May 1, 2025

Soldiers transitioning out of the military who are looking for opportunities to stay in the North Country now have a location in downtown Watertown where they can go for assistance. Next Move NY (NMNY) has opened an office at 124 Franklin Street, in Jefferson Community College's entrepreneurial center called the NEST. 

The Development Authority of the North Country was awarded $3.9 million by Empire State Development to establish the framework for the NMNY initiative and implement several key aspects of the program. Next Move NY is a workforce pipeline for soldiers who are transitioning out of the military, and their spouses. The initiative will build upon existing systems to support, train, credential and engage transitioning soldiers to stay in the North Country and find meaningful employment, at the same time helping to fill the employment needs of the North Country. 

Three full-time professional staff operate the NMNY office and look forward to working with transitioning soldiers, spouses and veterans in an effort to connect them with meaningful employment in the North Country. 

NMNY is the North Country Regional Economic Development Council's award-winning workforce development strategy that received a $10 million state Challenge Grant. 

The NEST is also home to the Watertown Small Business Development Center and is serving as a business hub and coworking space, making it an ideal location for NMNY as it works to streamline workforce opportunities for transitioning soldiers and their families.