BUFFALO, NY – The U.S. Small Business Administration Buffalo District Office and the SCORE Buffalo Niagara Chapter will host their annual seminar “Building Buffalo with 20 Years of Straight Talk” on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. This is the 20^th consecutive presentation of this program which has attracted thousands of participants over the years to expose entrepreneurs and small business owners to information and resources about starting or growing a small business.  

The 60-minute seminars will reflect the ever-changing needs of the Western New York entrepreneurial community. Additionally, participants can obtain one-on-one business counseling, visit information booths and speak to representatives from local business resources, chambers of commerce and network with other entrepreneurs and small business owners.

“SBA is committed to expanding access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs in underserved communities so that we can drive economic growth and job creation,” said SBA Buffalo District Director Franklin Sciortino.

Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. Cost of attendance is $25.00 on the day of the event, with pre-registration tickets are available for $20.00.  Students with current/valid identification can pay $10.00, and veterans with proof of veteran status can attend for free. Registration fees include a continental breakfast and parking.

Registered attendants will be automatically scheduled for the Business Basics introductory seminar to learn about business plans and other foundations of growing a successful business.  Participants can select two additional seminars to attend from the following list:

Show Me the Money

Make Yourself Credit Worthy

Accessing Business Opportunities through SBA 8(a), DBE and MWBE Certification

Navigating Your Business through Taxes & Permits

Business Assistance for Veterans

Marketing Your Small Business

“We Did It! You Can Too!” featuring: Bagel Jays and Alpine Made

Following the event, the Straight Talk Series will begin on February 2, 2016 for eight successive Tuesdays for two months from 5:45 – 8:30 p.m. at Medaille College in Buffalo, New York. The Straight Talk Series provides additional information about starting, maintaining, and growing your own business.  Attendance is free with the coupon received by attending the Straight Talk 2016 event on January 23, otherwise the cost is $5.00 per session.

A very special thank you to SCORE Buffalo Niagara and its supporters: Bank of America, Erie County Industrial Development Agency, Evans National Bank, First Niagara Bank, Five Star Bank, Key Bank National Association, Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company (M&T) PathStone Enterprise Center, New York Business Development Corporation, AARP, Buffalo State College Small Business Development Center, The Oneida Group of Companies, Women ‘s Business Center at Canisius College for their continuing support of entrepreneurship in WNY.

For further information contact SBA at 716-551-4301 or e-mail Buffalo_do@sba.gov . To register online, please visit WNY Straight Talk .