Bezuka of State Farm Insurance.

Branden Bushen was out of work for 7 months before getting into a job retraining program.

He now has a job...in the 'green-workforce.'

"I'm doing a weatherization program where they seal up homes and help conserve energy costs," said Branden Bushen of Tioga Opportunities.

Stories of success that can come from difficult days of unemployment.

The Building Skills in New York State program is for businesses and non-profit agencies that have four or more employees.

There's a July 20th deadline to apply for a grant.

Information is available at www.labor.ny.gov