Connected Know
Buffalo
The organizations, programs, and funding that help companies grow in Buffalo.
Organizations
ewi.orgBuffalo Manufacturing WorksManufacturing R&D center run by EWI, helping regional makers with automation and engineering. (opens in a new tab)
thepartnership.orgBuffalo Niagara PartnershipThe region's chamber of commerce, focused on advocacy, networking and business growth. (opens in a new tab)
sbdc.buffalostate.eduBuffalo Small Business Development CenterFree, confidential advising for startups and small firms in Erie County, based at SUNY Buffalo State. (opens in a new tab)
Every city esd.ny.govEmpire State DevelopmentNew York State's economic development agency, offering incentives, capital programs and small business support. (opens in a new tab)
Every city fuzehub.comFuzeHubStatewide manufacturing hub connecting New York manufacturers to expertise, funding competitions and grants. (opens in a new tab)
buffaloniagara.orgInvest Buffalo NiagaraRegional economic development group that helps companies locate, invest and expand in Buffalo Niagara. (opens in a new tab)
Every city nysbdc.orgNew York Small Business Development CenterStatewide network of regional centers offering free one-on-one business advising and training. (opens in a new tab)
Every city uvc.orgUpstate Venture ConnectFounder network connecting high-growth companies across upstate New York with investors, mentors and each other. (opens in a new tab)
Funding sources
43north.org43NorthAnnual startup competition investing $1 million each in five companies that grow in Buffalo. (opens in a new tab)
ecidany.comErie County Industrial Development AgencyCounty agency offering tax incentives, small business loans and development sites in Erie County. (opens in a new tab)
Every city grow-ny.comGrow-NYFood and agtech startup competition awarding $3 million a year to companies that commit to Central NY, the Finger Lakes or the Southern Tier. (opens in a new tab)
Every city launchny.orgLaunch NYNonprofit seed fund and mentoring organization backing high-growth startups across upstate New York. (opens in a new tab)
buffalo.eduPanasci Technology Entrepreneurship CompetitionAnnual UB pitch competition awarding startup capital and services to student ventures. (opens in a new tab)
Every city pursuitlending.comPursuitCommunity lender offering SBA and other small business loans from $10,000 to several million dollars. (opens in a new tab)
randcapital.comRand CapitalBuffalo-based business development company making debt and equity investments in established lower middle market private companies. (opens in a new tab)
Every city tradeadjustment.orgTrade Adjustment Assistance CenterFederal cost-share help, run from Binghamton, for New York manufacturers and service firms whose sales were hurt by imports. (opens in a new tab)
wnyventure.comWestern New York Venture Association and Buffalo AngelsInvestor network running pitch forums, home of the Buffalo Angels group of accredited investors. (opens in a new tab)
wedibuffalo.orgWestminster Economic Development Initiative (WEDI)West Side nonprofit offering microloans, technical help, workshops and the West Side Bazaar retail and food incubator. (opens in a new tab)
Programs and accelerators
Every city ogs.ny.govDivision of Service-Disabled Veterans' Business DevelopmentState office that certifies service-disabled veteran-owned businesses and helps them win New York State contracts. (opens in a new tab)
Every city nyserda.ny.govNYSERDA Commercialization ProgramNYSERDA's network of mentoring, fellowship, coaching and scale-up programs for New York climate tech startups. (opens in a new tab)
thewomensbusinesscenter.comThe Women's Business Center at Canisius UniversityCoaching, education and funding programs for women entrepreneurs across Western New York. (opens in a new tab)
wnyincubators.comWNY Incubator NetworkUniversity at Buffalo network offering incubation, mentoring, SBIR help and Buffalo Startup Week. (opens in a new tab)
Coworking and spaces
bnmc.orgBNMC Innovation Center and dig CoworkingCoworking, flexible offices and lab space for startups on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. (opens in a new tab)
serendipitylabs.comSerendipity Labs BuffaloCoworking memberships, day offices and meeting rooms on the 29th floor of Seneca One downtown. (opens in a new tab)
theexchangeatbeverlygray.orgThe Exchange at Beverly GrayEast Side incubator and coworking space serving BIPOC and underrepresented entrepreneurs with workshops, mentoring and funding help. (opens in a new tab)
thefoundrybuffalo.orgThe FoundryEast Side makerspace and business incubator with wood, metal, tech and textile shops. (opens in a new tab)