An extension of the BNP’s diversity and inclusion programs and initiatives, the assessment complies the sentiments of employers of various sizes throughout Western New York representing several major industries. More than 260 employers participated in the assessment providing statistically significant data that can be applied to the Buffalo Niagara employer community as a whole.
Economic development
Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz, Erie County Business Task Force (“Task Force”) co-chairs Scott Pallotta and Brenda McDuffie, and 43North President Colleen Heidinger were joined by multiple partners today at Miss Barbara’s School of Dance in Buffalo to announce the creation of the Erie County Back to Business Grant Program, a relief program targeting small businesses that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Working in coordination with 43North, Erie County is committing $20 million in U.S. CARES Act funding for direct financial assistance to eligible small businesses with 50 or fewer employees. The grant program aims to disburse funds to businesses with the greatest need while distributing the aid to as many small businesses as possible in amounts that will create a meaningful impact.
“Amazon is a company of the future, so I think we need to think long and hard about what this region needs to do to be competitive in this world,” said Dottie Gallagher, president of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, the region’s largest business advocacy group.
Finding talented employees is a challenge. And just when you discover the right candidate, it’s time to move on to the hiring process.
Through the support of a grant from Univera Healthcare, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership has produced 2,500 small business kits as part of the “It’s Our Job” campaign. Dottie Gallagher, president and CEO, Buffalo Niagara Partnership and Art Wingerter, president, Univera Healthcare joined Public Espresso co-owners Sam Scarcello and James Rayburg, on Thursday, Sept. 24 for a coffee and to demonstrate the kits.
A new campaign is getting underway to encourage continued compliance with guidelines set to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and give small businesses a fighting chance as they claw back from the pandemic.
With the closure of the US-Canada border to non-essential traffic extended another month, Western New York’s economy continues to suffer in key sectors. WBFO spoke to some local tourism and commerce representatives for their thoughts.
In Erie County alone, the tourism industry is estimated at $1.8 billion. But it has taken a big hit with the COVID pandemic. A new bill is being introduced in Albany to help the industry recover by creating a new funding source to aid related businesses.
