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SBDC

Joseph Karl, Veteran USMC, speaking at podioum

Veteran-Owned Businesses Can Benefit from Niagara SBDC’s Free Entrepreneurship Classes

By News Archive

April 12, 2022

Joseph Karl, Veteran USMC, speaking at podioum

Joseph Karl, Veteran USMC gives the student address at the annual SUNY Niagara Veteran’s Day Ceremony.

The Niagara Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will host a series of free entrepreneurship classes for veterans and their family members. These courses enhance business skills and strengthen a new or existing business.  The series will run on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 6 – 8 p.m., beginning April 25 and concluding on December 13. The schedule includes:

  • April 25 – Entrepreneurship
  • May 24 – Start Up Basics
  • June 28 – Understanding Your Financial Picture
  • July 26 – Marketing for Small Business
  • August 23 – Business Plans & Business Model Canvas
  • Sept 27 – Government Contracting
  • October 25 – Educational and Financial Resources for Veterans
  • December 13 – To be determined

Classes will be held at SUNY Niagara, located at 3111 Saunders Settlement Road in Sanborn.  A webinar option is also available for those unable to attend in person.  To register for these classes, or to find out more about other services offered by the SBDC, visit NiagaraSBDC.org or call (716) 210-2515.  These classes are made possible through a grant from the Verizon Communications Community Benefit Fund.

The Niagara SBDC specializes in free and confidential one-on-one counseling, dealing with small-business opportunities and problems. The SBDC offers training and instructional programs targeted to the needs and interests of small business, providing service for every stage of a business. Since its inception in 1984, the expert advisors of the Niagara SBDC have worked with over 18,000 businesses, helping them to invest nearly $525 million in the area’s economy, and create or save nearly 12,000 jobs.

The Niagara Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will host a series of free entrepreneurship classes for veterans and their family members. These courses enhance business skills and strengthen a new or existing business.  The series will run on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 6 – 8 p.m., beginning April 25 and concluding on December 13. The schedule includes:

  • April 25 – Entrepreneurship
  • May 24 – Start Up Basics
  • June 28 – Understanding Your Financial Picture
  • July 26 – Marketing for Small Business
  • August 23 – Business Plans & Business Model Canvas
  • Sept 27 – Government Contracting
  • October 25 – Educational and Financial Resources for Veterans
  • December 13 – To be determined

Classes will be held at SUNY Niagara, located at 3111 Saunders Settlement Road in Sanborn.  A webinar option is also available for those unable to attend in person.  To register for these classes, or to find out more about other services offered by the SBDC, visit NiagaraSBDC.org or call (716) 210-2515.  These classes are made possible through a grant from the Verizon Communications Community Benefit Fund.

The Niagara SBDC specializes in free and confidential one-on-one counseling, dealing with small-business opportunities and problems. The SBDC offers training and instructional programs targeted to the needs and interests of small business, providing service for every stage of a business. Since its inception in 1984, the expert advisors of the Niagara SBDC have worked with over 18,000 businesses, helping them to invest nearly $525 million in the area’s economy, and create or save nearly 12,000 jobs.

 

Joseph Karl, Veteran USMC, speaking at podioum

Joseph Karl, Veteran USMC gives the student address at the annual SUNY Niagara Veteran’s Day Ceremony.


Media Contact Information

Denyel Beiter
Public Relations Assistant
Phone: 716-614-5974
Email: dbeiter@niagaracc.suny.edu

Deanna Brennen

Niagara SBDC Advisor Deanna Brennan Earns Advanced Business Advisor Certification

By News Archive

October 22, 2021

Deanna Brennan of the Niagara SBDC received a top business advisor certificate from the NYS SBDC.

Deanna Brennan of the Niagara SBDC received a top business advisor certificate from the NYS SBDC.

Niagara Small Business Development Center (SBDC) advisor, Deanna Brennan, recently achieved her Advanced Business Advisor Certification from the New York Small Business Development Center. This honor, bestowed to roughly 5% of advisors, was presented to Brennan by the New York SBDC’s Professional Development Committee, comprised of State-level regional directors and staff. Brennan earned this certification because of her proven pursuit of knowledge, proficiency in her specific discipline, successful application when serving clients, superior service to the program, and community leadership.

