Author: BNMC

Local Executives at BNMC’s Innovation Center Complete Incubator Management Certificate Program

by BNMCin Entrepreneurs, Homepage, Innovation Center, Networking6 Comments on Local Executives at BNMC’s Innovation Center Complete Incubator Management Certificate Program

Buffalo, NY— Vic Nole, Director of New Business Development, and Jennifer Flood, Suites Administrator, from the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc.’s (BNMC Inc.) Thomas R. Beecher Jr. Innovation Center recently completed the National Business Incubation Association’s (NBIA) Incubator Management Certificate Program.
The educational program provides a comprehensive and practical overview of the tasks and responsibilities of managing business incubators, which are programs that accelerate the successful development of start-up and emerging companies by providing entrepreneurs with resources and services. Launched in 2007, the certificate program is designed to enhance managers’ skills and to provide them with opportunities to gain ideas for building stronger relationships with key constituents, providing effective client services, ensuring incubator sustainability and more.

“I am proud to have earned the Incubator Management Certificate,” said Nole. “It certainly helps me to provide the best possible service to our client companies and to our local entrepreneurs who need assistance in launching their business ideas.  It also has allowed me to join a solid network of incubator managers across the country who share best practices and resources for the benefit of our local clients.”

NBIA officials say receiving a certificate is a mark of distinction verifying mastery of incubator governance, services and policies. “We thought it would be helpful for NBIA to establish a base of knowledge that every incubator manager should know, regardless of the type of incubator they run,” said Tom Strodtbeck, NBIA director of events and international programs. “The certificate program is a way for people to track their progress in gaining that knowledge.”

To receive a certificate, incubator managers must complete a total of 24 hours of training that covers a range of topics, including incubator finances, strategic planning, graduation policies and procedures, client selection, and facilities management.

Business incubation programs, such as the Thomas R. Beecher, Jr. Innovation Center, catalyze the process of starting and growing companies by providing entrepreneurs with the expertise, networks and tools they need to make their ventures successful. NBIA estimates that in 2011 alone, North American incubators assisted about 49,000 start-up companies that provided full-time employment for nearly 200,000 workers and generated annual revenue of almost $15 billion.

The Thomas R. Beecher, Jr. Innovation Center, located at 640 Ellicott Street on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, is a LEED-certified research and development space housing early stage companies, as well as companies offering support services like access to capital, IP attorneys, talent acquisition, sales, and marketing. The growing space is designed to accommodate small to medium companies seeking office space, wet lab and/or research space.

The Suites at the Innovation Center offers physical and virtual office space on a month-to-month basis. Offices are furnished with telephone and internet access included. The “plug ‘n play” space is perfect for entrepreneurs and small businesses. The Innovation Center also houses dig, a collaborative co-work space created to help people turn their idea into a business. Both the Innovation Center and dig are operated by the BNMC Inc.

About the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc.

The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. (BNMC Inc.) is a self-sustaining social enterprise successfully combining innovation, job creation, and urban revitalization. It serves as the umbrella organization of the anchor institutions that make up the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus located within the 120-acre campus bordering Allentown, the Fruit Belt and Downtown. The BNMC Inc. fosters conversation and collaboration among its member institutions, its partners and the community to address critical issues impacting them, including entrepreneurship, energy, access and transportation, workforce and procurement, neighborhoods, and healthy communities, with the goal of increasing economic development and building a strong community. bnmc-old.local

About the National Business Incubation Association

The National Business Incubation Association is the world’s leading organization advancing business incubation and entrepreneurship. It provides thousands of professionals with information, education, advocacy and networking resources to bring excellence to the process of assisting early-stage companies. Visit www.nbia.org to learn more.

BNMC, Inc., First Niagara Award First Two Grants For Seed Capital Accelerator Program

by BNMCin Community, Entrepreneurs, Homepage5 Comments on BNMC, Inc., First Niagara Award First Two Grants For Seed Capital Accelerator Program

October 23, 2014, BUFFALO, NY – The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. and First Niagara Bank N.A. announced today two of the first awardees for its Seed Capital Accelerator Program.
The first grant recipients – Public Health Communications LLC and F Bites – will use the funds to help improve the physical and economic health of the communities on and around the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.

“We are pleased to announce our first round of grant recipients,” said Vic Nole, director of new business development for the BNMC, Inc. “These two companies are terrific examples of what we were hoping to see with this funding – entrepreneurs with innovative ideas that can positively impact our community, not only in creating jobs but also in supporting a healthier community.”

“First Niagara is committed to boosting business development and job creation in our City, and playing a pivotal role in the redevelopment taking place on and around the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. We are proud to provide the resources business owners need to help create a vibrant downtown where people can live and work,” said Buford Sears, First Niagara Regional President, Western New York.

Public Health Communications, LLC, led by local businessman John Seman and working in collaboration with the Erie County Health Department for content development, received $9,900 for a pilot project to deliver vital public health, safety, and wellness information via a network of digital signage installed in physician waiting rooms, health care clinics, emergency rooms, and other health related areas.

“Digital signage is emerging as a powerful medium for delivering dynamic, engaging and impactful messages,” Seman said. “Patients spend an average of 20 minutes in physician waiting rooms, creating an ideal environment for presenting information that empowers them to take a more active role in the health care.”

The pilot will also serve as a market research initiative to gauge the impact, recall, and action taken based on information presented on the digital signage. Arbitron Research studies indicate that 76 percent of people watch digital signage, 63 percent recall the messages, and 28 percent take previously unplanned action based on the information presented. The goal is to install 100 digital signs across Erie County over the next 3-5 years, thereby improving the health of the entire region.

The second company to receive funding in this round is F Bites, a youth empowerment and training company led by Chef Bobby Anderson, which will receive $10,000. F Bites founder and executive director Chef Bobby, as he is known, wp-contenteared on the national television series “Hell’s Kitchen” several years ago, and returned to Buffalo with a goal of improving the lives of youth in the region. His company offers vocational training as well as nutrition and financial literacy education to youth and young adults through after school programs and at special events within Erie and Niagara Counties.

“I have always known that cooking was a universal language, and it’s a very effective tool to teach the soft skills necessary for career advancement and increase awareness about healthy eating,” said Anderson. “We have been successful with what we have been doing, but receiving this grant will allow us to expand our operations and increase collaborative efforts with other local youth organization, thereby having an even greater impact on kids and families in our region.”

The company has been in operation for five years in Niagara County and seeks a larger presence in Erie County. F Bites will use its funding for business consulting and operating expenses, including hiring attorney services to obtain 501(c)3 status. They also plan to open an eatery on or near the Medical Campus to provide healthy food options prepared and served by the youth in the training program.

More than 85 percent of students graduating from the F Bites program over the past five years are currently enrolled in school or employed part- or full-time. These students are trained for existing employment opportunities, and with the expansion of F Bites will have an opportunity to go to work directly for the organization.

The BNMC Inc. is still accepting wp-contentlications on a rolling basis for the balance of the funding. For more information, visit bnmc-old.local/seedcapital.

 

About the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc.

The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. (BNMC, Inc.) is a self-sustaining social enterprise successfully combining innovation, job creation, and urban revitalization. It serves as the umbrella organization of the anchor institutions that make up the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus located within the 120-acre campus bordering Allentown, the Fruit Belt and Downtown. The BNMC Inc. fosters conversation and collaboration among its member institutions, its partners and the community to address critical issues impacting them, including entrepreneurship, energy, access and transportation, workforce and procurement, neighborhoods, and healthy communities, with the goal of increasing economic development and building a strong community. bnmc-old.local

 

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Kaleida Health to Break Ground for the New John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital

by BNMCin Campus-wide, Community, Construction, Employees, Homepage, Member Institution(s)5 Comments on Kaleida Health to Break Ground for the New John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital
The John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital groundbreaking ceremony will held today Wednesday, October 8th, 2014. Physicians, employees, donors and other dignitaries will be on hand to kick off construction on the new $270 million facility.

image001The Oishei Children’s Hospital will replace the current Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, which is located on Bryant Street.

