Senator Kennedy Recognizes National Small Business Week, Outlines Resources Available to WNY Businesses

Small Business Advisory Board encourages residents to shop local to stimulate economy

BUFFALO, N.Y. – In recognition of National Small Business Week 2011 which runs May 16 – 20, Senator Timothy M. Kennedy, the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business, outlined some of the resources available to Western New York businesses.

Senator Kennedy said, “The economic revival of Western New York will rely heavily on the energy and work ethic of our region’s small business owners. For all that they contribute to our community and economy, small businesses deserve far more than a week of recognition and spotlight. The forces of innovation and entrepreneurialism – which are cornerstones of small business – are beginning to turn our regional economy around. Fostering an environment conducive to small business development is critical to unleashing the growth potential of Western New York.”  

Senator Kennedy, D-58th District, recently established the Western New York Small Business Advisory Board, which works with him to assess the local business environment and develop solutions to challenges facing small businesses.

Mike Lucarelli, executive chef and owner of Lucarelli’s Banquet Center, said, “National Small Business Week is an excellent opportunity to highlight the impact small businesses have on the local community. Small businesses not only stimulate local economies, they also serve as anchors for our neighborhoods. As co-chair the Small Business Advisory Board, I am looking forward to working with Senator Kennedy to tackle some of the challenges small businesses face here in Western New York.”

Dave Sullivan, president and founder of Industrial Support Inc., said, “When President Obama visited ISI last year, I was pleased to see his focus on helping small businesses succeed. National Small Business Week is another way to encourage people to shop in their neighborhoods and buy local. I have been working closely with Senator Kennedy to provide resources and support to new and existing small businesses in the area.” Sullivan also serves as co-chair of the Small Business Advisory Board.

Any Western New York-based business owners interested in joining the Small Business Advisory Board can contact Senator Kennedy’s office at 716-826-2683. Interested business owners can also submit resumes via email at kennedy@nysenate.gov [3] or via fax at 716-826-2793.  

The following resources are available to small business owners throughout Western New York.

• U.S. Chamber of Commerce – the world’s largest business federation, serving as a voice for over 3 million businesses, local chambers and industry groups across the country. Visit www.uschamber.com [4] for more information. You can also use this website to find a chamber of commerce near you.
  
  
• There are local chambers of commerce representing businesses throughout the 58^th District. Contact your local chamber for information and support related to business development.
  • South Buffalo: www.southbuffalochamber.org [5], 716-824-9942
  • Cheektowaga: www.cheektowaga.org [6], 716-684-5838
  • Eden: www.edenny.org/chamber.html [7], 716-992-4799.
  • Hamburg: www.hamburg-chamber.org [8], 716-649-7917
  • Lackawanna: www.lackawannachamber.com [9], 716-823-8841
  • West Seneca: www.westseneca.org [10], 716-674-5846

• Buffalo Niagara Partnership – an organization of local employers focused on sparking the growth of individual businesses and the overall Western New York economy. For more information visit, www.thepartnership.org [11], or call 716-852-7100.
  
  
• Small Business Administration – helps connect small businesses with loans, grants, bonds and other financial support. The SBA helps businesses reach and exceed their potential through a variety of support methods. For more information, visit www.sba.gov [12], or you can contact the local office at 716-551-4301.
  
  
• Buffalo Niagara SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) – a group of mentors that provide fledgling businesses and other clients with free business counseling. The corps is made up of both active and retired individuals who have a plethora of business expertise. SCORE mentors can provide advice via phone, email, at the Buffalo Niagara headquarters or at the client’s business. For more information, visit buffaloniagara.score.org [13], or call 716-551-4301
  
  
• Small Business Development Center – supports start-up and existing small businesses throughout Western New York with assistance in management and technical issues. The center is located at Buffalo State College. For more information, visit www.buffalostate.edu/sbdc/ [14], or call 716-878-4030.
  
  
• Empire State Development’s Division for Small Business – works to foster the development and expansion of New York’s small businesses. Access to a wide variety of business-support programs are available through the division. For more information, visit www.esd.ny.gov/smallbusiness.html [15], or call 800-782-8369
  
  
• Empire State Development’s Disivion for Minority and Women Owned Businesses – promotes economic opportunities for MWBEs by working to eliminate barriers hindering their access to state contracts. For more information, please visit www.esd.ny.gov/MWBE.html [16], or you can contact the local office at 716-846-8200.
  
  
• Canisius College Women’s Business Center – a top resource for women-owned businesses, offers a wide array of programs and services to help entrepreneurs find success. For more information, visit www.canisius.edu/wbc/ [17], or call 716-888-8280
  
  
• University at Buffalo Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership – focuses on leadership development and experiential learning as a force to facilitate business growth. For more information, visit mgt.buffalo.edu/entrepreneurship/cel [18], or call 716-885-5715.
  
  
• Junior Achievement of WNY – with a focus on preparing young Western New Yorkers for success in school and in life, Junior Achievement of Western New York teaches students about financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness through interactive programs that engage the help of community members from local businesses, schools and colleges. For more information, visit www.wny.ja.org [19], or call 716-853-1381.