Brennan has worked for the Niagara SBDC at SUNY Niagara for more than 15 years. She has also served as the Associate Director of Economic Development and International Trade. In the past, she has assisted many local organizations in leadership roles, serving as President and CEO of the Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce and as the Vice President of Social Enterprise for the YWCA of the Niagara Frontier, delivering employment and training opportunities to local women.

Brennan is a lifelong resident of Niagara County, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Niagara University and graduating from Leadership Niagara in 2000. Brennan currently serves as a member of the WNY Regional Economic Development Council, WNY Power Proceeds Allocation Board, Greater Lockport Development Corporation, and the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Buffalo.

The Niagara SBDC specializes in free and confidential one-on-one counseling, dealing with small-business opportunities and problems. The Center provides management and technical assistance services including: business planning, development of marketing and global strategies, cash-flow projections, and financial analysis. The expert advisors of the Niagara SBDC have worked directly with over 18,000 businesses, helping them to invest nearly $525 million in the area’s economy, and create or save nearly 12,000 jobs.

Niagara Small Business Development Center (SBDC) advisor, Deanna Brennan, recently achieved her Advanced Business Advisor Certification from the New York Small Business Development Center. This honor, bestowed to roughly 5% of advisors, was presented to Brennan by the New York SBDC’s Professional Development Committee, comprised of State-level regional directors and staff. Brennan earned this certification because of her proven pursuit of knowledge, proficiency in her specific discipline, successful application when serving clients, superior service to the program, and community leadership.

Brennan has worked for the Niagara SBDC at SUNY Niagara for more than 15 years. She has also served as the Associate Director of Economic Development and International Trade. In the past, she has assisted many local organizations in leadership roles, serving as President and CEO of the Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce and as the Vice President of Social Enterprise for the YWCA of the Niagara Frontier, delivering employment and training opportunities to local women.

Brennan is a lifelong resident of Niagara County, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Niagara University and graduating from Leadership Niagara in 2000. Brennan currently serves as a member of the WNY Regional Economic Development Council, WNY Power Proceeds Allocation Board, Greater Lockport Development Corporation, and the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Buffalo.

The Niagara SBDC specializes in free and confidential one-on-one counseling, dealing with small-business opportunities and problems. The Center provides management and technical assistance services including: business planning, development of marketing and global strategies, cash-flow projections, and financial analysis. The expert advisors of the Niagara SBDC have worked directly with over 18,000 businesses, helping them to invest nearly $525 million in the area’s economy, and create or save nearly 12,000 jobs.

Deanna Brennan of the Niagara SBDC received a top business advisor certificate from the NYS SBDC.

Deanna Brennan of the Niagara SBDC received a top business advisor certificate from the NYS SBDC.


Media Contact Information

Denyel Beiter
Public Relations Assistant
Phone: 716-614-5974
Email: dbeiter@niagaracc.suny.edu

Maureen Henderson

Henderson Named Director of Niagara SBDC

By News Archive

September 21, 2021 

Maureen Henderson

Maureen Henderson, Director of the SUNY Niagara Small Business Development Center

Maureen Henderson has been named as the new Director of the SUNY Niagara Small Business Development Center (SBDC). She replaces previous director, Lynn Oswald who retired on September 1 after 12 years in the role.

Maureen has served the Niagara SBDC for more than 14 years as a business advisor. Prior to this position, she was employed in the banking and financial industry and was a successful business owner. Maureen holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from St. Bonaventure University. A life-long learner, she earned her Advanced Certification as a business advisor with the New York Small Business Development Center in 2019. Maureen enjoys all aspects of helping clients with their businesses, and her specialty lays in procurement, including government contracting and women, minority, and veteran certifications.