The historic project will right-size and consolidate services in a 12-floor, 183-bed, free-standing, modern facility on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. It will be an integral part of the campus, linking with the Buffalo General Medical Center, the Gates Vascular Institute, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, the new UB Medical School and more.

Last week, Kaleida Health announced its financing for the project. In August, site preparation began.

Construction is anticipated to take wp-contentroximately 34 months , with the new hospital opening in 2017.

New Signage Adds to Improved Medical Campus Streetscape

by BNMCin Campus-wide, Community, Employees, Homepage, Innovation Center, Member Institution(s)5 Comments on New Signage Adds to Improved Medical Campus Streetscape

New Signage Adds to Improved Medical Campus Streetscape

Lighting, pathways, gardens and public art enhance public spaces

Buffalo, N.Y., October 7, 2014 – New, colorful directional signage is being installed on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, nearly completing significant streetscape enhancements to the Campus that began in 2010.  The wayfinding system, developed by Corbin Design, will have a cohesive look and will direct patients and visitors to the major campus destinations.

20141007_133516The 44 signature signs will be installed throughout the Campus, from Goodell to North Street and Main to Michigan. In addition, informational kiosks that include full campus maps and other information about the Medical Campus will be located at major pedestrian areas.

The signage is one more step in the improved look of the Campus that includes the completion of Ellicott Park, a $6.3 million federal streetscape project that extends along Ellicott Street from Goodell to Best Streets. Designed by nArchitects, the 3,300 linear park runs through the heart of the Medical Campus and includes angled paths, islands, and plazas, as well as banded concrete, illuminated benches, a diverse planting scheme, and signature LED lighting – the first of its kind in the city of Buffalo. Ellicott Park was developed with input from a variety of Medical Campus stakeholders and was designed to encourage purposeful interactions between employees, patients, visitors, and neighbors, increase active living opportunities, and provide better access to the Campus institutions.

In addition to input on design and development of streetscape improvements, Medical Campus stakeholders are also taking an active role in the ongoing upkeep of the surrounding areas.  The BNMC Inc. team has adopted specific garden beds in Ellicott Park and are actively weeding, cleaning and handling general maintenance to ensure that the beds look their best at all times. Other Medical Campus businesses and organizations are encouraged to adopt a bed in the linear park. Those that adopt a bed are supported by BNMC Inc. Green Team members and are recognized with signs in the adopted bed.

The investment in improving the overall streetscape on the Medical Campus creates a unique environment, while providing a safe and walkable public space. Many improvements are also energy efficient and environmentally friendly, such as the 21 electric vehicle charging stations throughout the campus and the LED lighting in the public right of way on Ellicott, as well as the installation of a bio-retention facility to filter contaminants that would otherwise enter the Great Lakes and adding solar/wind powered lighting in the parking lot across from the Innovation Center.  In addition, exterior public art has been added at the corner of High & Ellicott in partnership with the Buffalo Renaissance Foundation and on the MiGo parking garage at Michigan and High Street in partnership with a community art committee.

While the enhanced public spaces are designed primarily for employees, patients and their visitors, BNMC, Inc. actively encourages the public to visit the Medical Campus as well.  Initiatives such as “Tunes in the Tent,” musical events held every Tuesday at noon at Ellicott Park over the summer, and the “Walking on Wednesdays” program that provides walking tours through the Medical Campus are open to the public.  Learn more about the BNMC at bnmc-old.local.

 

About BNMC, Inc.

The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. (BNMC, Inc.) is a self-sustaining social enterprise successfully combining innovation, job creation, and urban revitalization. The non-profit BNMC, Inc. serves as the umbrella organization for the anchor institutions comprising the region’s premier health care, life sciences research, and medical education institutions located within the 120-acre campus. The BNMC Inc. fosters conversation and collaboration among its member institutions, its partners and the community to address critical issues impacting them, including entrepreneurship, energy, access and transportation, workforce and procurement, neighborhoods, and healthy communities, with the goal of increasing economic development and building a strong community. bnmc-old.local

Landis+Gyr to Partner with Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and National Grid on Energy Modernization Study

by BNMCin Energy, Homepage, Sustainability6 Comments on Landis+Gyr to Partner with Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and National Grid on Energy Modernization Study

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESeptember 26, 2014

For more information, contact
Kari Bonaro, BNMC, Inc.
716.218.7157/202.904.7034 (m)
kbonaro@bnmc-old.local

Landis+Gyr to Partner with Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and

National Grid on Energy Modernization Study

 Smart grid company to provide technology for energy utilization study

 

Buffalo, N.Y., September 26 , 2014 – The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. (BNMC Inc.) announced today that it will partner with National Grid and Landis+Gyr for an energy study that will develop strategies to improve reliability, sustainability, and the quality of energy used on the Medical Campus. Landis+Gyr, a global leader in the smart grid and energy management industry, will provide the critical networking infrastructure, grid sensors, software and services necessary for data collection and analysis. This study and the implementation of its findings is another example of the innovative energy partnership between the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and National Grid.

Funded by NYSERDA and National Grid, the study will be conducted by Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and will support the continued growth of the Medical Campus and Buffalo Niagara Region by exploring and evaluating distributed and renewable energy sources against the existing distribution system on-and-around the Campus to accomplish targeted grid modernization and to realize grid resiliency. The objectives of the project are to:

  • Monitor the power system characteristics for various voltage levels and benchmark the existing power quality and reliability environment.
  • Identify power quality and energy efficiency optimization possibilities throughout the local power grid and within BNMC member institutions.
  • Analyze results in the context of improving electric power for end-users by combining attributes of both the grid and distributed energy resources.
  • Determine the benefit of innovative systems such as microgrids and renewable energy sources to improve the reliability, sustainability, and quality of the power system.
  • Determine the feasibility of implementing a self-sustainable energy hub for the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and surrounding areas.

Planning for the study has already begun and implementation will likely begin by the end of this month. The program will collect data over the duration of the project, with concurrent analysis and development strategies to be shared throughout. The end result of the study will be key information that will feed into the BNMC’s existing Energy Innovation Plan, and will include the exploration of smart grid, smart metering, micro-grid, utility asset utilization, and renewable energy resources.

The energy partnership between National Grid and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus is designed to develop integrated solutions that will drive economic growth in the Buffalo Niagara region and position all partners as global energy leaders. This partnership represents the first of its kind energy innovation between a global utility and a community-engaged medical and technology park.

According to Paul Tyno, director of energy initiatives, BNMC, Inc., “Managing energy use on the Medical Campus is a top priority for BNMC, Inc., and this study is critical to develop an energy innovation strategy to address energy needs now and into the future. Our growing campus, particularly our clinical and research facilities, have a need for continuous, high-quality power and we want to be proactive in providing sustainable solutions, whether through modernization of the existing grid or through renewable sources. The addition of Landis+Gyr to our team allows us to leverage their energy expertise and to work with an experienced provider of smart grid solutions that will be a great benefit to us in collecting the necessary data.”

Landis+Gyr Executive Vice President of the Americas, Prasanna Venkatesan added, “We are thrilled to be partnering with innovative, forward-thinking organizations like the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc., National Grid, and EPRI. Our smart grid technology and solutions are designed to support the high level of data collection and analysis that this Study requires and will further support more efficient and progressive ways of providing power to the Medical Campus and the surrounding neighborhoods.”

