Insights
Buffalo Business Blitz WIVB Channel 4 Story: January 14th, 2021
The Buffalo Business Blitz is continuing to help small, local businesses by giving out small business grants of up to $2,500.
Buffalo Business Blitz Ready for Applications: Buffalo News January 13th, 2021
The Westminster Economic Development Initiative was chosen by Norman's foundation, Starz 24, to distribute the funds.
The Batavian NYS Small Business Truth-In-Lending Act: December 24th 2020
Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed legislation that protects the interests of New York’s small businesses who are taking out loans to survive the coronavirus pandemic and other emergencies.
Channel 7 News WKBW Buffalo Story: October 15th, 2020
Kiosko Latino Restaurant represents culture & grit, opens stand-alone restaurant amidst pandemic
The Kiosko Latino restaurant on Buffalo's West Side is not just surviving, but thriving during this pandemic. That success has led the owner to make a big move for her business.
Channel 2 News WGRZ Buffalo Story: October 12th, 2020
Restaurant owners graduate from the West Side Bazaar
Maria del Carmen and Alain Rodriguez have officially moved Kiosko Latino to its own brick and mortar at 345 West Ferry Street.
Buffalo News Story: October 9th, 2020
West Side Bazaar "graduate" finds footing in familiar place
Husband-and-wife duo Alain Rodriguez and Maria del Carmen spent three years preparing authentic Puerto Rican and Mexican food in their commissary at 345 W. Ferry St., then lugging their dishes through a parking lot – dealing with snow, slush and wind, at times – into a small, kitchenless counter in the West Side Bazaar to serve customers.
Channel 4 News WIVB Buffalo Story: September 25th, 2020
Siblings create tutorials in Arabic to help English as a second language with remote learning
Families across Western New York are being challenged by virtual learning, especially those who don’t speak English as a first language. A brother and sister in Buffalo are trying to change that.
Buffalo News Opinion Piece August 30th, 2020
Another Voice: New York small businesses deserve truth in lending
In Buffalo and across New York State, small businesses are not only exposed to risks posed by Covid-19, but also to deception and harm from predatory lenders.
Avoiding Scams and Unethical Lending Practices June 2020
Actions by financial lenders meant to "entice, induce, and assist a borrower in taking a loan that they otherwise are unable to pay back reasonably."
Repudiated: "Unbankable" Business Owners June 2020
Starting and operating a small business is becoming increasingly difficult in today's world. Many individuals with aspirations of self-employment and entrepreneurship are being turned down by banks and other credit lending institutions.
Buffalo Protest Response June 4th, 2020
In light of the events that have transpired this week in both Buffalo and across our Nation, I would like to take a moment to recognize the significance of what has brought us to this point as a society.