An East Side incubator has carved out more space for the start-up community. The Foundry is growing, and a number of young Buffalo businesses are growing with it. Due to the overwhelming success of its ability to house and provide services for local start-ups, The Foundry is expanding its offerings – twelve new incubator spaces are now available on the first floor, and an expansion on the second floor, which creates a whopping total of 48 spaces combined. That’s a sizable number of start-ups to be housed under any one roof.
Thanks to a partnership initiative with The Service Collaborative of WNY (TSC) and its YouthBuild program, The Foundry was able to build out the new spaces, which will go online April 1.
“The Foundry is especially excited to collaborate with TSC and its YouthBuild program because not only did they assist us in expanding; their students were able to build handson skills, selfesteem and an awareness of entrepreneurship as a viable option for a future career.” said Megan McNally, Executive Director of The Foundry.
The Foundry’s willingness to encourage students in all kinds of career paths is refreshing and we’re happy to have our students work with them.
Each of the new tenants starts with 100 square feet of space, which breaks down to $75 a month (starting). The Foundry is currently looking for entrepreneurs that are involved with small batch manufacturing and product related services. The new space availability couldn’t have come at a better time, as The Foundry has been dealing with a waiting list of businesses looking to set up shop.
“The Service Collaborative, through our YouthBuild program, were happy to partner with The Foundry in this project and are looking forward to future opportunities to collaborate,” said Kate Sarata, Executive Director of TSC.
“We had YouthBuild participants enjoying their time at The Foundry so much during training that they now volunteer there on the weekends as a way to pick up other skills. The Foundry’s willingness to encourage students in all kinds of career paths is refreshing and we’re happy to have our students work with them,” said Bryan Lawrence, YouthBuild Director.
In addition to office spaces, The Foundry provides the following business incubation resources:
- ● Highspeed internet and security system
- ● Shared conference rooms and business center
- ● Receiving and mail Service
- ● Business and professional development classes
- ● Connections to The Foundry’s established network of professionals
- ● Continuous exposure to future customers
- ● Administrative support services
- ● Shared work spaces with tool access
The community, along with interested start-ups, is invited to celebrate the completion of the new spaces. A party will be held at The Foundry, 298 Northampton Street, Buffalo, NY on Monday March 21st at 11:30am.
Learn more about the current residents at The Foundry – click here. Also visit The Foundry on Facebook.
Learn a new trade, skill or craft – taught at The Foundry by its residents.
There are many more that are continually listed on The Foundry’s Facebook page.