“Adding a technology partner like Landis+Gyr is the next logical step in the overall energy plan we are developing for the campus, and then the region,” said Dennis Elsenbeck, regional executive for National Grid. “The level of data and analysis from this study will allow all the partners to assure we are meeting existing needs, and plan for an energy future that will allow BNMC, its members and its neighbors to be at the leading edge of energy innovation.”

 

About the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc.

The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. (BNMC, Inc.) is a self-sustaining social enterprise successfully combining innovation, job creation, and urban revitalization. It serves as the umbrella organization of the anchor institutions that make up the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus located within the 120-acre campus bordering Allentown, the Fruit Belt and Downtown. The BNMC Inc. fosters conversation and collaboration among its member institutions, its partners and the community to address critical issues impacting them, including entrepreneurship, energy, access and transportation, workforce and procurement, neighborhoods, and healthy communities, with the goal of increasing economic development and building a strong community. bnmc-old.local

 

About National Grid

National Grid (LSE: NG; NYSE:NGG) is an electricity and gas company that connects consumers to energy sources through its networks. The company is at the heart of one of the greatest challenges facing our society -to create new, sustainable energy solutions for the future and develop an energy system that underpins economic prosperity in the 21st century. National Grid holds a vital position at the center of the energy system.

In the northeast U.S., we connect more than seven million gas and electric customers to vital energy sources, essential for our modern lifestyles. In Great Britain, we run the gas and electricity systems that our society is built on, delivering gas and electricity across the country.

National Grid delivers electricity to wp-contentroximately 3.3 million customers in Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island. It is the largest distributor of natural gas in northeastern U.S., serving wp-contentroximately 3.4 million customers in New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

For more information please visit our website: www.nationalgridus.com.

Follow us on Twitter, Watch us on You Tube, Friend us on Facebook, Find our photos on Instagram.

 

About Landis+Gyr

Landis+Gyr is the leading global provider of integrated energy management products tailored to energy company needs and unique in its ability to deliver true end-to-end advanced metering solutions. Today, the Company offers the broadest portfolio of products and services in the electricity metering industry, and is paving the way for the next generation of smart grid. With annualized sales of more than US$1.5 billion, Landis+Gyr, an independent growth platform of the Toshiba Corporation (TKY:6502) and 40% owned by the Innovation Network Corporation of Japan, operates in 30 countries across five continents, and employs 5,500 people with the sole mission of helping the world manage energy better. More information is available at landisgyr.com.

 

 

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Western New York Energy Round Table

by BNMCin Uncategorized8 Comments on Western New York Energy Round Table

Western New York Energy Round Table
Thursday, October 16, 2014

The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. invites you to join the NYS Energy Leadership Team for a roundtable discussion with representatives from local clean energy sector businesses and organizations.

Topics to cover:

  • What are the opportunities in Western New York to develop advanced energy efficient technologies that will create new companies or support existing company growth?
  • What are the market barriers and gaps that impede development and deployment of these products?
  • How can New York State help?

NYS Energy Leadership Team includes:

  • Richard Kauffman, Chair, Energy & Finance New York
  • Audrey Zibelman, Chair, NYS Public Service Commission
  • Gil Quiniones, President & CEO, NYPA
  • John Rhodes, President & CEO, NYSERDA
  • Alfred Griffin, President, NY Green Bank

WHEN:                Thursday, October 16, 2014, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

WHERE:               Gates Vascular Institute/UB Clinical and Translational Research Center

875 Ellicott Street, 5th floor, Rm. 5091 A & B

Buffalo, NY

 

RSVP:                    This event is invite only. Please RSVP to bnmc-old.local/energyOct16.

Commercialization is Heating Up in Western New York!

by BNMCin Campus-wide, Community, Employees, Entrepreneurs, Homepage, Life Sciences Companies, Networking3 Comments on Commercialization is Heating Up in Western New York!

BNMC Logo RGB Stacked                                             FURNACE          

           DIG 1                                                     LAUNCH

Commercialization is Heating Up in Western New York!

Join us on September 17th for a free seminar about the process for commercializing new technologies from the U.S. Department of Defense through the Furnace New York Accelerator program – and how Launch NY can assist!

RSVP!

WHEN:  Wednesday, September 17, 6:00 – 8:00 pm

WHAT: 6:00     Registration

 6:30     Wiley Larsen, Venture Manager, Furnace Accelerator
Topic: Adopting Department of Defense technologies that are ready for commercialization

 7:00     Marnie LaVigne, President & CEO, Launch NY
Topic: Facilitating the launch and growth of high potential companies in upstate New York

 7:30     General Q&A

 8:00     Join fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and business developers for informal networking

 

WHERE: Dig in the Thomas R. Beecher, Jr. Innovation Center, 640 Ellicott Street, Buffalo NY

Car and bike parking are available in the lot across the street. dig is two blocks southeast of the Allen/Medical Campus NFTA station.

RSVP: This event is free but registration is required. Please RSVP by Friday, Sept. 12th at bnmc-old.local/events/furnace

The Buffalo News: National foundations investing in Buffalo

by BNMCin Allentown, Campus-wide, Community, Fundraiser, Homepage, Innovation Center, Investment Opportunities, News5 Comments on The Buffalo News: National foundations investing in Buffalo
The cooperation and recent track record of Buffalo’s economic development efforts has caught the eye of an unlikely source of investment capital: national charitable foundations.

Lured to the city by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, executives from several deep-pocketed nonprofits want to put their vast dollars to work in one of the nation’s most downtrodden cities as it undergoes what many see as a revival.

They say they are intrigued by the new sense of public and private-sector teamwork in the region, and are considering targeted investments in key projects to improve the economy and quality of life. The goal is to create conditions that encourage the growth of small businesses and jobs, so individuals and families can earn more money and accumulate wealth.

The foundations are eying the components of the regional economic development plan – such as technology manufacturing and medical research – as the mechanism to do it.

“We are very impressed with the cooperation and the intergovernmental and public-private partnerships that have already been developed in Buffalo and the surrounding area,” said Frank Altman, founder, president and CEO of the Community Reinvestment Fund (CRF), one of the national groups. “We just think there is a real opportunity to get behind that.”

The foundations want to invest from their core holdings in projects, businesses and initiatives, hoping to make a greater impact on the community. Projects may include building new and improved housing, fostering the creation of new jobs, training workers, supporting new businesses, and encouraging environmental and social initiatives.

Representatives of eight national foundations and three national investment firms gathered in Buffalo for a daylong summit in June with 50 attendees in all, and officials hope to build on that in the fall.

Specific opportunities that the Community Foundation is pitching include:

• Training programs for jobs that pay “family-sustaining” wages

• Investing in businesses in “economically distressed communities”

• Buying government bonds

• Investing in companies with “strong environmental records”

• Offering credit to a local land trust to buy land for preservation

• Buying and developing commercial or mixed-use properties in specific areas

Investors were particularly interested in the new Advanced Manufacturing Institute and companies participating in the 43North business plan competition, according to Community Foundation.

The foundations expect to earn enough on their investments to sustain their holdings.

“We’re a community that’s really on the move in terms of economic development, and these investors are coming to town to meet with local economic development leaders to begin the conversation of opportunities where they can put capital to work in the local community,” said Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker, president and CEO of the Community Foundation, which is spearheading the effort and coordinating the partners along with the F.B. Heron Foundation.

“It’s clearly about economic development, but it’s not about grants,” she said. “These foundations are coming in to look for opportunities in which they can invest their actual endowment.”

That would bring significantly more outside dollars into the community to leverage local money. And it could add to the national attention that Buffalo is gaining from the state’s Buffalo Billion economic development initiative, the growth of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and the University at Buffalo, and the surge in development.

“The word is getting out about Buffalo as an up-and-coming city and this is validation of that,” said Dottie Gallagher-Cohen, CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership. “What I see with this is tremendous horsepower in capital.”

