Seven-hundred fifty-seven jobs were added last year under the Start-Up NY program, more than double the number of jobs created in 2015, according to a report released Monday by Empire State Development, which administers the program.

In total, 1,135 jobs have been created since the program’s inception in 2014. Those jobs have paid out $95.7 million in wages, according to ESD.

Start-Up NY offers businesses the ability to operate tax free for 10 years if they set up shop in a Start-Up zone paired with eligible universities and colleges.

“With START-UP NY, we are taking advantage of some of New York’s greatest assets – our world-class higher education system and human capital – to generate 21st century economic opportunities for all New Yorkers,” ESD President and CEO Howard Zemsky wrote in his intro to the report.

Start-Up has been roundly criticized by some in the public and in the state Legislature.

http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Lawmakers-scrutinize-Cuomo-s-economic-develompent-10901357.php

http://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Cuomo-replacing-Start-Up-NY-program-10865596.php

Read the full annual Start-Up report below:

https://www.scribd.com/document/343894731/2016-Startup-NY-Report