Member Resources
Do you own a small business?
Are you thinking of starting a small business?
Most small business owners start out with knowledge of how to make or do something. But that's just the beginning. An owner or entrepreneur must also be able to run and finance the business. As part of the Hertel Business Association's B2B (Business to Business) initiative, below is a collection of resources to help you start or expand your business.
BETTER BUFFALO FUND
The Better Buffalo Fund is a part of the Buffalo Billion program through Empire State Development. There are two components to the BBF: Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and the Buffalo Main Streets Initiative (BMSI). Most development will fall under the BMSI and focus on building renovations and public space enhancements through non-profits. In North Buffalo the area of investment is along Hertel Avenue from Shoshone Street to Delaware Avenue.
More info from Better Buffalo Fund Here!
NY FUNDER ALLIANCE
The NY Funders Alliance focuses on providing a clearinghouse for Buffalo and Rochester philanthropists to allow grant seekers easier access to funding. The community development section provides access to 20 organizations that provide funding.
More info from NY Funder Alliance Here!
JOHN R. OISHEI FOUNDATION
The John R. Oishei Foundation provides funding for many things including a focus on “building livable, stable neighborhood.” One of the key components of that focus is to foster stronger commercial districts with increase opportunities for neighborhood based employment. Funds are distributed to non-profits organizations.
More info from John R. Oishei Foundation Here!
SCORE BUFFALO
SCORE is a partner of the federal Small Business Administration and provides education to entrepreneurs for start-up, business planning, management, and growth. It is a free service to the public.
More info from SCORE Buffalo Here!
SENATOR KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND'S OFFICE
Senator Gillibrand’s office has compiled several guidebooks for securing federal funding for various projects. Those that would apply to Hertel Avenue are:
A GUIDE TO SMALL BUSINESS FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES AND FUNDING
http://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Gillibrand Small Business Grants Guidebook 2015.pdf
A Guide to Women and Minority Owned Business Funding Opportunities
http://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Gillibrand Small Business Grants Guidebook 2015.pdf
A Guide to Federal and New York State Funding
http://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Gillibrand Federal and State General Grants Guide 2015.pdf
A Guide to Historic Preservation, Arts and Cultural Institutions, and Tourism Funding Opportunities and Incentives
NYS SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
The NYS Small Business Development Center, located at Buff State, provides counseling, training, and instructional programs to help small businesses to succeed. Their publication page has many guidebooks for launching a business, preparing a business plan, signage, selling food products, entering business as an older entrepreneur, veterans guides, and a disaster planning guide for how to cope when a disaster hits your business.
http://nyssbdc.org/resources/Publications/publications.html
BUFFALO EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING CENTER
The Buffalo Employment and Training Center assists residents of Buffalo and Erie County with finding employment opportunities and helping employers find qualified employees.
http://www.workforcebuffalo.org/default.asp
SMALL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
The federal Small Business Administration provides loans and training to entrepreneurs with the goal of expanding small businesses in the United States.
CANISIUS COLLEGE WOMEN'S BUSINESS CENTER
Canisius College has created the Women’s Business Center to empower woman entrepreneurs and small business owners through education, connections, and community. They assist with attracting funding, teaching how to market online, and gaining certification as a Minority or Women Owned Enterprise (MWBE), amongst other assistance.
UB CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP
The Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership is a for-pay program that covers various business types and stages of development centered on best and next practices taught through the UB School of Management.
http://mgt.buffalo.edu/entrepreneurship/center-for-entrepreneurial-leadership-cel.html
NEW YORK STATE EMPIRE STATE DEVELOPMENT
New York State provides a wide array of funding for businesses through Empire State Development. Through the Consolidated Funding Application, businesses have access to tax credits, grants, investment programs, and bonds offered by NYS.
http://www.esd.ny.gov/BusinessPrograms.html
WOMENSNET SMALL BUSNESS GRANTS FOR WOMEN IN NY
WomensNet offers small grants to women-owned businesses monthly through their Amber Grants Program. In addition, they have resources to help identify funding opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/business-grants-women-new-york/
CITY OF BUFFALO
The City Of Buffalo issues many permits and licenses that you will require to do business with Buffalo. In addition to applying for those permits, licenses, and codes, there are links to additional resources that a business owner or developer may need.
https://www.ci.buffalo.ny.us/Home/Business
ERIE COUNTY/CLARENCE LIST OF GRANTS AND LOANS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
In 2012 Dave Hartzell, then Supervisor of the Town of Clarence and Chairman of the Clarence Industrial Development Agency, compiled a list of funding opportunities for small businesses as a sort of clearinghouse. The information may be a little dated, but it is generally still relevant for our uses:
http://www2.erie.gov/clarence/sites/www2.erie.gov.clarence/files/uploads/Grants.pdf
ERIE COUNTY GOVERNMENT- DOING BUSINESS
Erie County also has permits and certifications for businesses along with assistance and funding for small businesses.
http://www2.erie.gov/index.php?q=doing-business
ERIE COUNTY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
The Erie County Industrial Development Authority partners with multiple lenders and can issue micro loans for qualifying businesses. Many local businesses have benefitted from ECIDA funding including several on Hertel.