Highlighting community events in Buffalo and Western New York fosters civic pride, supports local businesses, promotes cultural diversity, and strengthens community connections.
Events
AI Workshop Series
Introducing the AI Workshop Series, presented by the UB Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership in collaboration with the UB Center for AI Business Innovation!
Our AI Workshop Series is designed for business owners and entrepreneurs who want to move beyond the hype and start using artificial intelligence in practical ways. This four-part, hands-on series explores key areas where AI can support and streamline your business, from operations to marketing and team management. Each workshop focuses on a different topic and provides real-world examples and tools you can begin using right away.
Participants may register for individual workshops based on their interests or attend the full series. Each session stands on its own, so you can choose the sessions most relevant to your business. Participants who attend multiple sessions will gain a broader understanding of how AI can be applied across different areas of their organization.
All workshops are from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $300 per workshop
Location: UB Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership
Conference Room 208
77 Goodell Street, Buffalo
- Workshop 1: June 2: AI: From Experimentation to Transformation led by Dominic Sellitto, assistant faculty director of the Center for AI Business Innovation
- Workshop 2: June 9: AI for Small Business Marketing led by Celine Krzan, clinical assistant professor of entrepreneurship in the UB School of Management
- Workshop 3: June 16: Simplify HR with AI: Build Practical Tools to Support Your Teams led by Gian Martinelli, senior manager of associate digital enablement at Rich Products Corporation
- Workshop 4: June 23: Building Agents to Automate Routine Tasks led by Celine Krzan, clinical assistant professor of entrepreneurship in the UB School of Management
Business Law Advice at the Exchange at Beverly Gray
Free Business Law Advice
Third Wednesday of every month. Appointments from 3pm-6pm
Business Formations, Contracts & Leases, and More!
334 East Utica Street
Buffalo, NY 14208
Sign up at The Exchange
info@theexchangebuffalo.org
716-800-2171
Business Law Advice at the Women Business Center at Canisius University
Free Business Law Advice
Every second Wednesday of every month. 10am-12pm
Business Formations, Contracts & Leases, and More!
Science Hall @ Canisius College
1901 Main Steet
Buffalo, NY 14208
Sign up at: sblc@wnylc.net
716-828-8457
Business Law Advice at WEDI
Free Business Law Advice
No appointment necessary! 12pm-2pm every first Tuesday of the month.
Business formations, contracts & leases, and more!
West Side Bazaar
1432 Niagara Street
Buffalo, NY 14213
Contact: sblc@wnylc.net
716-393-4088 (WEDI)
716-828-8457 (SBLC)
Cheektowaga Capital Pathways
Morning Networking and Funding Insights for Small Businesses
Friday May 15, 2026 from 9am to 11am
The Chapel
Cheektowaga Campus-Thruway Plaza (next to Home Depot)
200 Thruway Plaza Dr, Cheektowaga, NY 14225
Fueling Bold Beginnings
Join us in Celebrating the Next Generation of WNY Entrepreneurs and Business Professionals
Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 11:00am to 2:00pm
One Seneca Tower, 1 Seneca St, Buffalo NY 14203
Doors open at 10:30am with Special Pre-Ceremony Presentation at 11:15am
Ticket Cost: $30.00 per person. To purchase tickets go to www.empower716.com
Key Persons Leadership Development
An interactive forum for emerging leaders employed in small business, Key Persons Leadership Development helps you think with an ownership mentality. Topics include leadership styles, communication strategies, financial acumen and time management tactics.
Tuesdays, 8:30-11:30 a.m.
March 3 - April 21, 2026 (no session April 7)
UB Downtown Gateway, Suite 201
77 Goodell St., Buffalo
Mastering Your Financial Reports Program
Become better equipped with the knowledge you need to lead your business to financial success and long-term stability with the Mastering Your Financial Reports program.
Tuesdays, 3-5 p.m.
March 3 - April 21, 2026 (no session April 7)
UB Downtown Gateway, Suite 201
77 Goodell St., Buffalo
Virtual Business Law Advice
Free Business Law Advice
First Wednesday of every month. Appointments from 10am-3pm
Business Formations, Contracts & Leases, and More!
Virtual Clinic
Sign up at The Exchange
info@theexchangebuffalo.org
716-800-2171
Young Entrepreneurs of Color Pitch Contest
The Empower716 Young Entrepreneurs of Color Program is dedicated to supporting and celebrating young entrepreneurs of color in Western New York. This initiative aims to empower youth from underserved communities by providing mentorship, business development resources, and opportunities for growth and recognition.
The program is divided into two cohorts:
Honoree Cohort: Recognizes young entrepreneurs, ages 25 and under, who have made a meaningful impact in their communities through their business ventures. Honorees must be nominated by a community member, teacher, or mentor who can attest to their accomplishments. Selected honorees will receive stipends, personalized mentorship, and professional branding opportunities. Self-nominations and previous winners are not eligible.
Program Participant Cohort: Open to young people in grades 8-12 who are interested in building entrepreneurial skills and advancing their business ideas. Participants may apply directly and must commit to attending at least 80% of the sessions to receive a certificate of completion. This cohort focuses on foundational business training and networking.
Both cohorts include participation in program sessions, culminating in an awards event in April. Applications and nominations are due by January 3, 2026.
- 2026 Pitch Contest Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 7pm-9pm
- Awards Ceremony: Saturday,April 25,2026 11am-2pm
Villa Maria College Recital Hall, 240 Pine Ridge Rd, Buffalo NY 14225. Free to the public and no registration is required
Highlights
How to Improve Your Brand Strategy (Taylor’s Version)
In today’s competitive marketplace, a strong brand goes beyond a logo or tagline. It’s the story you tell, the connections you make and the experiences you deliver.
Marketing Tips for Small Vendors
For small businesses, the holiday season can be the most exciting and equally challenging time of the year. Customers are actively scanning the market for gifts and unique goods. However, this is also the time of year when competition is strong. Not to fret, with the right techniques and marketing strategies, small businesses and vendors can not only capture customer attention but also gain and retain meaningful sales before the end of the year.
Recession Proof Your Business Against an Economic Downturn
Recent data and insights from Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan indicate a noticeable slowdown in consumer spending, which inevitably has significant implications for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Americans’ spending growth has decelerated from nearly 10% in May 2023 to about 3.5% this year. Business owners around the nation must adapt to this changing economic landscape to stay afloat for the long term.
Smarter Headcount Management with AI
In the face of slowing economic times and rising labor costs, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) must find innovative ways to maintain profitability across all industries. One way to increase productivity and streamline day-to-day operations is to use artificial intelligence (AI) engines like ChatGPT.
Although AI platforms can seem daunting to new users, with a little practice, you can become a power user in no time at all. This article explores how AI can help your business achieve more with fewer employees, reducing overhead without sacrificing quality or capacity.