This week on In Focus, conversations on downtown development in cities across upstate New York — including discussions of how to sustain growth long-term. Downtown development is usually thought of in terms of big projects that shape or change an urban landscape, but small businesses play a key role as well. Director of Buffalo State's Small Business Development Center Susan McCartney joins In Focus to talk about that role, and the ways that cities can make room for small businesses in their development plans. She also discusses the ways that her organization and similar groups in other parts of the state encourage entrepreneurship and give business owners the tools to succeed. McCartney says that when cities invest in projects that draw in more tourists to an area, there’s a lot of potential for small businesses to benefit as well. She also weighs in on the placement of the Buffalo Bills’ stadium in Orchard Park, rather than the city proper, and shares her perspective on how a city can increase growth while maintaining its identity.

You can watch the full interview with Director of Buffalo State's Small Business Development Center Susan McCartney via the video player above. And be sure to tune in for a look inside the biggest issues impacting Upstate New York, on In Focus with JoDee Kenney — every Sunday on Spectrum News 1.