PathStone Enterprise Center (PECI) has launched BizUp Buffalo! a free, small business support program for entrepreneurs and emerging small business owners. Yahaira Zapata, one of PECI’s business development officers, is managing the program; its mission is “to change lives and communities through innovation, creativity, courage, and determination.”
BizUp Buffalo! offers entrepreneurs and emerging small business owners some of the following (free) opportunities:
- Direct support and access to technical assistance from industry and subject matter experts
- Business education and resources to help grow and sustain their business
- Peer-to-peer connection and community to collaborate, share ideas and advice, and build and maintain relationships
- Business promotion to businesses exposure through storytelling, events, and networking opportunities
All workshops are offered via Zoom. While there is no charge, registration is required, by either calling (716) 436-2560 or by email [email protected].
BizUp Buffalo! is sponsored by Key Bank, Five Star Bank, and M&T Bank.
The pandemic has forced many people to work from home, points out Dionne Jacques, deputy director of PECI. And it has kept children home from school and other childcare facilities, highlighting the fact that essential workers—many of whom are people of color—no longer have the same childcare options.
“For many small business owners, childcare was already an issue, and now that people are starting to go back to work, there will be a need for better childcare options,” says Jacques. “The BizUp Buffalo! childcare provider business development series will offer those who are opening or reopening resources, advice, and regulatory guidance. There have been many who were operating out of their homes, and now they are going to need this information to open back up.”
Schedule (subject to change)
Childcare Business Provider Series: Four weeks. Wednesdays, June 3–24
Money Talks: Four weeks series for new businesses (start-up to 3 years). Tuesdays, July 1—22
Boot Camp: Eight-week series for start-ups. Mondays, July 6–August 24
Opportunity Zone. Four-week series for existing businesses on how to attain certification as a minority or woman-owned business enterprise (MWBE, MBE, WBE, DBE, SDB, SDV, Section 3, HUBZone, 8[a]). Wednesdays, August 5–26.
Check the BizUp Buffalo! website for future workshops, programs and schedules. Lengths of workshops, dates, and other details subject to change. To register, or for the latest information and updates, call (716) 436-2560 or email [email protected].