As the largest regional chamber of commerce in WNY, we bring approximately 4,500 people together each year via an unprecedented number of events, meetings, and workshops. Designed to facilitate networking opportunities, encourage business development, support professional development, and drive business advocacy, there is a BNP event for every member of your organization.Â
2026 Small Business Bootcamp
Monday, May 4, 2026 (8:00 AM - 11:00 AM) (EDT)
Description
Build a stronger foundation for your business in just one morning. This hands-on bootcamp is designed to help small business owners and operators tackle core challenges in marketing, finance, human resources and more.
Kicking off Small Business Week, informational sessions will connect you with experts and peers who have decades of experience in growing and sustaining a business. A select number of qualifying attendees will also have the opportunity to secure a $15,000 advertising campaign through Spectrum Reach's Pay It Forward program, which provides small businesses with a commercial, education and mentorship (scroll down to learn more).
This event is complimentary for members and non-members.
What you'll learn from our featured speakers
Lou Costello, Director of Sales at Spectrum Reach
- Take-home tools on developing personalized marketing strategies for your business
- Topics include core messaging, identifying business goals and more
- Planning, executing and measuring impactful campaigns
Joe DiLeo, CEO at Vision Financial
Bryan Bonisteel, Retirement Plan Specialist at Vision Financial
- How to choose the right retirement plan
- Strategies for retaining valuable employees
Liz Warren, EVP and Chief People Officer at Employer Services Corporation
- HR strategies that strengthen your culture, support your people and protect your business
- How to build and maintain a strong workplace culture
- What matters most when managing people
- Compliance tips that limit liability risk
About Pay It Forward
Spectrum Reach is entering its sixth year of helping small businesses grow through free advertising, education and mentorship. Pay It Forward Program grant recipients will receive:
- A three-month TV and streaming advertising schedule valued at $15,000
- A free original 30-second commercial
- Support from local marketing experts
- Access to on-demand educational content, industry insights and more
Registered members must be in attendance to be eligible for an advertising grant.
Program overview
This half-day program includes expert-led sessions, peer networking and dedicated time to connect with resource partners. The format blends focused presentations with opportunities for conversation and practical application.
- 8-8:30 a.m.: Registration, networking & coffee
- 8:30-8:40 a.m.: Opening remarks
- 8:40-9:40 a.m.: First speaker informational session
- 9:40 a.m.-10 a.m.: Coffee break & resource tabling
- 10-11 a.m.: Second speaker informational session
Event details
Date: Monday, May 4, 2026 (first day of Small Business Week)
Time: 8-11 a.m.
Location: BNP @ the cobblestone (79 Perry St. Suite 200, Buffalo, NY 14203)
Cost: Free for BNP members and non-members
Thank you to our sponsors:
79 Perry Street, Suite 200
Buffalo, NY 14203 United States
SHRM Credits
The Buffalo Niagara Partnership has officially been named an authorized Recertification Provider by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). With this certification, participants in our qualified educational trainings and other HR-related programming will now have the opportunity to receive Professional Development Credits (PDCs).