Support From the Start

Over the last decade, UB has played a part in the push to develop a robust startup economy in Western New York. Our Cultivator program identifies talented innovators from all corners of the community and provides them with mentorship and investments to propel their businesses into the market. In turn, the program’s design creates a steady flow of risk-reduced startups for WNY’s startup ecosystem and works to ensure that the region remains a vibrant, wonderful place to live and work. 

Come meet some of the UB team behind Cultivator and hear from a few of the inspiring startup founders who have participated in the program, including:  

• Peter Burakowski, senior associate director of startup ventures, University at Buffalo 
• Dan Miner, program manager for START-UP NY, University at Buffalo 
• Akruti Babaria, MBA ‘12, BS ‘05, founder and CEO, Kulture Khazana 
• David Gonzalez, co-founder and CEO, Arbol  
• Mercedes Wilson, founder and CEO, Sadie’s Relish 

And don't miss this webpage for even more info on the webinar presenters, including links to their individual businesses.

About Cultivator
UB’s Cultivator program develops startups to help build our region’s next great companies. By providing mentorship and $100,000 investments to promising startups in their earliest stages of business, Cultivator creates opportunities for more Western New Yorkers to choose and succeed in entrepreneurship. Learn more: buffalo.edu/cultivator