Maureen is an engaged community leader and enjoys being active within Niagara County. She has served as Treasurer of the Board for Lockport Main Street, Inc. since 2016. In addition, she previously served as both President and Vice President of the Newfane Business Association, Chairperson of the Newfane Town Celebration, and led the town’s Beautification Grant Committee.

She has been presented with several awards from various organizations, including: Buffalo Region SBA’s Women in Business Champion award, Newfane Business Association’s Business Person of the Year award, and Buffalo Business First’s 40 Under 40 award. Maureen resides in Olcott, NY with her husband, Charlie; son, Sam; and daughter Isabelle.

For more information on the Niagara SBDC, visit niagaracc.suny.edu/sbdc/ or call 716-210-2515.

September 21, 2021 

Maureen Henderson has been named as the new Director of the SUNY Niagara Small Business Development Center (SBDC). She replaces previous director, Lynn Oswald who retired on September 1 after 12 years in the role.

Maureen has served the Niagara SBDC for more than 14 years as a business advisor. Prior to this position, she was employed in the banking and financial industry and was a successful business owner. Maureen holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from St. Bonaventure University. A life-long learner, she earned her Advanced Certification as a business advisor with the New York Small Business Development Center in 2019. Maureen enjoys all aspects of helping clients with their businesses, and her specialty lays in procurement, including government contracting and women, minority, and veteran certifications.

Maureen is an engaged community leader and enjoys being active within Niagara County. She has served as Treasurer of the Board for Lockport Main Street, Inc. since 2016. In addition, she previously served as both President and Vice President of the Newfane Business Association, Chairperson of the Newfane Town Celebration, and led the town’s Beautification Grant Committee.

She has been presented with several awards from various organizations, including: Buffalo Region SBA’s Women in Business Champion award, Newfane Business Association’s Business Person of the Year award, and Buffalo Business First’s 40 Under 40 award. Maureen resides in Olcott, NY with her husband, Charlie; son, Sam; and daughter Isabelle.

For more information on the Niagara SBDC, visit niagaracc.suny.edu/sbdc/ or call 716-210-2515.

Maureen Henderson

Maureen Henderson, Director of the SUNY Niagara Small Business Development Center


Media Contact Information

Sara Harvey
Assistant Director of Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-6220
Email: sharvey@niagaracc.suny.edu

Individual participates in free webinar offered by the Niagara SBDC

Niagara SBDC offers free workshops this fall

By News Archive

August 31, 2021 

The Niagara Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will present free entrepreneurial workshops this fall with the goal of enhancing business skills, as well as strengthening new or existing businesses.  Information provided in the sessions is geared towards assisting with starting, operating, or enhancing a small business, with a focus on job creation and retention in the local economy. The following sessions will be offered:

Entrepreneurship on Thursday, September 23 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Business Plans & Business Model Canvas on Thursday, September 30 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Budget and Recordkeeping on Thursday, October 7 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Social Media for Small Business on Thursday, October 14 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Marketing for Small Business on Thursday, October 21 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Understanding Your Financial Picture on Thursday, October 28 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Business Owner’s Insurance on Thursday, November 4 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Taxes and The Small Business on Thursday, November 11 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Leadership: Employee & Self-Motivation on Thursday, November 18 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Legal Help for Your Business on Thursday, December 2 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

All of the workshops will be held at SUNY Niagara, Room E-142, Sanborn, NY 14132.  A webinar option is available.  To register or to get additional details, call 716-210-2515 or email sbdc@niagaracc.suny.edu.  Visit the SUNY Niagara Small Business Development Center website at www.niagarasbdc.org for more information.

Individual participates in free webinar offered by the Niagara SBDC


Media Contact Information

Barbara DeSimone
Director of Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-5904
Email: desimone@niagaracc.suny.edu

Individual participates in free webinar offered by the Niagara SBDC

Niagara SBDC to Offer Free Webinar on Financial Basics

By News Archive

July 20, 2021 

The Niagara Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will host a free webinar, “Financial Basics for Small Businesses” on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The event will cover a variety of topics, including recording keeping basics, financial statements, inventory basics, and more.  A question and answer session will be included as well to assist participants in enhancing and understanding the financial picture of their business.

