February 12, 2024
Megan Kelly and Chad Williams Named to 30 Under 30
Buffalo Business First names Megan Kelly and Chad Williams to its 2024 30 Under 30 list. Refraction lands a $100k UB Cultivator investment.
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 - James (Jim) Gravas (404 Link Removed)
Special thanks to James (Jim) Gravas (404 Link Removed) , who has attended several BOCC (Powered by BootSector) morning sessions and looks forward to taking a more active role in 2024 by warmly welcoming others to the startup ecosystem. Recently, Jim attended Straight Talk 2024, a local conference hosted by SCORE. Jim is an aspiring entrepreneur - his participation at BootSector's events enables him to meet like-minded individuals who are motivated to build big businesses in Buffalo! Professionally, Jim works in product analysis. He hopes to continue his late father's legacy - an admirable man who emigrated from Greece and became a successful business owner right here in WNY. His father's hard work and dedication motivates Jim to develop new ideas and collaborate with others. A fun fact about James: he was an extra in a movie filmed in Buffalo. We are delighted to feature James (Jim) Gravas and we are grateful for his commitment to our growing community.
Congratulations to Megan and Chad
for being named to this year's 30 Under 30
Congratulations to Megan Kelly (404 Link Removed) and Chad Williams (404 Link Removed) for being named to the 2024 Buffalo Business First's 30 Under 30 list!
Megan is a steadfast volunteer as BootSector's Head of Operations. Previously the COO and Chief of Staff at ZiZo Technologies →, Megan recently moved into her current position as the Startup Success Manager at the UB Cultivator (404 Link Removed) We're so proud of what you've accomplished and can't wait to see what you do in the future!
Chad is the founder of dooProcess, a streetwear clothing brand that combines his passion for fashion and activism. He also worked at Launch NY →, a non-profit organization that provides funding and resources to early-stage startups. On top of that, Chad is one of the leaders of Buffalo Fashion House (404 Link Removed) (powered by BootSector). Deserving of this award, Chad is another one to watch!
Good Neighbor Fund Partners with Time Capsule
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/good-neighbor-fund_were-thrilled-to-announce-our-partnership-activity-7161082753411608576-zfn3?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Good Neighbor Fund (powered by BootSector!) announced their partnership with TimeCapsule, a Buffalo-based startup that provides entrepreneurs with a guided growth and reflection platform.
Through this partnership, GNF will pilot offering TimeCapsule's impactful service to their grant awardees as they start their entrepreneurial journeys.
Upcoming Events - Powered by BootSector
Check out these great events, all powered by BootSector!
Buffalo Open Coffee Club (404 Link Removed)
Powered by BootSector February 13 at Seneca One | 7:30-9:00AM
Buffalo Fashion Runway - Networking Mixer
Powered by BootSector February 16 at AKG - Town Square, Knox Building | 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
More Startup Community Events - This Week
Check out these other great startup community events!
Developing Novel IP Within a Startup
Cornell Center for Regional Economic Advancement February 12 at Zoom | 11:45-1:00PM
Industry Alumni Roundtable on EVs & Transportation (404 Link Removed)
Nextcorps February 13 at Zoom | 2:00-3:00PM
Manufacturing Accelerator Informational Session
Nextcorps
February 14 at Zoom | 11:00AM-12:00PM
2024 Investor Outlook: Seneca Holdings (404 Link Removed)
Upstate Capital Association of NY
February 15 at the Saturn Club | 8:00AM-10:00AM Looking for More? Check out BootSector's Community Calendar https://www.expstudio.org/
EXP Studio wins ROC the Pitch
Congratulations to EXP Studio (Alexis Russell, Antwan Russell and Jamal Henderson) for winning the 2023 Pull Up & ROC the Pitch! https://www.linkedin.com/posts/shop-refraction_ubcultivator-buffalony-startups-activity-7161076121902411776-_mXN?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Refraction Lands $100k Investment
Congratulations to Refraction(Jason Schwinger (404 Link Removed) , Jason Bartz (404 Link Removed) , and team) for receiving a $100k investment from the UB Cultivator (404 Link Removed) program!
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. https://www.rit.edu/cue/programs-and-workshops
Amount: Up to $1,500
Deadline: May 17, 2024 Requirements: This competition is open to businesses operating within the Finger Lakes nine-county region. The application opens this month, please send proof of residency/identification, business plan, and proof of at least two years of revenue (2022, 2023 Tax Return) to Assunta Davidson at axdvpr@rit.edu by May 17th, 2024.
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://launchny.org/news/press-release/launch-ny-receives-150k-grant-to-create-new-opportunities-for-entrepreneurs/
Making a Lasting Change
When it comes to making a change permanent, one usually thinks about increasing the force that drives us. More motivation. More discipline. Both of these are good, but that's only half the equation.
The key is to think both about increasing those driving forces and decreasing restraining forces. In other words, get rid of reasons why you aren't doing this right now.
Here's an example. Let's say you want to take a road trip. You may have a full tank of fuel, but you're not leaving right now because of traffic. It's worth flipping things around to consider the restraining forces side of the equation.
So next time you're trying to figure out why a change didn't stick, ask yourself “why am I not doing this thing already?”
Jordan Walbesser Executive Director, BootSector Share this mailing list with your friends!