September in Western New York is bursting with events for entrepreneurs ranging from Main Street to High Growth. Here are the best things to do this month, as chosen by Upstart NY’s Editorial Advisory Board. The list includes networking events, workshops, conferences, and more.
1. Buffalo’s Startup Week
Sunday, Sept. 15 to Friday, Sept. 20
Aloft Buffalo Downtown, 500 Pearl St., Buffalo, N.Y. 14202
Cost: Free
Techstars Startup Week Buffalo is a celebration of the region's innovation and startup ecosystem, with five days of events, all free of charge. Get to know the community and learn from and connect with entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, investors, and other innovation leaders.
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2. Capital Connect: Free Small Business Financing Event
Tuesday, Sept. 17, 5–7 p.m.
Casa Azul, 128 Genesee St., Buffalo, N.Y. 14203
Cost: Free
Connect with four local nonprofit organizations committed to increasing business opportunities for entrepreneurs in Western New York. At this event, you'll learn more about Capital Connect and how our funding options and resources can help you start or grow your business. Light refreshments and appetizers will be served.
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3. Clean Energy of the Future
Tuesday, Sept.17, 4:30–7 p.m.
Northland Workforce Training Center, 683 Northland Ave., Buffalo, N.Y. 14211
Join Launch NY and ECO Incubator at the Northland Workforce Training Center for a discussion on “Clean Energy of the Future!” Attendees are invited on an exclusive VIP tour of the Northland Workforce Training Center and a panel discussion with experts on clean energy of the future, including Eaton, and the role it will play at the Northland site and beyond. Whatever your interest and role is in clean energy today, you will want to get a glimpse of the future!
4. Ureeka’s Small Business Pitch Competition
Wednesday, Sept. 18, 6– 8 p.m.
Dig Buffalo, 640 Ellicott St., Buffalo, N.Y. 14203
Presented by Ureeka and Ignite Buffalo, join us for the Small Business Pitch Competition live pitches! Come support the Western New York small business community and cheer them on as they compete for a total of $30,000 in prizes.
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5. A Plan for Tomorrow: Recruiting Business and Talent to Buffalo Niagara
Thursday, Sept. 19, 8–11:30 a.m.
Hotel Henry Urban Resort Conference Center, 444 Forest Ave., Buffalo, N.Y. 14213
Join Invest Buffalo Niagara for the unveiling of the new Buffalo Niagara talent attraction program and to hear Patience Fairbrother of Development Counselors International (DCI) discuss ways Buffalo Niagara can attract millennials and Gen Z, the next wave of talent.
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6. Investor Forum: Investing in Startups
Tuesday, Sept. 24, 3:30–6 p.m.
Goldberg Segalla, 665 Main St., Buffalo, N.Y. 14203
Cost: Free
Launch NY, Buffalo Angels, and Goldberg Segalla are hosting an investor forum for accredited investors to get a deeper dive into the world of angel investing. Speakers will be covering topics spanning what to look for in due diligence, IP, term sheets, and a discussion on what investors need to worry about.
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7. M/WBE Week
Monday, Sept. 23 to Friday, Sept.r 27
Various Locations in the City
Cost: Free
Join leaders from across the region to celebrate minority and women-owned businesses. A variety classes, workshops, and networking events will be offered.
Email Matt Revere at [email protected] for more information on this event.