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Starting a Business in Buffalo
Buffalo State SBDC
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) helps entrepreneurs realize the dream of business ownership. The SBDC advisors provide a variety of free and low-cost business consulting and training services.
The Small Business Administration (SBA)
The SBA offers recurring seminars and programs to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their business. Their ongoing programs include:
- Federal and state procurement training, one-on-one and classes and other events
- Library - The Buffalo Public Library has resources to help you. The library provides a free 30 minute orientation with a librarian to help you learn about what is available. Research an industry, start or expand a business, or explore a new career. The Buffalo Public Library features an extensive collection of business and career books, plus, and free Wi-Fi.
- SCORE - SCORE matches people with mentors who provide professional guidance and information to help existing small businesses grow, and new businesses get off the ground. The nonprofit is dedicated to teaching you how to start, grow and sustain your small business.
- Strategic planning curriculum for established businesses
- Veteran Entrepreneurship training for transition service members and B2B ReBoot for veterans and their families
Legal Requirements
You need to meet certain local legal requirements to start your business. These may include a business license, a DBA filing, and inspections.
State of New York Legal Requirements
Besides local requirements, business owners also need to consider the requirements of the State of New York. You are encouraged to explore the New York State website, to learn about licensing, taxes, and other regulations for businesses at the state level.
Business Finance
While the City of Buffalo does not do direct business lending, we do partner with a number of organizations that provide access to capital for entrepreneurs who are at varying stages of business life cycle.
- 43 North
- Bright Buffalo Niagara
- Buffalo Urban League
- Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll)
- Empire State Development
- Erie County Industrial Development Agency
- Pursuit Lending
- Launch NY
- PathStone Enterprise Center
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Westminster Economic Development Initiative (WEDI)
- WNY Venture Association
- Z80 Labs
- LISC WNY
- Cultivator (Pre-Seed Funding)
- Buffalo Innovation Seed Funding
- Entrepreneurship For All
Resources for Hiring Employees
Business Networking Resources
- 43 North
- Bright Buffalo Niagara
- Buffalo Urban League
- Canisius Women’s Business Center
- Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership at University of Buffalo
- Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (EAP) - 716-880-3288
- Launch NY
- Buffalo Niagara Partnership
- WNY Venture Association
- Business & Entrepreneur Partnerships, University at Buffalo
Step 1: Establish a Business Plan
A business plan is a description of your business and its purpose. Business plans should include:
- A Marketing Plan (Establish how you will market and manage your business, Identify you target market, Assess your competition, Determine how you will advertise your business)
- Financial Data (Tax returns, Financial projections)
- Additional Documents (Licenses, Legal Documents)
Step 2: Seek Technical Assistance
There are multiple free and low cost business assistance programs and technical assistance providers to take advantage of, many including:
- Buffalo Urban League
- Buffalo State College Small Business Development Center
- Canisius College Women’s Business Center
- Empire State Development Entrepreneurial Assistance Program
- SCORE
- Small Business Administration
- University at Buffalo Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership
Step 3: Site Selection
Factors to consider while determining the appropriate location for your business:
- Customer base and how they will reach you
- Location of competition
- Zoning Ordinances
Site Selection Resources
- Commercial Brokers
- Invest Buffalo Niagara
Step 4: Small Business Financing
Determine how best to finance your business and asses your financing options:
- Banks
- Buffalo Urban League
- Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) (Excelsior Growth Fund, PathStone Enterprise Center, Westminster Economic Development Initiative)
- Erie County Industrial Development Agency (ECIDA)
- Erie County Industrial Development Agency
- "How to Get a Business Loan" Article
Step 5: Licensing Permits
A valid business license is required for certain types of businesses to operate in the City of Buffalo. To see if your business needs a license and what type to obtain, visit our Licenses page.
Step 6: Zoning Check
Different business types are only allowed in certain parts of the city. It is illegal to run a business in a building that is not zoned for that type of activity. Contact the Zoning Department to confirm that your business type is allowed in your desired location and zone. It is helpful to select 2 to 3 locations that would be a good fit for your business before contacting the Zoning Department.
You may be able to receive a Special Permit if the property isn't zoned for your type of business. To find out if a Special Permit is required for your business location, please consult the Zoning Ordinance for your district.
- Building and Right of Way Permits
- Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) (Targeted Communities, Commercial Corridors)
- Plan Check
- Register Your Business (Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), Name Availability Database, DBA)
- Sign Permits
Mentoring & Counseling
A number of organizations around the City of Buffalo will help mentor you throwing the varying stages of the business life cycle. Much of these resources are offered free of charge and can offer recommendations on growing revenues, expanding operations, human resources, business strategy, etc.
- Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (EAP) – 716-880-3288
- Canisius Women’s Business Center
- Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership at University of Buffalo
- Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Buffalo
- Launch NY
- SCORE – Counselors to America’s Small Business
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
Human Capital (Employees)
Buffalo Employment and Training Center
The mission of the BETC is to bring employment, training and workforce services to both residents and employers.
Certification & Procurement
- Beverly Gray Business Exchange Center
- Buffalo State Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
- Empire State Development
Hiring Incentives & Job Training
Empire State Development Corporation Excelsior Jobs Program is designed to provide job creation and investment incentives to firms in targeted industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceutical, high-tech, green technology, financial industries, agriculture and manufacturing. Applications and additional information available on the Empire State Development website.
New York State Department of Labor
Cut Your Labor Costs
Employers that do business in New York can trim their labor costs through several New York State workforce and economic development programs. Employment-based tax credits save businesses money by cutting federal and state liability. Businesses may obtain tax credit savings from $750 to $9,000 simply by hiring one targeted worker.
Federal Targeted Tax Credits
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) offers employers up to $2,400 in federal tax savings for hiring people with barriers to employment.
Financial Assistance
While the City of Buffalo does not do direct business lending, we do partner with a number of organizations that provide access to capital for entrepreneurs who are at varying stages of business life cycle.