Resources

A list of times and days you can drop off compost material in Amherst, NY.

Looking to start a business? Go to Buffalo State's Small Business Development Center page for seminars, classes, training; information on minority and women-owned business enterprises; and much more.

Double Your Snap/EBT Dollars

Developed by the Erie County Clerk's office, the directory is intended to assist businesspeople by providing a comprehensive guide to the local business and governmental landscape. The Directory will reduce the time needed to get information to start and operate a business here. More information here.

While there are many different applications listed, some local businesses may need access to permit applications for Food Service Establishments, Temporary Food Service Establishments, and other food business permits. For more questions on which permit application is right for you, please call Erie County Department of Environmental Health at 716-961-6800.

Get more information about locally grown foods, where they are, and how to win prizes for visiting these locations.

Get more information about locally grown foods, where they are, and how to win prizes for visiting these locations.

A video series teaching Food Safety to farmworkers, hosted by Cornell. Cooperative Extension of Erie County.

Outlines best practices and resources for designated food scraps generators (DFSGs) to use when developing their organics management programs and maintaining compliance under the law.

If you own a business and are interested in getting a free bike rack, learning more about offering employees discounted metro passes, and more programs that promote walking/biking/public transit, click on the link to learn more.

The directory lists all Chambers of Commerce in New York State (searchable by city), who can be contacted for questions and resources to help run their business. They can provide support in the development of projects within the county, perform analyses, and provide information for public bodies.

Learn how to become a WIC vendor (i.e., accept WIC at your business), find out about WIC approved foods, locating WIC stores, minimum stock requirements, and how eWIC works.

Learn more about the process for obtaining a home processor exemption, including a list of foods that are able to be processed and sold for retail in your own home rather than in a commercial kitchen.

Learn about Providence Farm Collective and their work to support underserved farmers, educate youth, and provide employment opportunities.

An initiative from the Amherst Chamber of Commerce helps connect consumers to local retailers, restaurants, and attractions in Erie County. You can find places to shop, buy gift cards as gifts that can be used at hundreds of local merchants, and sign up to participate as a merchant in Shop 716.

Be a vendor or shopper!

Located on the East Side of Buffalo, the Broadway Market functions as a small business incubator, hosting food service and other retailers to help their business grow. They offer a shared kitchen for food preparation, as well as individual spaces for food and other vendors. They often host events featuring local producers as well.

A mobile farmers market located in Niagara County providing locally sourced food to their communities.

Located on the West Side of Buffalo, WEDI provides programming, education, and much more to residents. Their resources can help people open businesses, find microloans, and much more. They even created the West Side Bazaar --a small business incubator where people can utilize a shared space for retail or food preparation and get started with their business.

Located on the West Side of Buffalo, the West Side Bazaar is a small business incubator where people can utilize a shared space for retail or food preparation and get started with their business. They offer individual spaces for food and other vendors, and host events featuring local producers.