Division of Equal Employment Opportunity Presents Full-Day Event to Empower Historically Underrepresented Business Owners
Thursday May 21 from 9 AM – 3 PM at Northland Workforce Training Center
ERIE COUNTY, NY— Erie County’s Division of Equal Employment Opportunity (“DEEO”) is proud to announce Elevate & Connect – All Access Resource & Networking Day, a dynamic, full-day community event designed to support Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (“MWBE”) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (“SDVOB”). The event will take place on Thursday, May 21, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Northland Workforce Training Center, located at 683 Northland Avenue in Buffalo, New York.
This comprehensive resource and networking event aims to equip business owners with the knowledge, tools, and connections needed to successfully navigate and access contracting opportunities with Erie County and throughout New York State. Attendees will gain valuable insights into MWBE certification requirements, learn how to pursue government contracting opportunities, and engage directly with more than 15 organizations offering critical business resources, including funding opportunities and technical assistance.
“Elevate & Connect is about breaking down barriers and opening doors,” said DEEO Director Andrew McLaren. “We want to ensure that local businesses—especially those historically underrepresented—have the access and support needed to thrive and grow.”
Event Highlights Include:
• Educational presentations from Erie County’s Division of Equal Employment Opportunity and Department of Environment & Planning
• Morning panel on relationship-building and business growth strategies
• Afternoon panel providing guidance on navigating the bidding process and understanding Good Faith Efforts
• Dedicated networking sessions with fellow entrepreneurs and resource providers
• Opportunities to connect with over 15 vendors offering funding, mentorship, and support services
Breakfast and lunch—featuring offerings from local MWBE-certified businesses—will be provided.
Business owners and community members interested in attending are highly encouraged to register in advance at: https://shorturl.at/eFcCA
For more information about the event or Erie County’s MWBE initiatives, please reach out to deeo@erie.gov or call (716) 858-7542.
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