Sometimes generating a sound business idea is the easy part. Getting that idea from the drawing board to an operating business is an entirely different set of issues. The University at Buffalo and Launch NY understand that without the proper resources and tools available to entrepreneurs, it can be an uphill battle for start-ups in Upstate NY. That’s why the two entities have come up with a website that is positioned to offer assistance to anyone looking for help getting started.
Upstate NY Resources offers entrepreneur resources, toolkits, and staging assistance to ten Western New York counties. Whether it’s connecting with Western New York Angels or the UB Office of Economic Development, the goal is to hook up those in need of economic tools, with those who have the ability to offer assistance in starting, growing and managing businesses.
The website is part of an initiative by The Innovation Hub (iHub) Accelerator, and is loaded with resources from The Center for Industrial Effectiveness (TCIE), the Office of Science, Technology Transfer and Economic Outreach, the New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences; the School of Management; and the New York State Center for Engineering Design and Industrial Innovation.
Funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the goal of iHub is to offer businesses assistance in the following growth stages: explore, start, demonstrate, launch and grow. By compiling as many resources as possible online, start-up businesses will have a valuable economic resource at their fingertips. “In addition to helping entrepreneurs flourish, we hope this online ‘one-stop shop’ will lead to increased collaboration among business venture assets,” said Timothy Leyh, executive director of iHub Accelerator and TCIE. “We would like for it to attract the attention of other resource providers and stakeholders as well – such as policy makers, regulators and public officials – to further boost Western New York’s innovation infrastructure.”
Ultimately, if the website proves to be effective, positive results will range from increased innovation to job creation to capital investment. The online resources are being made available for local start-ups, and those looking to move to the area.
“There is an extensive range of services available in upstate New York that entrepreneurs can access to help them build their business,” said Scott Cassety, Launch NY’s entrepreneur-in-residence for Western New York. “This website lets entrepreneurs and startups everywhere know that upstate New York really is ‘open for business.’”
To learn more, click here.