Broader focus

“Mission-related” or “impact” investing is a change for philanthropic organizations long focused on social, environmental and economic change through grants and donations. Philanthropic leaders have concluded that the challenges facing many communities and families are so serious they have to shift gears to make more of an impact.

“Poverty is not marginal anymore. It’s not if we help someone get access to a loan, they can buy a house. If they don’t have a job, having access to a loan is not good, and owning a house is not always good, either,” said Clara Miller, president of the $300 million F.B. Heron Foundation in New York, which seeks to address poverty and related issues through socially responsible investments.

“So we said maybe we should go farther down the food chain and say how can we intervene to make sure people have jobs,” she said.

Nonprofit charitable foundations are required by the Internal Revenue Service to spend at least 5 percent of their total return each year. Heron, for example, has provided a $1.5 million grant to the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.

“BNMC offers one of the most tangible and inclusive expressions of successful economic development and job creation in an ex-industrialized American city,” Heron says on its website. “Anchor institutions, the historically low income surrounding neighborhoods, and community groups are all at the table.”

The newer concept calls for charitable organizations to invest their core endowment directly in communities, seeking investments that will generate social or environmental benefits, and still provide market-rate or near-market-rate returns. That could include support for job-training or job-creation initiatives, funding a “green” economy, small business financing or loan guarantees, private-equity stakes in companies, or investments in stock, bonds or even commercial and residential real estate development.

“This is very new to our community, this whole concept,” Dedecker said. “It’s a powerful opportunity for our community at this time.”

Besides Community Foundation, Heron of New York City and Minneapolis-based CRF, participants include Florida-based Community Capital Management, New York-based National Development Council, EKO, Hitachi Foundation of Washington, D.C., the Kresge Foundation of Detroit and George Soros’ Open Society Foundation of New York. Ford Foundation, MacArthur Foundation and New Island Capital have also been contacted.

The organizations have engaged in similar work in cities across the country, including Chicago, Boston and Cleveland, and their focus ranges from jobs and business development to the environment and housing.

For example, besides grants, Heron also has issued loans, bought debt or made private-equity investments in businesses and communities through funds in California, the San Francisco Bay Area, northwest Louisiana, Boston, New Hampshire and the Appalachian region. Another nonprofit that is not involved here, the Minneapolis Foundation, provided a $1 million working capital loan fund through another nonprofit to enable minority- and women-owned businesses to participate in the construction of a new football stadium for the Vikings.

“The for-profit sector looks for places that are already on the way up and make a lot of money from doing that. The philanthropic sector has a different model,” said Mark Popovich, vice president of programs at Hitachi Foundation, which focuses on quality job creation and career advancement, particularly in health care and advanced manufacturing, and on entrepreneurship. “We’re looking at places that aren’t the most vibrant economic communities, because that’s where the opportunities exist to invest with local investors to support change.”

 

Source:
Epstein, Jonathan D. . (2014  August 24). National foundations investing in Buffalo. The Buffalo News. Retrieved from  http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/national-foundations-investing-in-buffalo-20140824

BNMC, Inc. Now Accepting Applications for Seed Capital Accelerator Program, Sponsored by First Niagara Bank Program Designed to Support New and Growing Start-ups on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus

by BNMCin Campus-wide, Community, News8 Comments on BNMC, Inc. Now Accepting Applications for Seed Capital Accelerator Program, Sponsored by First Niagara Bank Program Designed to Support New and Growing Start-ups on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASETuesday, July 22, 2014

Contact:
Kari Root Bonaro, BNMC, Inc.
716.218.7157, kbonaro@bnmc-old.local

 

BNMC, Inc. Now Accepting Applications for Seed Capital Accelerator Program, Sponsored by First Niagara BankProgram Designed to Support New and Growing Start-ups on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus 

(Buffalo, NY – July 22, 2014) The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. (BNMC, Inc.) is now accepting wp-contentlications for its Seed Capital Accelerator Program, sponsored by First Niagara Bank.  First Niagara has provided funding to support new and existing start-ups that are affiliated with the BNMC’s Thomas R. Beecher, Jr. Innovation Center or entrepreneurship programs.

The new fund will provide up to $10,000 in seed funding to enable start-ups to overcome short term business obstacles, and to reach project milestones that are designed to get products and services to market quicker – thus yielding measurable longer term returns on investment.  Grants and loans will be awarded to businesses that have sustainable growth potential, a legitimate funding need, and are making a contribution to the social and business communities on and around the Medical Campus.

“This generous funding from First Niagara will allow us to further support the entrepreneurial ecosystem on the Medical Campus,” said Vic Nole, director of new business development for the BNMC, Inc. “We look forward to helping even more start-ups move from ideation to incubation, creating jobs and re-building our community.”

Program Description

BNMC, Inc. will make available grants or loans to eligible business owners under the program for the following purposes:

  • To purchase equipment or other capital goods.
  • For operating expenses that are directly related to a specific revenue generating project.
  • To acquire inventory required to satisfy a signed purchase order.
  • To pay up to 50% of a new hire’s salary for up to 90 days.
  • To pay for education, mentoring, or training for entrepreneurs and business owners that is directly related to the creation of a new business or the growth of an existing business within the Community.

The program will be directed to companies that are located on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, or to companies (or entrepreneurs) that are being assisted with their formation and growth plans by the business development office at the BNMC, Inc.  Specifically, grants will be provided to either:

  • Revenue generating companies that sell goods and services,
  • Community building companies that provide goods or services to persons on or near the Medical Campus, or
  • Companies that need capital to deliver on projects for BNMC member institutions.

For program wp-contentlications please contact:

Vic Nole, Director of New Business Development, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc.

vnole@bnmc-old.local.

Learn more at bnmc-old.local/seedcapital

About the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc.

The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. (BNMC, Inc.) is a self-sustaining social enterprise successfully combining innovation, job creation, and urban revitalization. The BNMC, Inc. serves as the umbrella organization of the anchor institutions that make up the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus located within the 120-acre campus bordering Allentown, the Fruit Belt and Downtown. The BNMC, Inc. fosters conversation and collaboration among its member institutions, its partners and the community to address critical issues impacting them, including entrepreneurship, energy, access and transportation, workforce and procurement, neighborhoods, and healthy communities, with the goal of increasing economic development and building a strong community.

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First Niagara Bank, N.A. and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. Seed Capital Accelerator Program

by BNMCin Campus-wide, Community, Entrepreneurs, Homepage, Innovation Center10 Comments on First Niagara Bank, N.A. and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. Seed Capital Accelerator Program

BNMC LOGO       FN LOGO
The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. (BNMC, Inc.) is now accepting wp-contentlications for its Seed Capital Accelerator Program, sponsored by First Niagara Bank. First Niagara has provided funding that will be used by BNMC, Inc. to support new and existing start-ups that are affiliated with BNMC, Inc.’s Innovation Center or entrepreneurship programs.

The new fund will provide up to $10,000 in seed funding to enable start-ups to overcome short term business obstacles, and to reach project milestones that are designed to get products and services to market quicker – thus yielding measurable longer term returns on investment. Grants and loans will be awarded to businesses that have sustainable growth potential, a legitimate funding need, and are making a contribution to the social and business communities on and around the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

BNMC, Inc. will make available grants or loans to eligible business owners under the program for the following purposes:

  • To purchase equipment or other capital goods.
  • For operating expenses that are directly related to a specific revenue generating project.
  • To acquire inventory required to satisfy a signed purchase order.
  • To pay up to 50% of a new hire’s salary for up to 90 days.
  • To pay for education, mentoring, or training for entrepreneurs and business owners that is directly related to the creation of a new business or the growth of an existing business within the Community.

