Resources
Here is how you develop a network of resources—at UB and beyond.
On Campus
Advancing entrepreneurship is vital to invigorating the university, the surrounding community and the greater Western New York economy. The Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership recognizes and supports the power of entrepreneurship to launch human potential, inspire innovation, produce jobs and generate wealth. Designed by and for entrepreneurs, the CEL is based on proven principles, centered on best and next practices and backed by the thought leadership of the UB School of Management.
The CEL offers programs to grow your business, develop connections with the business community and provide advice from successful entrepreneurs. These include:
The University Libraries has educational resources and reference materials related to patents, trademarks, venture support and more. Learn more about the UB Libraries.
The UB Technology Transfer office facilitates the transfer of UB discoveries into enterprises that create value and provide products and services that benefit the public good. Technology Transfer collaborates with UB’s economic development-focused organizations to foster partnerships between UB and the business community and can assist you with:
- Patent applications.
- Preliminary business plans for patent-pending technologies.
- Access to UB technology incubators.
- Direction to appropriate resources for entrepreneurs of startup companies.
The WNY Incubation Network is a collaborative network of incubators and entrepreneurial service providers across Western New York that are working together to turn our region into a hub of entrepreneurial activity. WIN collaborators share best practices and networking, mentoring, educational and financial resources to better assist incubator client companies. Because starting a business is never easy, but access to the right tools can make a difference. Learn more about the WNY Incubator Network.
Interested in entrepreneurship club? Want to meet like-minded individuals who are also interested in innovation? Entrepreneurship club informs, supports, and inspires students at UB to be entrepreneurial and seek opportunity through enterprise creation. The club hosts guest speakers and goes on tours in the Buffalo area.
UB coordinates a free professional clothing boutique, Hired, which is dedicated to providing students and recent graduates with gently used apparel, accessories, and personal care items that will help them achieve their career development goals.
Location: 20 Sprague Rd Buffalo, NY 14260
Off Campus
43North is the world’s largest business idea competition and part of New York's previous Governor Andrew Cuomo's Buffalo Billion initiative, which is driving new economic opportunities throughout Buffalo and Western New York. 43North administers $5 million in cash prizes each year to some of the best and brightest entrepreneurs and startups from around the globe. Learn more about 43North.
Buffalo Startup Weekend is presented by a global network of passionate leaders and entrepreneurs on a mission to inspire, educate and empower individuals, teams and communities. Come share ideas, form teams and launch startups. Learn more about Startup Weekend. The next regional event happening in Buffalo is a partnership between the University at Buffalo and Cornell and Syracuse Universities. Register here.
START-UP NY helps new and expanding businesses through tax-based incentives and innovative academic partnerships. START-UP NY offers new and expanding businesses the opportunity to operate tax-free for 10 years on or near eligible university or college campuses in New York State. Partnering with these schools gives businesses direct access to advanced research laboratories, development resources and experts in key industries.
Online
Market research is the process of gathering, analyzing and interpreting information about:
- a market
- a product or service to be offered for sale
- competitors
- the past, present and potential customers for the product or service
This might be research into the characteristics, spending habits, location and needs of your business's target market, digging into the industry as a whole, or even the particular competitors you face. Market research can help you determined the viability of your product/service, understand your target market, provide consumer opinions and inform decisions. Learn more here.