Best Small Business Resources in the Buffalo Area

Description

The Foundry is a new incubator in Buffalo, offering traditional coworking space as well as mentoring/coaching and product development support. Their coworking space provides 24/7 access, conference rooms, and a variety of membership options. 

Description

43North is a publicly funded organization that spurs economic development in Buffalo, furthering this mission through a series of cash prizes doled out through a competitive process and incubation services. They offer a variety of other services including mentorship, workshops, and networking events.

Description

The Buffalo and Erie county public library system offers research assistance in the form of databases covering topics like business startup assitance or market research. The central library offers a makerspace where people can create virtual and physical projects. 

Restrictions

A library card may be required to access some services.

Description

SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.

Description

The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.

Description

Women's Business Centers are nationwide programs established by the SBA to assist women in starting small businesses. Some of these centers are combined with other local organizations and use that relationship to offer even more services. Each Women's Business Center has counselors who can provide mentorship and assistance with business planning. Women’s Business Centers also provide a network of other businesses, and some have loan programs available

Restrictions

The Women's Business Centers are, as the name implies, meant for women primarily.

Description

Cowork Buffalo is a minimalist, no nonsense coworking space that strives to provide honest value for Buffalo entrepreneurs. Their membership plans offer monthly or daily rates and provide complete access to the facility.