Buffalo area resources for businesses
For businesses, the pain of life under social distancing is exacerbated by the loss of customers, and for restaurants and bars, the ability to even accept customers. But businesses, nonprofits and other organizations are working to unite those in need and those who can help. This includes loans and grants, counseling and networking, and helping customers support their community businesses during the crisis.
Buffalo Business First has compiled resources to assist businesses. Click on the entity below for more information.
Amherst
Information from the governor’s office is available on the Amherst Chamber of Commerce website regarding a shortage of personal protective equipment. The state is looking for businesses that may be able to help produce these products. The Amherst Chamber is open and willing to help businesses at https://amherst.org.
Buffalo
Buffalo Urban Development Corporation (BUDC) is the development agency for the city, reclaiming distressed land and buildings for future development. BUDC is a conduit for public funding of significant projects and as a real estate holding company for certain public-sector projects. https://www.buffalourbandevelopment.com
Cattaraugus County
Cattaraugus Industrial Development Agency partners with our economic development throughout the region as a virtual “one-stop shop” for retaining and assisting businesses. http://www.cattcoida.com
Chautauqua County
The state has called on businesses to produce needed supplies related to COVID-19. Any company with the proper equipment or personnel to begin to manufacture personal protective equipment products is encouraged to visit https://ccida.com/covid-19-resources. The County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency can help with this process.
Economic development/NYSEG
NYSEG offers economic development programs to help existing businesses and collaborates with economic development partners at the local, regional and state levels. https://www.lookupstateny.com/wps/portal/lookupny/developmentprograms.
Energy-efficiency/National Grid
The National Grid business energy review initiative sends a representative into a business to conduct an efficiency audit. Funding it is an energy line item that is part of utility bills for most companies. https://www.nationalgridus.com/Upstate-NY-Business/Energy-Saving-Programs/
Erie County
The Erie County Industrial Development Agency (ECIDA) assists private-sector industrial andbusiness development by offering tax incentives, tax discounts or exemptions, to qualified businesses who invest in the community. https://www.ecidany.com
Genesee County
The Genesee County Economic Development Center stands ready to address the short-term and long-term economic needs of our community during the COVID-19 health crisis. If your business is experiencing issues, please do not hesitate to reachout. http://www.gcedc.com
Invest Buffalo Niagara
Invest Buffalo Niagara represents the eight counties of Western New York. It is the region’s nonprofit, privately funded economic development organization focused on creating and retaining jobs. https://buffaloniagara.org
Lockport
Town of Lockport Economic Development. https://lockporteconomicdevelopment.com
Niagara County
Niagara County Center for Economic Development can assemble an incentive package to fit any business. They work with local, state, and federal agencies to provide companies with resources needed. Incentive programs include grants, loans, tax abatements, low-cost power, and workforce development programs. https://www.niagaracountybusiness.com
North Tonawanda
The Lumber City Development Corp. has financial incentives available to assist businesses. http://www.lumbercitydc.com
Wyoming County
The Wyoming County Industrial Development Agency works with other economic development agencies the region and state to offer economic packages for companies needing assistance. https://wycoida.org
