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Nearly 100 small business owners gathered on May 4 to kick off Small Business Week at the Buffalo Niagara Partnership’s first Small Business Bootcamp. The program brought together entrepreneurs and regional resource partners for a morning focused on building connections and strengthening knowledge across marketing, finance, human resources, accounting and legal topics.

A wide range of industries and company stages brought a valuable mix of diverse perspectives on today’s small business challenges. Conversations throughout the morning highlighted shared issues such as brand awareness, talent and customer retention, compliance complexity and legal protections.

Experts from several member organizations delivered sessions that translated these topics into guidance attendees could immediately apply in their businesses.

Here are five key takeaways from the program:

Turning marketing strategy into results

Lou Costello, Director of Sales at Spectrum Reach, walked attendees through building a marketing game plan that moves from ideas to execution. The focus was on turning vague goals into clear objectives, aligning messaging with audience behavior and ensuring each channel is used with intention.

The key takeaway: Effective marketing isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what works with clarity and consistency.

How to stay ahead of compliance

Joe DiLeo, CEO, and Bryan Bonisteel, Retirement Plan Specialist, at Vision Financial Group highlighted key legislative updates and retirement plan changes that business owners should understand.

From SECURE Act 2.0 provisions to New York State Secure Choice requirements, the session underscored how quickly compliance expectations are evolving and why proactive planning is essential to staying ahead of risk.

Employees as your first customers & strongest advantage

Liz Warren, EVP & Chief People Officer at Employer Services Corporation, emphasized that employees are your first customers. Company culture, leadership and communication all directly impact performance and retention.

The discussion focused on intentional coaching, consistent feedback and building workplaces where people feel valued and empowered.

Clean books equal better decisions

Dylan Foley, Principal, COO Services at Pilot, delivered a session focused on financial clarity at every stage of growth. He outlined what strong bookkeeping looks like in practice and the hidden costs of disorganized financials.

Strong accounting is strategic as much as it is administrative. When your numbers are clean, better decisions follow.

Legal lessons: Plan ahead & protect everything

Mark Schuber, Senior Counsel at Harris Beach Murtha, closed the program with legal guidance for small businesses. Key themes included putting agreements in writing, planning ahead, staying alert to evolving risks, addressing issues early and working with trusted advisors. Preparation today creates stronger protection tomorrow.

Upcoming events for small businesses

The Golden Opportunity | June 11

• Explore how McDonald’s franchising can be a vehicle to help you build a legacy during this free webinar. Learn more →

Accelerate AI | June 17

• Cut through the noise of artificial intelligence and gain a clearer sense of where AI fits in your organization with free expert-led guidance. Learn more →

Open House | June 24

• Meet BNP members from a wide variety of businesses, industries and professional services at our summer open house. Learn more →

Thank you sponsors

The BNP is grateful to its valued sponsors for making Small Business Bootcamp possible and for supporting the growth of the regional business community.

Presenting Sponsor: National Grid

Corporate Sponsor: Univera Healthcare

Financial Segment Sponsors: Vision Financial Group and The Establishment

Marketing Segment Sponsor: Spectrum Reach

Coffee & Snack Sponsor: Verizon