January 22, 2024
Launch NY Invested $1.975MM in Startups in 2023
Launch NY's 2023 recap: $1.975MM invested, a new seed fund launched, and several exits. BNMC IC Success Accelerator accepts applications through February 26.
Here's what's happening in the WNY Startup Community, brought to you by BootSector.
BootSector is an all-volunteer, grassroots non-profit that wants to make WNY the best startup community in America. To do this, we provide infrastructure, events, and places to connect in order to amplify the impact of WNY startup community leaders.
Upcoming Events - Powered by BootSector
Check out these great events, all powered by BootSector! https://lu.ma/bocc
Game Night with Better Together
Powered by BootSector January 22 at The Foundry | 7:00-9:00PM https://lu.ma/bocc
Powered by BootSector January 23 at Seneca One | 7:30-9:00AM
More Startup Community Events - This Week
Check out these other great startup community events!
SBDC One-on-One Business Counseling
Registration is required and must be made at least one week in advance Please call 716-888-8280 to register. January 24 | Virtual | 9:00AM-12:00PM
Weekly Webinar - Creative Education Foundation (404 Link Removed)
Creative Education Foundation January 24 | Virtual | 2:00-3:00PM
Pull Up and ROC the Pitch Business Competition (404 Link Removed)
NextCorps January 25 | Urban Euphoria LLC (35 S. Washington St., Rochester, NY 14608) | 5:30-9:00PM Looking for More? Check out BootSector's Community Calendar
This Week's Funding News
Got any fundraising updates that you want to share? Let us know at news@joinbootsector.com ! https://launchny.org/news/2023-roundup-a-year-of-milestones-for-launch-ny-and-its-portfolio-companies/
BootSector is proud to report that the WNY Startup Community is strong, growing, and poised to make a greater impact in 2024. For example, check out Launch NY's incredible summary of their achievements last year
This WNY-based organization invested $1.975MM directly to startups, launched a new seed fund, and enjoyed a few exits too! Read the roundup for more details → Seriously, we can't fit it all in the newsletter! Great news for our startup community.
Funding Opportunities
Is your startup looking for investment? Of course it is. Check out these opportunities!
UB CAT Grants (404 Link Removed)
Amount: Up to $100,000 - Multiple Grants
Deadline: March 1, 2024 Requirements: Please see the UB CAT RFP Guidelines in the link! Available to most life and health sciences business in NYS or looking to expand/relocate to NYS.
Accelerate Your Growth!
It takes more than money to grow. Check out these opportunities to grow your startup! http://If you own a small-business, or are thinking about starting one, the IC Business Accelerator program is for you. Our programs provide new and early-stage entrepreneurs with a strong business accelerator program, mentorship, seed money and connections to investors and business partners. It is a FREE one year program offered twice a year to help entrepreneurs quickly create viable businesses — or pivot. Kindly respond to the following questions in as much detail as possible. Please note that your answers will not affect your application score, but rather will provide us with valuable insights about your business. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
BNMC IC Success Business Accelerator
Info: If you own a small-business, or are thinking about starting one, the IC Business Accelerator program is for you. This is a FREE one year program offered twice a year to help entrepreneurs quickly create viable businesses.
Deadline: February 26, 2024
Check out this week's Startup Community Asks
Got an ask? Let us know at news@joinbootsector.com !
University at Buffalo Fast 46 Nominations
Nominations are open until March 8, 2024
UB Fast 46 Nomination Form (404 Link Removed)
The Fast 46 program recognizes and celebrates the success of 46 of the fastest-growing businesses owned or led by UB alumni or former students around the world. To be considered a Fast 46 finalist, eligible companies must have been in business since January 2020; have verifiable revenues of at least $100,000 or more in 2020 and 2021, and at least $250,000 in 2022; and the owner or leader must be a UB graduate or former student.
In Case You Missed it - Startup News Briefs
Check out these news briefs compiled by the BootSector team! https://selectfi.info/newsroom/advisory-board-appointed-01102024/
Leadership Your Way
How many books on leadership fill the shelves at your local bookstore? Every week a dozen new books pop up telling you what you need to do to succeed. It's natural to think that there's some singular path to leadership - some instructions to follow or mold that we have to fit ourselves into to succeed.
But leadership is less about emulating someone else and more about discovering yourself. In other words, the best kind of leader to be is the kind of leader you are.
Biographies and self-help books can be great. But don't act like somebody else. There's more than one way to lead. So take a look in the mirror, take stock of your style and strengths, and lead in your own personal way.
Jordan Walbesser Executive Director, BootSector Share this mailing list with your friends!