Finger Lakes Procurement Initiative Celebrates Inaugural Cohort, Plans 2027 Return

Four Western New York businesses complete an eight-week program designed to expand procurement opportunities, strengthen supplier relationships and support regional economic growth.

BATAVIA, N.Y. — The Finger Lakes Procurement Initiative (FLX PI) celebrated the completion of its inaugural cohort Wednesday, Nov. 4, recognizing four Western New York businesses working to expand their operations and pursue new business-to-business opportunities.

The eight-week program concluded with a business showcase, giving participating entrepreneurs an opportunity to present their companies, share their progress and connect with regional business leaders.

The inaugural cohort included:

Ciurzynski Consulting LLC — Conor McInerney
Family Concierge — Stephanie Williams
HealthPozitive LLC — William Bayer
Perdix Software — Steven L. Smith

Throughout the program, participants explored strategies for scaling their businesses, navigating procurement processes and positioning their companies to become suppliers and service providers to larger organizations.

The initiative addressed a common challenge facing small businesses: gaining access to the relationships, resources and procurement opportunities that can help them grow beyond their existing customer base.

Building Connections Between Small Businesses and Large Organizations

Earlier this year, the Finger Lakes Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at SUNY Brockport partnered with Rochester-based Arrow House Group to develop and launch FLX PI.

The partnership reflects the program's own mission. By working with Arrow House Group, a Monroe County-certified minority- and women-owned business enterprise (MWBE) and strategy consulting firm established less than two years ago, the SBDC put its commitment to supporting small businesses into practice.

The collaboration demonstrates how emerging businesses can work with larger, established organizations to develop and deliver programs with regional economic impact.

FLX PI was designed to help startups and established small businesses better understand how to pursue contracts with corporations, government agencies, health care systems and other large institutions.

Over eight weeks, participants gained practical insights from business executives, entrepreneurs and procurement professionals on topics including business development, operational readiness, supplier relationships and growth strategies.

Regional and national business leaders contributed their expertise throughout the program, including:

Tom Seymour, Moka Energy and Bison Bag Co.
Stephanie Pennington and Tom O'Gara, LeChase Construction
Tate Brummitt, VML
Brian Riley, Monroe County
Kendra Fee-McNulty, Raveloe+Co
Paul Guglielmo, Craft Cannery
Brian Cousins, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce

Their participation provided business owners with firsthand perspectives on how established organizations evaluate potential vendors, develop supplier relationships and make purchasing decisions.

Procurement as a Pathway to Regional Economic Growth

Expanding access to procurement opportunities is an important part of strengthening Western New York's small business economy.

For emerging companies, securing contracts with larger organizations can provide more predictable revenue, support job creation and establish long-term commercial relationships.

For established businesses and institutions, developing relationships with local suppliers can strengthen regional supply chains, diversify vendor networks and keep more economic activity within the community.

FLX PI was developed to help bridge that gap by connecting small businesses with the people, knowledge and resources needed to compete for larger contracts.

The program was supported by Lindsay Ward, regional director of the Finger Lakes SBDC, and made possible through funding from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation.

The Genesee County Economic Development Center provided the venue for the eight-week initiative.

FLX PI Plans to Return in 2027

Following the completion of its first cohort, FLX PI plans to return in 2027, continuing its mission to help Western New York businesses scale through B2B relationships, supplier development and procurement opportunities.

The next phase will provide an opportunity to build on the inaugural program, strengthen connections between regional buyers and small businesses, and expand participation across Western New York.

Business owners interested in future cohorts and organizations seeking to support local supplier development can connect with the Finger Lakes SBDC or Arrow House Group.