Meet Yelenna Cichocki: BOCC Host and #GiveFirst Champion

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.

Startup Community Leaders

In 2024, we hope to feature 24 fantastic individuals in WNY who volunteer to make WNY the best startup community in America. Everyone has the potential to contribute and we should be especially appreciative of those who show up and help out.

This feature is one small way we can say “thank you” to those who make this community great. Each featured volunteer would be happy to speak with you and involve you in the vibrant events and efforts of BootSector.

This Week's Feature - Yelenna Cichocki (404 Link Removed)

Special thanks to Yelenna Cichocki (404 Link Removed), who co-hosts the Buffalo Open Coffee Club (BOCC) - powered by BootSector - every Tuesday morning at 7:30a in the Seneca One lobby. BOCC is a space where entrepreneurs, founders, and enthusiasts alike come together, build relationships, share knowledge, and support one another. With a “Give First” mentality, Yelenna volunteers because she is a firm believer in the power of community. When she is not preparing for BOCC, or picking up bagels for the weekly attendees, Yelenna is enthusiastic about the Buffalo Bills. Professionally, Yelenna owns an executive life coach company called Nacán Life & Wellness. We are honored by and thankful for Yelenna's weekly donation of her time and enthusiasm to BootSector!

Upcoming Events - Powered by BootSector

Check out these great events, all powered by BootSector!

Buffalo Open Coffee Club (404 Link Removed)

Powered by BootSector January 30 at Seneca One | 7:30-9:00AM

Buffalo Open Coffee Club

Powered by BootSector February 4 at University at Buffalo (Room 145, Student Union) | 11:30AM-1:00PM

More Startup Community Events - This Week

Check out these other great startup community events!

Is Your Startup Technology Driven or Enabled?

Cornell Center for Regional Economic Advancement January 30 at Online | 11:45AM - 1PM

How to Use Artificial Intelligence in Your Business (404 Link Removed)

SCORE January 30 at Online | 1PM - 2PM

Let's Talk Taxes!

The Enterprise Center at Pathstone January 30 at Online | 5:30PM - 7PM

Virtual Team Building: Transitioning to Remote Teams That Function Well

Creative Education Foundation January 30 at Online | 5:30PM - 7PM Looking for More? Check out BootSector's Community Calendar

No Funding News This Week!

Got any fundraising updates that you want to share? Let us know at news@joinbootsector.com !

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! https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=2OY3G2xEQkWWAXUdHVzDrnuCfICT8QNPuCJgSo65ZDhUOE5JWTcwT0FQUzJUUUNERjVXM1dMRkZSQy4u

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://www.linkedin.com/posts/ub-center-for-entrepreneurial-leadership_ubcel-ubuffalo-activity-7156013832824324096-646V?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Congrats to UB CEL (404 Link Removed) for officially launching the M&T Bank Emerging Entrepreneurs program in collaboration with The Exchange at Beverly Gray → ! https://cleveland.gleague.nba.com/news/charge-raise-awareness-and-the-writing-on-their-jerseys

On the “Grind”

Grinding isn't something anyone naturally wants to do. It's incredibly uncomfortable. Your natural tendency is to want to stop once things get hard.

But we can override this innate desire to quit. It just takes practice. I'd say that grinding is an acquired skill. So what's the point of all that hard work?

Seth Godin says, “It's always the hard part that creates value.” A successful grind doesn't mean the task gets done (though you'll often manage to do so). It just means you push as hard and as long as you can before you give up. Remember, its in the grind that growth happens.

Keep grinding this week and encourage others to do the same.

Jordan Walbesser Executive Director, BootSector Share this mailing list with your friends!