The Program will be directed to companies that are located on the Medical Campus, or to companies (or entrepreneurs) that are being assisted with their formation and growth plans by the business development office at the BNMC, Inc. Specifically, awards will be provided to either:

  1. Revenue generating companies that sell goods and services,
  2. Community building companies that provide goods or services to persons on or near the Medical Campus, or
  3. Companies that need capital to deliver on projects for BNMC member institutions.

To wp-contently or for more information, please contact:

Vic Nole, Director of New Business Development, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc., vnole@bnmc-old.local.

Seed Capital Accelerator Program Application

 

Read more:

BNMC, Inc. Now Accepting Applications for Seed Capital Accelerator Program, Sponsored by First Niagara Bank Program Designed to Support New and Growing Start-ups on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus – See more at: https://bnmc-old.local/bnmc-inc-now-accepting-wp-contentlications-seed-capital-accelerator-program-sponsored-first-niagara-bank-program-designed-support-new-growing-start-ups-buffalo-niagara-medical-campus/#sthash.DrkIuJDR.dpuf

BNMC, Inc. Now Accepting Applications for Seed Capital Accelerator Program, Sponsored by First Niagara Bank Program Designed to Support New and Growing Start-ups on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus

First Niagara Announces $500,000 Business Development Fund to Highlight Company’s $4.0 Million Investment in Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus

Watch the video to see how all of the grant recipients will work to support small business growth near the BNMC.

First Niagara Announces $500,000 Business Development Fund to Highlight Company’s $4.0 Million Investment in Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus – See more at: https://bnmc-old.local/first-niagara-announces-500000-business-development-fund-highlight-companys-4-0-million-investment-buffalo-niagara-medical-campus/#sthash.l65pyfNn.CN6TqNH9.dpuf

BNMC Update 2014

by BNMCin Allentown, Campus-wide, Community, Employees, Energy, Entrepreneurs, Homepage, Innovation Center, Member Institution(s), News, Transportation8 Comments on BNMC Update 2014

The Connections that Make a Community

photo 2On Thursday, June 12th, Bill Joyce, chair of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. board of directors, and Matt Enstice, president & CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc., presented an update on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.  The update focused on where the  BNMC stands and its future with a strong emphasis on the current initiatives underway that impact the local community at large.

the Medical Campus is home to a thriving medical community, cutting-edge research, world-class health care facilities, and both established and emerging private sector companies. Leveraging those assets, the BNMC, Inc. has an ambitious vision to integrate energy, transportation, food systems, entrepreneurship, housing, education and jobs that will change Buffalo’s future.

 

photo 4The BNMC, Inc. focuses on: Entrepreneurship, Jobs and Workforce, Transportation, Energy, Neighborhoods, Housing and Healthy Communities. Learn more about the BNMC Initiatives.

View the BNMC Update 2014.

 

Chair of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus Board of Directors – See more at: https://bnmc-old.local/about/board-of-directors/#william%20l.%20joyce

Chair of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus Board of Directors – See more at: https://bnmc-old.local/about/board-of-directors/#william%20l.%20joyce

Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus Partners Host Career Forum for Residents in Surrounding Neighborhoods June 18th Forum Features Campus Employers and Training Organizations

by BNMCin Allentown, Campus-wide, Community, Employees, Event, Fruit Belt, Homepage, News9 Comments on Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus Partners Host Career Forum for Residents in Surrounding Neighborhoods June 18th Forum Features Campus Employers and Training Organizations

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMonday, June 16, 2014
Contact:
Kari Root Bonaro, BNMC, Inc.
716.218.7157, kbonaro@bnmc-old.local

 MEDIA ADVISORY

 

Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus Partners Host Career Forum for

Residents in Surrounding Neighborhoods

June 18th Forum Features Campus Employers and Training Organizations

The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. and its partners are hosting a career pathways forum on Weds., June 18th from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. for the residents in the neighborhoods around the Medical Campus. The forum will be an opportunity to learn about the types of jobs available on the Medical Campus, meet Campus employees, get useful tips, and ask questions. Local training and workforce organizations will also be on hand to help identify programs that can help employment seekers strengthen their skills and match them with career opportunities on the Medical Campus.

The forum program includes a presentation by BNMC member institutions about career pathways within their organizations and employees of these institutions who live in the neighborhoods around the Medical Campus from 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. There will be tabling and networking with participating employers and training organizations from 5:00 – 5:30 p.m. and 6:45 – 8:00 p.m.

Participating organizations include: Kaleida Health, University at Buffalo, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center, Buffalo Medical Group, Unyts, UB Educational Opportunity Center, ECMC, Zeptometrix, Buffalo Urban League, Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology, Veterans One-Stop Center, Hispanics United, Health Sciences Charter School, Center for Employment Opportunities, and many more.

Today, 12,000 people work on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, at 10 major institutions and 75 private and public companies, a number that will grow to nearly 17,000 by 2017. The Medical Campus is a vibrant, 120-acre campus located just north of downtown Buffalo, with 6.5 million square feet of research, development, and clinical space today, and nearly 1.5 million sq. ft. more under construction.

WHO:  Targeted to residents in the area surrounding the Medical Campus, including the Fruit Belt, Allentown, Downtown, Linwood, Cold Springs and Masten neighborhoods.

 

WHEN:Wednesday, June 18th from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Program runs from 5:30 – 6:45 p.m.

 

WHERE: dig, a new co-work space in the Thomas R. Beecher Jr., Innovation Center at 640 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY

 

About the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc.

The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. (BNMC, Inc.) is a self-sustaining social enterprise successfully combining innovation, job creation, and urban revitalization. The BNMC, Inc. serves as the umbrella organization of the anchor institutions that make up the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus located within the 120-acre campus bordering Allentown, the Fruit Belt and Downtown. The BNMC, Inc. fosters conversation and collaboration among its member institutions, its partners and the community to address critical issues impacting them, including entrepreneurship, energy, access and transportation, workforce and procurement, neighborhoods, and healthy communities, with the goal of increasing economic development and building a strong community.

 

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New Lunchtime Concert Series on Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus

by BNMCin Allentown, Amenities, Campus-wide, Community, Employees, Fruit Belt, Homepage8 Comments on New Lunchtime Concert Series on Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, June 2, 2014

Contact:
Kari Root Bonaro, BNMC, Inc.
716.218.7157, kbonaro@bnmc-old.local

 

MEDIA ADVISORY AND PHOTO OP

 

New Lunchtime Concert Series on Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus

Features Musicians Who Work and Live on and Around the Medical Campus

The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. (BNMC, Inc.) is excited to announce Tunes in the Tent, a new, free lunchtime concert series celebrating musicians who live and work on and around the Medical Campus and the surrounding neighborhoods. This series is designed to encourage collaboration and networking among employees, local businesses and residents. Concerts will take place at noon every Tuesday through the end of the summer on the corner of Ellicott and Virginia Streets. Tunes in the Tent is free and open to the public.

 

In support of the BNMC, Inc. energy initiatives, the sound system for the bands will be powered by the elt1098, part of a new line of lithium ion battery powered, environmentally conscious construction equipment being developed by local company OSC.

 

June Line Up

June 3rd – The Observers

June 10th – Theresa Quinn Trio

June 17th – Patrick Lauerman Band

June 24th – Mari McNeil

 

The rest of the summer line-up will be posted soon! Visit https://bnmc-old.local/tunes for more details.

Today, 12,000 people work on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, at 10 major institutions and 75 private and public companies, and more than one million patients and visitors annually. The Medical Campus is a vibrant, 120-acre campus located just north of downtown Buffalo, with 6.5 million square feet of research, development, and clinical space today, and nearly 1.5 million sq. ft. more under construction.

