Buffalo, NY - Mayor Byron W. Brown is pleased to announce the start of the second phase of the Beverly Gray Business Exchange Center’s (BGBEC) Buy Local Buffalo Campaign, presented by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. Today the public voting period begins for the five finalists of the Buy Local Buffalo inaugural competition. Over 50 applicants applied and were narrowed down to fve businesses. The five finalists are La Verdad Café, Ms. Eye Candy Boutique, Alford’s Angels, Buffalo Pro-Fit, and JNR Salon and Day Spa.
Mayor Brown said, “Supporting small businesses is critical to our local economy. The Buy Local Buffalo competition is designed to assist Black and minority entrepreneurs because they have been hit the hardest by the COVID-19 global health pandemic. These business owners have shown tremendous endurance, resilience, and innovation during these difficult times. I encourage everyone in our community to go out and shop at these businesses and other small businesses in Buffalo.”
Today begins the public voting phase of the competition at buylocalbuffalony.com. Each finalist received a professionally produced video that showcases their business. The videos are displayed at buylocalbuffalony.com for voters to choose their favorite finalist. Voting is open through Friday, October 23, 2020 at 11:59 PM. The business with the most votes on October 23rd will win the $2,500 grand prize.
Shatorah Donovan, Chair of the BGBEC said, “The response from the community to this campaign was impressive and heartwarming. Small business owners from across the City are doing everything they can to maintain and grow their companies. Everyone who applied received a one-on-one call with a staff member at the BGBEC and was offered technical assistance. This campaign helped us to better understand the needs of Black and minority entrepreneurs in Buffalo so that we can provide the best support possible.”
The Beverly Gray Business Exchange Center serves small businesses on Buffalo’s East Side and throughout Western New York. The Exchange is a one-stop technical resource center, focusing on Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOB). The Exchange delivers expert guidance to help entrepreneurs succeed and foster inclusive economic growth in Buffalo and Western New York.
For more information visit beverlygraycenter.com
