Foundry and Exchange at Beverly Gray Win $3MM Grant

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.

This Week's Feature - Dave Bachowski

Special thanks to Dave Bachowski, who grew up in WNY and currently serves as CTO at Trusted Nurse Staffing. Previously, Dave led several tech teams for local startups; he is particularly interested in cutting edge features like AI and data analysis tools. Recently, Dave volunteered to judge UB's Startup Bootcamp where so many of our esteemed community members lend their time to support students. Dave is always eager to see what young bright minds are brainstorming in Buffalo. He frequently responds to people's questions in the WNY Startup Community Slack →. Guided by core values of adventure, humor, integrity, and continuous learning, Dave graduated - with honors - from UB with an B.S. in Electrical Engineering. In Dave's spare time, he plays music and writes Dungeon & Dragons adventures for his local playgroup. He is a big game enthusiast!

These highlights are compiled by Jess Kent. If you'd like to nominate a local leader in the entrepreneurial arena of WNY, please contact her on Slack or via email: JessicaRachelKent@gmail.com.

BootSector at UB Startup BootCamp

Many members of the BootSector team were present at UB CoLab's Startup Bootcamp this past week. The final pitches were hosted by Jordan Walbesser, BootSector's executive director. A special Buffalo Open Coffee Club session was held during the weekend to help encourage the ties between WNY's student population and the startup ecosystem at large. Congratulations to all the participants!

Buffalo Fashion Runway: Black Carpet in the News

Congratulations to the Buffalo Fashion Runway team on some great coverage on WGRZ →and the Buffalo News.

Chad Williams and his team are on a mission to nurture a burgeoning fashion scene in Buffalo. By shining a light on local talent and encouraging community support for artists and designers, the Black Carpet event aims to galvanize a movement of cultural appreciation and inclusion. Set against the backdrop of the Northland Workforce Training Center, the event offers both general admission and all-access passes, ensuring that the celebration of Black fashion and culture is accessible to all.

Upcoming Events - Powered by BootSector

Buffalo Open Coffee Club (404 Link Removed) Powered by BootSector February 20 at Seneca One | 7:30-9:00AM

Pitch-In Buffalo (404 Link Removed) Powered by BootSector, presented by WNY Incubator Network February 22 at CBLS | 5:30-7:30PM

Buffalo Fashion Runway - Black Carpet Powered by BootSector February 24 at Northland Workforce Training Center | 5:00-9:00PM

Better Together - Monthly Game Night Powered by BootSector February 26 at The Foundry | 7:00-9:00PM

Real Talk: Business Challenges and Growth Mindset Powered by BootSector, presented by CoPivot March 9 at Sibley Square | 10:00AM-2:00PM

More Startup Community Events - This Week

February Slack Meetup (404 Link Removed) Buffalo Devs February 20 at SPoT Coffee (Main Street Williamsville) | 6:00-8:00PM

Looking for More? Check out BootSector's Community Calendar

$3MM Awarded to The Foundry and The Exchange

Congratulations to Megan McNally and her team at The Foundry, as well as Derrick Parson and his team at The Exchange at Beverly Greyfor securing $3MM in funding for small business development. Fun fact, BootSector is proud to be located inside The Foundry!

Funding Opportunities

Henry A. Panasci Jr. Technology Entrepreneurship Competition (404 Link Removed) Amount: $75,000 Deadline: February 25, 2024 Requirements: A UB Student needs to maintain ownership of 51% of the idea or business for the team to be eligible to compete.

New York Business Plan Competition (404 Link Removed) Amount: TBD Deadline: March 1, 2024 Requirements: All students are invited to apply!

UB CAT Grants (404 Link Removed) Amount: Up to $100,000 - Multiple Grants Deadline: March 1, 2024

ROC the Pitch Amount: Up to $1,500 Deadline: May 17, 2024

Accelerate Your Growth!

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

In Case You Missed it - Startup News Briefs

• Buffalo couples navigate love and business | Buffalo Business First (404 Link Removed)
• UB School of Management cited among America's top emerging entrepreneurship programs (404 Link Removed) - Cahill Tech's Aquire Construction Academy will train 300 workers in 2024
• Kredit Academy founder on managing credit | Bloomberg (404 Link Removed) - Pod: Timothy Porter on Buffalo's film and gaming industry

Looks Like Grit - Often Fit

I'm not a swimmer. You won't find me with a swim cap on at 5am following a black line from end to end of a cold pool. Nope. Not for me. But Olympic swimmers do that day in and day out. That takes grit, right?

Daniel Chambliss studied a group of those athletes and found that "It is incorrect to believe that top athletes suffer great sacrifices to achieve their goals. Often, they don't see what they do as sacrificial at all. They like it."

Take this to the startup world - many times what looks like grit, is often fit.

Sometimes it's less about stoic willpower and more about finding whatever path to a goal that fits for you.

Jordan Walbesser Executive Director, BootSector