Top Seedz Raises $750k; Pitch-In Rochester Returns March 14

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 - Mackenzie Bush (404 Link Removed)

Special thanks to Mackenzie Bush (404 Link Removed), head of Chief Marketing Officer at RocketCup Coffee. Driven by a deep passion for startups and sales, Mackenzie wants to make an impact in Western New York. During her time at St. Bonaventure University (where she served as captain of the Club Lacrosse team), Mackenzie co-founded the Laine Business Accelerator. Mackenzie managed 50 business applications, cohort selection, marketing strategy across various software and website platforms, as well as the Final Pitch Showcase. Now, Mackenzie enjoys attending Buffalo Open Coffee Club (BOCC) because she feels a sense of belonging and mutual support. As an attendee of the Buffalo Startup Week, Mackenzie is eager to become more involved as a volunteer in 2024 and get to know the broader regional ecosystem of innovative food-service companies. We are delighted to feature Mackenzie Bush, and we are grateful for her commitment to our growing ecosystem.

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.

Upcoming Events - Powered by BootSector

Check out these great events, all powered by BootSector!

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

Buffalo Open Coffee Club (404 Link Removed) Powered by BootSector February 27 at Seneca One | 7:30-9:00AM

F3: Funding, Finance & (Female) Founders Powered by BootSector February 29 at Raft of Sanity | 5:00-9:00PM

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

Check out these other great startup community events!

Get More from Your Financial Pros (404 Link Removed) Entrepreneurs Forever February 26 at Online | 6:00-8:00PM

Women in Tech Networking Meetup TechBuffalo, Be in Buffalo, and 43North February 28 at Seneca One | 9:00AM-10:30AM

The Art of Storytelling NextCorps February 28 at 260 E. Main Street, Suite 6000, Rochester, NY | 11:30AM-1:00PM

Open Q&A with Venture for ClimateTech (404 Link Removed) NextCorps February 29 at Online | 10:00AM-11:00AM

Looking for More? Check out BootSector's Community Calendar

Top Seedz raises $750k from the WNY Impact Investment Fund

Congratulations to Rebecca Brady (404 Link Removed)and her team at Top Seedzfor raising $750k from the Western New York Impact Investment Fund (https://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/inno/stories/news/2024/02/20/local-startup-raises-750k-amid-move-to-downtown-hq.html). The funding will continue to fuel the startup's expansion into its facility and as it grows its retail footprint. Top Seedz, which employs about 42, was founded in 2017.

Funding Opportunities

Is your startup looking for investment? Of course it is. Check out these opportunities!

New York Business Plan Competition (404 Link Removed)

Amount: TBD!

Deadline: March 1, 2024 Requirements: All students are invited to apply! This includes any graduate, undergraduate, and/or community college students enrolled part- or full-time in accredited New York colleges and universities during the current academic year.

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.

ROC the Pitch

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.

Check out this week's Startup Community Asks

Got an ask? Let us know at news@joinbootsector.com!

Pitch-In Rochester Looking for Pitchers!

Pitchers Wanted!

Pitch-In Rochester (powered by BootSector, presented by StartupGrind) announced that they are looking for pitchers for their next event on March 14th. Click the link to sign up!

The Exchange at Beverly Gray Needs Mentors

Mentors Wanted

The Exchange at Beverly Gray announced that they are actively seeking experienced mentors to guide early-stage entrepreneurs towards sustainability. If you possess mentorship experience and are eager to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to click the link above to access the application form.

University at Buffalo Fast 46 Nominations

Nominations are open until March 8, 2024.

UB Fast 46 Nomination Form (404 Link Removed)

BSides Buffalo Needs Speakers and Sponsors

Nominations are open until March 31, 2024.

BSides Buffalo Speaker Form| BSides Buffalo Sponsorship Packet

NYBPC Judges and Mentors Needed

Nominations are open until April 1, 2024.

NYBPC Judge and Mentor Registration (404 Link Removed)

In Case You Missed it - Startup News Briefs

Check out these news briefs compiled by the BootSector team!

• ACV Earnings Call 2023 | Buffalo Inno (404 Link Removed)
• ACV Auctions Settles Antitrust Lawsuit | Buffalo Inno (404 Link Removed)

Paths to Success

There are numerous paths to success. And often times success requires hitting a few dead ends.

Any strategy developed in a constantly changing environment must be regularly assessed and adjusted. But that's not an excuse to live life by the seat of your pants! Failing to plan regularly is folly, as is stubbornly sticking to one plan or strategy in a changing, unpredictable environment.

So this week, take some time to plan things out. And if Plan A doesn't work, the alphabet has 25 more letters.

Jordan Walbesser Executive Director, BootSector