WHEN: Every Tuesday from June 3rd – August 26th from Noon – 1pm

WHERE: Park at the corner of Ellicott and Virginia Streets on the BNMC< across from Hauptman-Woodward Institute

About the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc.

The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. (BNMC, Inc.) is a self-sustaining social enterprise successfully combining innovation, job creation, and urban revitalization. The BNMC, Inc. serves as the umbrella organization of the anchor institutions that make up the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus located within the 120-acre campus bordering Allentown, the Fruit Belt and Downtown. The BNMC, Inc. fosters conversation and collaboration among its member institutions, its partners and the community to address critical issues impacting them, including entrepreneurship, energy, access and transportation, workforce and procurement, neighborhoods, and healthy communities, with the goal of increasing economic development and building a strong community.

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BNMC, Inc. Presents: Tunes in the Tent

by BNMCin Allentown, Amenities, Attractions, Campus-wide, Community, Energy, Event, Fruit Belt, Homepage, Member Institution(s)3 Comments on BNMC, Inc. Presents: Tunes in the Tent

Summer is just around the corner and so is Tunes in the Tent — a wide array of group and solo musical concerts. Starting June 3rd every Tuesday from noon -1PM there will be free live music on the BNMC in the park located along Ellicott Street at Virginia (across from HWI). The entertainment will feature Campus employees and local community bands. Grab your lunch and enjoy the local musical talent.
Don’t have time to pack your lunch? La Belle Epicure, located in the Innovation Center, will be offering boxed lunches. The box lunches will included a 6″ Italian sub or a vegetarian wrap , an wp-contentle, bag of chips, small cookie and a bottled water all for $7.00. To pre-order your lunch, call 716-998-6894.

Tunes-in-the-tent
Tunes in the Tent

 

Tunes in the Tent is free and open to the public.

June Line Up!

June Line Up!

  • 6/3 The Observers
  • 6/10Theresa Quinn Trio
  • 6/17 Patrick Lauerman
  • 6/24 Mari McNeil

– See more at: https://bnmc-old.local/tunes/#sthash.l1SEOyFi.dpuf

Career Pathways on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus

by BNMCin Allentown, Community, Fruit Belt9 Comments on Career Pathways on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus

Please join us on June 18th for the BNMC Forum on “Career Pathways on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus” at the Innovation Center, 640 Ellicott St, from 5-8 pm. This event will bring together residents from neighborhoods around the Medical Campus with Medical Campus employers and local organizations which provide free career development services. View the program.
This is not a “job fair” but an opportunity to:

  •  Learn about the types of jobs on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, meet Campus employers, get useful tips and ask questions
  • Hear directly from Buffalo residents about their experiences building their career as employees of Medical Campus institutions
  • Discover free training programs to help strengthen your skills and match them with career opportunities on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus

You will be able to meet representatives from Kaleida Health, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, University at Buffalo, Buffalo Hearing and Speech Center and Buffalo Medical Group, as well as twenty local organizations which support individuals in achieving their employment goals.

To learn more about the program and to register,  click here, or call 716-566-2314.

 

Mayor to Announce Launch of Bicycle Master Plan at Bike to Work Day Breakfast on the BNMC

by BNMCin Biking, Campus-wide, Community, Employees, Environment, GO BNMC, Homepage, News, Sustainability, Transportation4 Comments on Mayor to Announce Launch of Bicycle Master Plan at Bike to Work Day Breakfast on the BNMC

Contact:Justin Booth
Executive Director, GObike Buffalo
(716) 220-1454
justin@gobikebuffalo.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 Mayor to Announce Launch of Bicycle Master Plan at Bike to Work Day Breakfast on the BNMC

[Buffalo, NY] – On Friday, May 16th at 8:30am Mayor Byron Brown will join GObike Buffalo and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. (BNMC) at a Bike to Work Day breakfast (927 Washington St) to announce the launch of the city’s development of a Bicycle Master Plan. The Bicycle Master Plan will be a document that will outline a network of bicycle lanes and paths prioritized for investment through community buy-in which will detail Buffalo’s commitment to becoming a premier bicycle friendly city.

In the past, Mayor Brown committed to adding 10 miles of bike lanes a year; a commitment he has honored to its fullest and continues to do so with complete street projects this year including Pearl Street, Niagara Street and Ohio Street among others. When asked why he endorses the Bicycle Master Plan, the mayor commented that, “Making bicycling and walking an integral part of life in Buffalo will not only benefit the city both financially and environmentally but will improve the health of our citizens.”

Businesses will also be pleased with the announcement that more bicycle racks will be available free of charge through the Mayor’s bicycle rack request form. The process is simple and business owners need only to place the request with the city by calling 311 or completing the form, which can be found here: http://www.city-buffalo.com/wp-contentlications/bikestandreq/default.aspx

Justin Booth, Executive Director of GObike Buffalo stated, “Thanks to the city’s consistent efforts, Buffalo has been awarded a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly City by the League of American Cyclists. This accolade demonstrates the success of Mayor Brown’s commitment of becoming a bicycle friendly city encouraging improved safety and accessibility of bicycling in Buffalo with the goal of being awarded Platinumin the future. The development and implementation of the Bicycle Master Plan will further lead the city toward this goal.”

The Bike to Work Day breakfast will be held at 927 Washington St., the future location of the GO Zone, a new project of the BNMC, Inc. The development of a robust multi-modal transportation and parking system is critically important on the growing, dense, urban Medical Campus. As one of the fastest growing employment centers in WNY and with a projected employee base of 17,000 by 2017, there is a need to ensure ample parking for patients and visitors, while creating sustainable and efficient access and mobility options for employees, partners and neighbors. The latest development is the GO Zone, a transportation resource center and bicycle commuter hub that will be managed by GObike.

“We are proud to have worked with Go Bike Buffalo for a number of years to support their work in improving infrastructure to make our campus and surrounding neighborhoods more bicycle and pedestrian friendly,” said Matthew K. Enstice, president and CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. “Working with strong community partners like GoBike, Buffalo CarShare, the City and GBNRTC as well as the FTA, NYSERDA and the NYS Department of Transportation, we are creating increased opportunities for alternative transportation on and around the Medical Campus, improving access to job opportunities, and building a healthier community.”

The Bike to Work breakfast was the culmination of the city’s first Bike to Work week challenge, hosted by GObike Buffalo and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc., for employees and residents on and around the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, downtown, the Fruit Belt, Allentown, and Linwood neighborhoods; and Larkinville. Sponsorship was provided by Campus Wheelworks and Mobile Pharmacy Solutions.

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More about GObike Buffalo

Through advocacy efforts, infrastructure improvements and community programs, GObike Buffalo strives to make positive impacts on our environment, community, health and economy by making Buffalo a great place for bicycling. Visit us on the web at GObikeBuffalo.org.

More about Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus

The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus is a consortium of the region’s premier health care, life sciences research, and medical education institutions, all located on 120 acres in downtown Buffalo, New York. The BNMC is dedicated to the cultivation of a world-class medical campus for clinical care, research, education, and entrepreneurship. BNMC member institutions are the University at Buffalo, Kaleida Health, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute, Buffalo Medical Group, Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center, Olmsted

Center for Sight, Upstate New York Transplant Services, and the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care. The BNMC, Inc. fosters conversation and collaboration among its member institutions, its partners and the community to address critical issues impacting them, including entrepreneurship, energy, access and transportation, workforce and procurement, neighborhoods, and healthy communities, with the goal of increasing economic development and building a strong community.  bnmc-old.local

More about the GO Zone

The GO Zone, located directly behind the NFTA Allen/Medical Campus Metro Rail Station on Washington Street, is an under-construction adaptive reuse project that will transform a vacant historic building into an alternative transportation hub.  Funded through a cost-sharing agreement with NYSERDA and the FTA, the Go Zone will include an indoor bicycle parking center, a community bike workshop operated by GObike Buffalo, and a transportation resource center where employees and residents can come to learn more about the transportation services and programs available to them.  The GO Zone will also be a major Buffalo CarShare and BikeShare hub.  Phase 1 of the GO ZONE will open this summer.

