Whether your business is just getting started or is established and ready to grow, get to know the small business resources available in Buffalo Niagara and Western New York. Many of them offer free small business counseling and workshops, like guidance on financing and planning or mentoring programs, and all of them are invaluable entrepreneurship resources in New York.
Small Business Administration (SBA)
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal agency that helps small business owners start and grow their businesses. It has local offices throughout the country, and SBA’s Buffalo District Office services 14 counties in and around Western New York. In partnership with organizations that include SCORE, Small Business Development Centers and Women’s Business Centers, you’ll find free and low-cost counseling, educational services, assistance with financial and planning concerns, and much more.
- SCORE
Free counseling and workshops are available through the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE). SCORE members are volunteers and many are former business executives, owners and entrepreneurs with a wealth of experience and insight to share. Visit Buffalo Niagara SCORE to learn more. - Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
Free consulting services are also available through local Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs). SBDCs are hosted by leading universities and state economic development agencies and are funded, in part, through a partnership with SBA. SBDC advisors provide free business consulting on a variety of topics. There are two SBDCs located in Buffalo Niagara: SBDC – SUNY Buffalo State College and SBDC – Niagara County Community College.
- Women’s Business Center, Canisius College
Women’s Business Centers help women start and grow small businesses through comprehensive training and counseling on a variety of topics. Visit the Women’s Business Center at Canisius College to learn more about current program offerings.
Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership at UB
The University at Buffalo (UB) School of Management offers several programs to advance and support entrepreneurship in Western New York. Among them is the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL), which provides individualized and interactive entrepreneurship education. Designed by and for entrepreneurs, the CEL is based on proven principles, centered on best and next practices, and backed by the thought leaders of the UB School of Management.
Blackstone LaunchPad at UB
The University at Buffalo (UB) also houses Blackstone LaunchPad, an entrepreneurship program that supports and mentors students, staff and alumni.
Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (EAP) at Medaille College
The Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (EAP) is a program of Empire State Development, New York State’s economic development agency. EAP’s Entrepreneurial Assistance Centers provide instruction, training, technical assistance, and support services to people who have recently started, or are interested in starting, a business. In Buffalo Niagara, the local EAP office and services are available on the Medaille College Campus.
Niagara University’s Family Business Center
Niagara University’s Family Business Center is specifically designed to assist privately-owned businesses. The Center is committed to strengthening the viability and enhancing the value of private and family-owned businesses through the exchange of knowledge.
Chambers of Commerce
Chambers of Commerce (CoCs) offer new or expanding businesses many resources, especially their invaluable business and professional networks. There are many CoCs throughout Western New York’s cities and towns, including the Buffalo Niagara Partnership in downtown Buffalo and the Niagara USA Chamber in Niagara County.
Buffalo Niagara’s variety of resources offer one-on-one small business counseling, workshops, networking opportunities, and much more to serve the region’s small business community, and we encourage you to explore them and find out how they can help you meet your business challenges and goals.