To register for this webinar, or to find out more about other services offered by the SBDC, visit www.niagaracc.suny.edu/sbdc or call 716-210-2515.  Advisors from the Niagara SBDC are available to assist clients over the phone, via email, and in online meetings.

Individual participates in free webinar offered by the Niagara SBDC

Individual participates in free webinar offered by the Niagara SBDC


Media Contact Information

Sara Harvey
Assistant Director of Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-6220
Email: saharvey@niagaracc.suny.edu

Individual participates in free webinar offered by the Niagara SBDC

Small Business Development Center Takes Stock in Mental Health

By News Archive

May 25, 2021 

The Niagara Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will present a free online workshop, “Take Stock of Your Mental Health” on Wednesday, June 9 from 9:00-10:00 a.m. The course will focus on protecting the mental health of small business owners and will be led by Dr. Erica Gergely, a licensed clinical psychologist with Stable Living, LLC.

The presentation will include practical tools for managing anxiety and stress, tips for sleep health, prioritization, reframing the work/life balance, building support networks, and mental health resources. To register for this free webinar, or to find out more about other services offered by the SBDC, visit www.niagarasbdc.org or call 716-210-2515. The Niagara SBDC remains open remotely through the COVID-19 pandemic, assisting clients over the phone, via email, and in online meetings.

About the Niagara SBDC

The Niagara SBDC provides management and technical assistance services including: business planning, development of marketing and global strategies, cash-flow projections, and financial analysis. The SBDC is staffed by knowledgeable, experienced professionals who can provide you with expert individualized counseling to help you grow your business. Administered by the State University of New York (SUNY), the Center specializes in free and confidential one-on-one counseling, dealing with small-business opportunities and problems. The SBDC provides services for every stage of your business as well as trainings and instructional programs targeted to the needs and interests of small business.

Individual participates in free webinar offered by the Niagara SBDC

Individual participates in free webinar offered by the Niagara SBDC


Media Contact Information

Denyel Beiter
Event Coordinator, Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-5974
Email: dbeiter@niagaracc.suny.edu

Individual participates in free webinar offered by the Niagara SBDC

Niagara SBDC to Offer Free Legal Help for Your Business Webinar

By News Archive

May 13, 2021 

The Niagara Small Business Development Center (SBDC), along with the Greater Lockport Development Corporation, Lumber City Development Corporation, and the Niagara County Center for Economic Development will host a “Legal Help for Your Business” webinar to strengthen new or existing businesses.  This workshop will be taught by Managing Attorney, John Donner, from the Small Business Legal Clinic at the Western New York Law Center. Topics include organizational structures, contracts, commercial leases, miscellaneous legal topics, and a Q & A session.

The live webinar will take place on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. There is no fee to attend and the workshop is open to the public. To register for this webinar, or to find out more about other services offered by the SBDC, visit www.niagaracc.suny.edu/sbdc or call 716-210-2515.  The Niagara SBDC remains open remotely through the COVID-19 pandemic, assisting clients over the phone, via email, and in online meetings.

 

Individual participates in free webinar offered by the Niagara SBDC

Individual participates in free webinar offered by the Niagara SBDC


Media Contact Information

Denyel Beiter
Event Coordinator, Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-5974
Email: dbeiter@niagaracc.suny.edu

Individual participates in free webinar offered by the Niagara SBDC

The Niagara SBDC to Offer Free Entrepreneurship Webinars

By News Archive

The Niagara SBDC to Offer Free Entrepreneurship Webinars

February 9, 2021 

The Niagara Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will host a series of free entrepreneurship webinars aimed at those looking to enhance business skills and strengthen a new or existing business.   The series will run on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., starting on March 24 and ending on May 19.  The schedule of topics is as follows:

  • March 24 – Entrepreneurship
  • March 31 – Business Plans and Business Model Canvas
  • April 7 – Budget and Recordkeeping
  • April 14 – Social Media for Small Business
  • April 21 – Marketing for Small Business
  • April 28 – Understanding your Financial Picture
  • May 5 – Business Owner’s Insurance
  • May 12 – Taxes and the Small Business
  • May 19 – Leadership: Employee and Self-Motivation
Individual participates in free webinar offered by the Niagara SBDC

Individual participates in free webinar offered by the Niagara SBDC

To register for this webinar, or find out more about other services offered by the SBDC, visit https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/sbdc/ or call 716-210-2515.  The Niagara SBDC remains open remotely through the COVID-19 pandemic, assisting clients over the phone, via email, and in online meetings.


