List of Business Resources | Equal Employment Opportunity

For Minority and Women-Owned Companies

Black Chamber of Commerce (BCC)
836 Delavan Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14215
Richard Cummings
Phone No: (716) 995-0622
e-mail: wnyblackchamber@yahoo.com

A networking group of African American Enterprises who’s mission is to advocate and promote economic development of minority businesses.

Buffalo Niagara Partnership
257 W. Genesee Street Suite 600
Buffalo, New York 14202
K. Sullivan
Phone No: (716) 852-7100
e-mail: Ksullivan@thepartnership.org

The BNP offers various programs, services and opportunities to help support members with business growth. Includes but not limited to networking, sponsorships, newsletter advertising and membership directory.

Erie County Division of Equal Employment Opportunity
MWBE
95 Franklin Street
Rath Building, Room 931
Buffalo, New York 14202
Andrew McLaren, Director
Phone No: (716) 858-7913
e-mail: DEEO@erie.gov

Assist and certifies minority and women-owned businesses as bona fide MBE / WBE companies.

Empire State Development Corporation
95 Perry Street, Suite 500
Buffalo, New York 14203
Karen Utz - Regional Director
Phone No: (716) 846-8200
e-mail: NYS-WNY-redc@esd.ny.gov

Access all New York State business development programs, including financing and training. Assist and certifies companies as bona fide MBE / WBE enterprises.

Small Business Development Center
Buffalo State College, Cleveland Hall 206
1300 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14222
Dr. Susan McCartney, Director
Phone No: (716) 878-4030
e-mail: is smallbus@buffalostate.edu

One to one counseling to start up and existing small businesses on a wide range of advisory, training and research services including: business plans, marketing programs and financial strategies.

U. S. Small Business Administration
130 S. Elmwood Ave., Suite 540
Buffalo, New York 14202
Greg Lindberg
Phone No: (716) 551-5670
e-mail: gregory.lindberg@sba.gov

Assist with every aspect of starting a business, from developing a business plan, obtaining financing, marketing products and managing a company. The general loan program promotes small business growth by guarantees of up to 80% of the amount provided by lenders. Assist veterans with all services previously listed.

Hispanics United of Buffalo
254 Virginia Street
Buffalo, New York 14201
E. Russi, Executive Director
Phone No: (716) 856-7110
e-mail: erussi@hubwny.org

To partner with communities, lead change, and promote healthy and prosperous individuals and families.

Women Business Center
Canisius College
2365 Main Street
Buffalo, New York 14214
Sara Vescio
Phone No: (716) 888-8280
e-mail: vescio11@canisius.edu

Provide entrepreneurs and small business owners the critical skills, knowledge, tools and support network to increase their success. Services include; training, networking, counseling, coaching and consulting.

Career & Professional Education
Buffalo State College
Cleveland Hall Room 306
1300 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14222
Phone No: (716) 878-5811, Fax No: (716) 878-3152
Contact: Denise Harris, Director
e-mail: career@buffalostate.edu

Committed to empowering students, their career education, and professional pursuits, through a supportive and inclusive environment.

The Exchange at Beverly Gray
334 East Utica Street
Buffalo, N.Y. 14208
Phone No: (716) 800-2171
Contact: Derrick Parsons
Email: info@theexchangebuffalo.org

The Exchange at Beverly Gray is the premier minority incubator in WNY functioning as a Business and Entrepreneur Service Organization specifically serving the underrepresented entrepreneurial community in Buffalo, NY.

NOTE: this material is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is understood that the publishers are NOT ENGAGED IN RENDERING LEGAL, ACCOUNTING OR OTHER LICENSED SERVICES. If legal advice or other licensed services are required, the service of a competent professional should be sought.

-----

Elevate and Connect Networking Event May 21 2026

We are excited to invite you to attend Elevate & Connect – All Access Resource & Networking Day, a dynamic, full-day event hosted by Erie County’s Division of Equal Employment Opportunity (DEEO) to support Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOB).

Event Details:
Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Northland Workforce Training Center
683 Northland Avenue, Buffalo, NY

This comprehensive event is designed to equip business owners with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to successfully access contracting opportunities with Erie County and across New York State. Attendees will have the opportunity to:

Gain insights into MWBE certification requirements
Learn how to pursue government contracting opportunities
Participate in educational presentations from Erie County departments
Attend panel discussions on relationship-building, business growth strategies, and the bidding process
Connect directly with over 15 organizations offering funding, mentorship, and technical assistance
Network with fellow entrepreneurs and resource providers

Breakfast and lunch will be provided, featuring offerings from local MWBE-certified businesses.

Please see the full event schedule here.

We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to expand your network, strengthen your business, and access valuable resources.

Register in advance here: https://shorturl.at/eFcCA

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the DEEO team at deeo@erie.gov or call (716) 858-7542.

Please see the participating vendors below:

NYS Department of Labor

Many Rivers Consulting LLC

Empire State Development

Chase

Pursuit

Erie County Office of Health Equity