First Niagara Announces $500,000 Business Development Fund to Highlight Company’s $4.0 Million Investment in Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus

by BNMCin Campus-wide, Community, Entrepreneurs, Homepage, Investment Opportunities, News5 Comments on First Niagara Announces $500,000 Business Development Fund to Highlight Company’s $4.0 Million Investment in Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus

— Bank will make funds available to boost community development and encourage small business creation and growth, including $100,000 in funding that has yet to be distributed —

First Niagara President and CEO Gary Crosby today announced the bank is providing $500,000 in funding for start-up businesses and community redevelopment initiatives on or near the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC). First Niagara has committed $500,000, of which $400,000 has been designated to date.

The balance of First Niagara’s investment, $100,000, will be awarded to area not-for-profit or other potential partner organizations being sought to administer the funds to entrepreneurs and start-ups on the BNMC and in the surrounding Fruit Belt, Allentown and West Side neighborhoods. Local organizations already designated to administer funding from First Niagara include:

  • Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. – $100,000 to support entrepreneurs it assists through its business development office on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus
  • Buffalo Urban League – $100,000 loan fund for minority and women owned start-up businesses on or around the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus
  • University at Buffalo Office of Economic Development – $100,000 for start-up business on or around the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus that sell goods and services outside the region or for companies that directly support the Medical Campus community
  • Westminster Economic Development Initiative – $100,000 to support its microloan program targeting West Side businesses, including assistance to immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs through its West Side Bazaar business incubator

“First Niagara is committed to being at the forefront of the renaissance taking place in Western New York and on and around the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus,” said Buford Sears, First Niagara Buffalo Market Executive. “We are proud to enhance and accelerate the development of the Campus and support the innovation and growth taking place there. We are committed to the revitalization of this section of our community that will soon become a world recognized leader in life sciences research, medical education and healthcare services.”

The First Niagara Foundation has provided vital support for not-for-profit entities on and around the Campus for many years.  First Niagara’s investment in the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and surrounding area, since 2009, has totaled $4.0 million.

“First Niagara continues to demonstrate a real commitment to actively being a part of Buffalo’s growth,” said Congressman Brian Higgins. “The Business Development Fund will provide local small businesses with the sought after resources to help new companies get off the ground and take existing ones to the next level.  This investment in the Medical Campus helps sustain momentum along the growing corridor and provides quality job opportunities for local residents.”

Organizations interested in wp-contentlying to administer the remaining $100,000 in grant funds to entrepreneurs looking to start-up businesses on or around the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus should contact Tony Alessi, Director, First Niagara Specialized Banking Operations and Support Services, at 716-819-5549 or tony.alessi@fnfg.com.

For more details on how the selected organizations will allocate their funds, please log on to www.firstniagara.com/BusinessDevelopmentFund

 

About First Niagara

 First Niagara, through its wholly owned subsidiary, First Niagara Bank, N.A., is a multi-state community-oriented bank with wp-contentroximately 410 branches, $38 billion in assets, $28 billion in deposits, and wp-contentroximately 5,800 employees providing financial services to individuals, families and businesses across New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.firstniagara.com.For more information, visit www.firstniagara.com.

GO BNMC Bike to Work Challenges

by BNMCin Allentown, Biking, Community, Employees, Environment, Event, Fruit Belt, GO BNMC, Homepage, Sustainability, Transportation5 Comments on GO BNMC Bike to Work Challenges

The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and GObike Buffalo invite you to join the growing number of employees who are going green by riding their bikes to work. Between Monday, May 12th and Friday May 16th, we will host the City’s first annual Bike to Work Challenges!
Whether you’re a seasoned bicyclist or just interested in trying it out, now is the perfect time to hop on your bike, get some fresh air, and join your colleagues in a celebration of all things bicycle!

 To register and for more info: visit gobnmc-old.local

We have two fun and commitment-free challenges you can participate in for the chance to win some awesome prizes:

Bike to Work Week Challenge: If you bike to work 3 or more days between Monday, May 12th and Friday, May 16th, you’ll be entered in to a raffle for a chance to win a grand prize.

Bike to Work Day Challenge: Not ready yet to bike 3 days? That’s okay! If you bike to work the morning of Friday, May 16th, you’ll be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a separate grand prize.

If you are participating in both Challenges, you’ll be entered in to both Grand Prize Raffles.

There will also be several smaller raffle prizes for Challenge participants. You just need to check-in at the GO Zone @ 927 Washington Street (corner of Carlton and Washington Streets) every morning you bike to work that week, so we know you’re participating! Check-in will only take a few seconds because our staff will be waiting for you!

Schedule of Events

Monday, May 12th – Friday, May 16
Bike to Work Week Challenge

  • Ride your bike to work at least 3 days during Bike Week and you’ll be entered into a Grand Prize Raffle. Participants must check-in at the GO Zone each morning they bike to work.
  • Check-in time is between 6:30 AM and 10:30 AM.

 

Friday, May 16th
Bike to Work Day Challenge

  • Ride your bike to work Friday morning and you’ll be entered into a separate Grand Prize Raffle. Participants must check-in at the GO Zone each morning they bike to work.
  • Check-in time is between 6:30 AM and 10:30 AM.

GO BNMC Bicycle Breakfast

  • Join us for a free bicycle breakfast the morning of Bike to Work Day. The event will feature free food and drinks and will be a great opportunity to meet fellow cyclists.
  • Location: The GO Zone @ 927 Washington St.
  • Time: 6:30 AM – 10:30 AM with a press event at 8:30 AM

Bicycle Commuting 101 Workshops

GObike will be holding three Q&A sessions and quick commuting workshops to help you prepare for the challenges.

Workshop 1

  • When: Tuesday, May 6th 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Where: The Innovation Center, 640 Ellicott St, First Floor Lobby

Workshop 2

  • When: Thursday, May 8th 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Where: Buffalo General Hospital, by the Tim Horton’s Coffee Shop (First Floor)

Workshop 3

  • When: Friday, May 9th 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Where: Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Sunflower Café, Conference Rooms B & C

Breakfast Series for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses Sponsored by First Niagara and presented by the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc

by BNMCin Campus-wide, Community, Employees, Entrepreneurs, Homepage, Innovation Center8 Comments on Breakfast Series for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses Sponsored by First Niagara and presented by the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc

dig 1“Access to Capital – Options for Financing Your New Business”

Wednesday, May 28th from 8 – 10am

Please join us for this breakfast networking event designed to help entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to grow their company, generously sponsored by First Niagara.

Paul Hoffman, lender relations specialist for the U.S. Small Business Administration, will be on hand to talk about financing options for new businesses. The U.S. SBA primarily provides assistance to small businesses through access to capital; entrepreneurial development; government contracting; and advocacy. The Buffalo district office SBA has developed many small business loan and assistance programs, special outreach efforts, and initiatives to aid and inform small businesses.

Wednesday, May 28th

8:00 – 8:30am – Continental Breakfast

8:30 – 9:30am – Presentation

9:30 – 10:00am – Q&A and networking

Seminar will be in dig, our shared workspace, located in the Thomas R. Beecher Jr. Innovation Center at 640 Ellicott Street, Buffalo

Car and bike parking is available directly across the street. The Innovation Center is just two blocks from the Allen/Medical Campus NFTA station.

This program is free but registration is requested. Space is limited, so RSVP online today!