Media Contact Information

Sara Harvey
Assistant Director of Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-6220
Email: saharvey@niagaracc.suny.edu

Individual participates in free webinar offered by the Niagara SBDC

Free business start-up seminars presented by SUNY Niagara SBDC

By News Archive

January 15, 2021

The SUNY Niagara Small Business Development Center (SBDC) along with the Small Business Administration will be hosting a “Business Start-Up Double Header” this month.  On Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 9:00 a.m., a webinar entitled “Finding the Right Idea” will be held to help attendees capitalize on their skills and resources to turn an idea into a viable business concept.  The second seminar, “Creating a Winning Business Plan” will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.  This webinar will focus on helping attendees create a strategic guide for their business.  Lenders require a business plan, making it an essential tool in a start-up venture.

To register for these webinars, or find out more about other services offered by the SBDC, visit https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/sbdc/ or call (716) 210-2515.  The Niagara SBDC remains open through the COVID-19 pandemic, assisting clients over the phone, via email, and in online meetings.


Media Contact Information

Sara Harvey
Assistant Director of Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-6220
Email: saharvey@niagaracc.suny.edu

SBDC group photo

SUNY Niagara Small Business Development Center Receives Impact Award

By News Archive

December 9, 2020

Lynn Oswald, Director of the SUNY Niagara Small Business Development Center (SBDC), along with the rest of her team, has been selected as the recipient of the Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce’s 2020 Impact Niagara award. The award will be presented to the SBDC during a special event hosted by the Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce and M&T Bank via Zoom on December 14 at 9:00 a.m. There is no cost to attend but registration is required.

The Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce reports that Oswald and the SBDC staff have worked tirelessly through the COVID-19 pandemic, transitioning their services to an online format and continuing to provide one-on-one counseling as well as public workshops which focused on creating, operating, and growing small businesses. In addition, the SUNY Niagara SBDC staff facilitated information sessions covering COVID-19 related topics such as: safety protocols, New York State mandates, Federal Paycheck Protection Program, and re-opening training.

Oswald shares, “I’d like to thank the Niagara USA Chamber for recognizing the efforts of my team. We, at the Niagara SBDC, are proud of our collaboration with all the business resource partners in the County during the Covid-19 crisis. Since mid-March, the Niagara SBDC has assisted over 371 clients with 74 receiving disaster funding totaling over $16.6 million and saving/creating 1,609 jobs.”

SBDC Group Photo

Top Row L-R: Lynn Oswald, Val Hill, Bree Bacon
Second row L-R: Jack Dezik, Maureen Henderson, Deanna Alterio Brennen, Dinene Zaleski
Third row L-R: J Suzan Ben, Tom Bruss, Kelly Walck, Amy Stack

Following the award ceremony, Gary Keith, Vice President and Regional Economist for M&T Bank will discuss how current events will impact the future of the Western New York economy. Guest speakers Larry Mietus, founder of Speaking of Strategy, and Franklin Sciortino, Director of the US Small Business Administration, will be contributing to the online event as well.

To register, call (716) 285-9142 or e-mail ewoods@niagarachamer.org. The public is welcome to attend and those who are involved in any type of business, community leadership, or the local economy are encouraged to participate in this free event.

The Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce is a premier business advocacy organization which serves the interest of its members and the business community of Niagara County and beyond. This dynamic, non-profit organization is a voice for business which fosters leadership, advocates on behalf of its members, and promotes the greater Buffalo-Niagara region.


Media Contact Information

Denyel Beiter
Event Coordinator, Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-5974
Email: dbeiter@niagaracc.suny.edu