Open House on May 1st at the Thomas R. Beecher, Jr. Innovation Center Open House on Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus

by BNMCin Allentown, Attractions, Biotechnology Companies, Campus-wide, Community, Employees, Entrepreneurs, Event, Fruit Belt, Homepage, Innovation Center, Life Sciences Companies, Networking5 Comments on Open House on May 1st at the Thomas R. Beecher, Jr. Innovation Center Open House on Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus

An Evening Celebrating Entrepreneurship and Innovation;

More than 900 People To Attend

AN EVENING OF PURE INNOVATION (With drinks, music, hors d’oeuvres and prizes thrown in for good measure.)

WHAT: An open house for the Thomas R. Beecher, Jr. Innovation Center on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. More than 26 companies will be hosting events during the open house, featuring food, drinks, and entertainment, including live music, a golf simulator, and much more! A five minute “Power Pitch” session begins at 6:30 p.m. featuring several local entrepreneurs hosted by the Inventures Group.

Learn more about how these diverse companies are growing their businesses in this unique office environment. Industries include life sciences and biotech; creative; technology; talent acquisition; a pharmacy; not-for-profit; patent attorneys; and many more.

This free event is open to the community at large. A full list of Innovation Center tenants can be found here – https://bnmc-old.local/innovation-center-tenant-list/.

WHEN: Thursday, May 1st from 4:00 – 7:00 pm

WHERE: 640 Ellicott Street, Buffalo.  Complimentary car and bike parking in the lot directly across the street; the Innovation Center is two blocks from the Allen/Medical Campus NFTA station.

About the Thomas R. Beecher Innovation Center

The Thomas R. Beecher, Jr. Innovation Center, located at 640 Ellicott Street in downtown Buffalo, is a LEED-certified research and development space with over 55 tenants and 350 people, including life sciences and biotech companies, as well as companies offering support services like IP attorneys, talent acquisition, sales, and marketing. This state-of-the art facility is designed to accommodate small to medium companies seeking office, wet lab and/or research space, on a month-to-month basis or via longer term leases, located in the heart of the thriving Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.

The Innovation Center is owned and operated by the BNMC, Inc., a self-sustaining social enterprise successfully combining innovation, job creation, and urban revitalization. The BNMC, Inc. serves as the umbrella organization of the anchor institutions that make up the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus located within the 120-acre campus bordering Allentown, the Fruit Belt and Downtown. The BNMC, Inc. fosters conversation and collaboration among its member institutions, its partners and the community to address critical issues impacting them, including entrepreneurship, energy, access and transportation, workforce and procurement, neighborhoods, and healthy communities, with the goal of increasing economic development and building a strong community.

OPEN HOUSE ON MAY 1st AT THOMAS R. BEECHER INNOVATION CENTER ON BUFFALO NIAGARA MEDICAL CAMPUS

by BNMCin Allentown, Attractions, Campus-wide, Community, Employees, Entrepreneurs, Event, Fruit Belt, Innovation Center, Life Sciences Companies, Member Institution(s), Pat Whalen5 Comments on OPEN HOUSE ON MAY 1st AT THOMAS R. BEECHER INNOVATION CENTER ON BUFFALO NIAGARA MEDICAL CAMPUS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Contact:

Kari Root Bonaro, BNMC, Inc.

716.218.7157, kbonaro@bnmc-old.local

MEDIA ADVISORY AND PHOTO OP

 

OPEN HOUSE ON MAY 1st AT THOMAS R. BEECHER INNOVATION CENTER

ON BUFFALO NIAGARA MEDICAL CAMPUS

An Evening Celebrating Entrepreneurship and Innovation;

More than 900 People To Attend

 

AN EVENING OF PURE INNOVATION (With drinks, music, hors d’oeuvres and prizes thrown in for good measure.)

 

WHAT: An open house for the Thomas R. Beecher Innovation Center on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. More than 26 companies will be hosting events during the open house, featuring food, drinks, and entertainment, including live music, a golf simulator, and much more! A five minute “Power Pitch” session begins at 6:30 p.m. featuring several local entrepreneurs hosted by the Inventures Group.

Learn more about how these diverse companies are growing their businesses in this unique office environment. Industries include life sciences and biotech; creative; technology; talent acquisition; a pharmacy; not-for-profit; patent attorneys; and many more.

This free event is open to the community at large. A full list of Innovation Center tenants can be found here – https://bnmc-old.local/innovation-center-tenant-list/.

WHEN:Thursday, May 1st from 4:00 – 7:00 pm

WHERE:640 Ellicott Street, Buffalo. Complimentary car and bike parking in the lot directly across the street; the Innovation Center is two blocks from the Allen/Medical Campus NFTA station.

 

About the Thomas R. Beecher Innovation Center

The Thomas R. Beecher, Jr. Innovation Center, located at 640 Ellicott Street in downtown Buffalo, is a LEED-certified research and development space with over 55 tenants and 350 people, including life sciences and biotech companies, as well as companies offering support services like IP attorneys, talent acquisition, sales, and marketing. This state-of-the art facility is designed to accommodate small to medium companies seeking office, wet lab and/or research space, on a month-to-month basis or via longer term leases, located in the heart of the thriving Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.

 

The Innovation Center is owned and operated by the BNMC, Inc., a self-sustaining social enterprise successfully combining innovation, job creation, and urban revitalization. The BNMC, Inc. serves as the umbrella organization of the anchor institutions that make up the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus located within the 120-acre campus bordering Allentown, the Fruit Belt and Downtown. The BNMC, Inc. fosters conversation and collaboration among its member institutions, its partners and the community to address critical issues impacting them, including entrepreneurship, energy, access and transportation, workforce and procurement, neighborhoods, and healthy communities, with the goal of increasing economic development and building a strong community.

 

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Four Neighborhoods, One Community

by BNMCin Allentown, Campus-wide, Community, Employees, Event, Fruit Belt, Homepage, Innovation Center, Transportation7 Comments on Four Neighborhoods, One Community

The BNMC is working with the Greater Buffalo Niagara Regional Transportation Council on a study that will identify major streets that could be upgraded through traffic-calming measures, in order to better connect the Medical Campus with surrounding communities and Downtown Buffalo.
We would like your input on which streets need to become more pedestrian, bicyclist, transit-rider and driver friendly, and how these goals can be accomplished!

Please join us at the next Four Neighborhoods, One Community meeting on Wednesday, April 23, 5:00-7:00 pm (light refreshments at 5pm, meeting starts promptly at 5:30 pm) at the Innovation Center, 640 Ellicott St, for a discussion on Transportation in and around the Medical Campus.

In addition to the transportation study, we will be sharing updates on the new GO Zone Bicycle Workshop, located at Carlton and Washington Streets, as well as the exciting events planned for Bike to Work Month in May.

Let us know you are can attend! RSVP to emends-aidoo@bnmc-old.local or 716-566-2314.

Tunes in the Tent on the BNMC

by BNMCin Uncategorized9 Comments on Tunes in the Tent on the BNMC

BNMC-0119 TunesInTheTentNoCrop M
Looking for a change of pace during your lunch time break? Look no further. The BNMC, Inc. is excited to announce Tunes in the Tent, a wide array of free musical performances every Tuesday starting June 3rd – August 27th  from noon to 1 p.m! We’ll be hosting group and solo musical acts in the park located along Ellicott Street at Virginia (across from HWI). The entertainment will feature Campus employees and local community bands. Grab your lunch and enjoy the local musical talent. Tunes in the Tent is free and open to the public.

Interested in performing at Tunes in the Tent?  E-mail Sarah at smcquade@bnmc-old.local.

 

June Line Up!

  • 6/3 The Observers
  • 6/10Theresa Quinn Trio
  • 6/17 Patrick Lauerman
  • 6/24 Mari McNeil