Top Buffalo Business Opportunities This Week

The Insider's Guide to The Greater Buffalo Business Network

The Buffalo Networker

👋 Good afternoon, Buffalo! Welcome to The Buffalo Networker, the local newsletter serving 12,304 professionals in the Buffalo business community.

In today’s issue:

👍 ReadyErie app can prepare Erie County residents for extreme winter weather

⚠️ Buffalo businesses sound the alarm: 'Support local before it’s too late’

⭐ Why AI Could Outperform You at Networking

💼 The Top Jobs Postings and Top Job Seekers in Buffalo, NY

📈 Buffalo organizations looking for Laptops, Architect-Engineering, security support, software, and more

Highmark invests $4 million in 24 initiatives, $1.3 M+ in Grant Awards from Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds, $250,000 Show House grant, $66M to improve water infrastructure, $630,000 to 32 Western NY Nonprofits, and more

🔎 What are the top challenges of doing business in Buffalo?

📅 Register for the Buffalo networking events

👨‍💻 And more …

First time reading? Sign up here

COMMUNITY
🍇 The Buffalo Grapevine

The Business Buzz around Greater Buffalo, NY

  • ReadyErie app can prepare Erie County residents for extreme winter weather (Read)

  • Buffalo businesses sound the alarm: 'Support local before it’s too late’ (Read)

  • A tale of two downtowns: celebrations and struggles (Read)

  • Does Buffalo Need More Hotel Rooms? Event Planners Say It's a Big Problem (Read)

  • Hamburg Brewing Company purchases the Flying Bison Brewing brand (Read)

  • Tips on keeping energy bills down as the heat goes up (Read)

  • Rochester manufacturer plans move to North Tonawanda (Read)

  • Buffalo Exchange Plaza seeks vendors for “City’s Newest Mini Mall (Read)

  • Dash’s calls upon Paula’s Donuts to fill hole left by Famous Doughnuts (Read)

  • Business Ethics Awards to honor three local companies (Read)

STRATEGY
 Deep Dive

Why AI Could Outperform You at Networking

Will AI replace professional networkers? The answer may surprise you.

During a recent virtual networking session on Zoom, three unexpected “attendees” appeared in my waiting room:

  • Otter Notetaker

  • Bob’s Notetaking Service

  • AI Meeting Assistant

Yes… at a networking event!

Nice to meet you, Otter, Bob, and AI Meeting Assistant.

How can I help you today?

I guess networking isn’t just for humans anymore …

CAREERS
💼 Buffalo at Work

Workplace Highlights in Greater Buffalo, NY

 
Greater Buffalo’s labor market remained stable with private-sector employment rising by roughly 2,800 jobs year over year. Growth continued in education and health services, professional and business services, and logistics and transportation, reflecting ongoing regional demand. Construction employment held steady, while manufacturing showed only slight fluctuation. Overall, hiring remains moderate but positive as employers adjust to shifting workforce needs.

🔥 Top Job Postings

👀 Top Job Seekers

SALES
📈  Buffalo Leads

Who's Buying in Buffalo Right Now?

  • Laptops for the Department of MIS needed at City of Buffalo (Link)

  • Architect-Engineering (AE) firm to provide Schematics, Design Development,

  • Buffalo Public Schools need SECURITY SUPPORT PARTS (Link)

  • Buffalo Sewer Authority needs software (Link)

  • Construction Documents, Technical Specifications, Construction Period Services (Link)

  • COMMUNITY OUTREACH SERVICES FOR CITY OF BUFFALO'S WEALTH & OPPORTUNITY BLUEPRINT (Link)

SUPPORT
  Buffalo Resources

Helpful Tools & Positive Developments in Buffalo, NY

  • New York invests $66M to improve water infrastructure in seven communities, including Buffalo & Lockport (More)

  • Junior League of Buffalo opens applications for $250,000 Show House grant (More)

  • New York State Announces Start of Construction on 20 Units of Permanent Supportive Housing in Erie County — launch of the “Thankful Gardens” project to build supportive housing in Buffalo. (More)

  • Highmark invests $4 million in 24 initiatives to enhance community health in Western New York — grants to nonprofits in Buffalo, including mental health, maternal health & first responders. (More)

  • Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Announces $1.3 M+ in Grant Awards from Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds. (More)

  • Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Awards Over $630,000 to 32 Western NY Nonprofits. (More)

KNOWLEDGE
👀  Buffalo Insights

AI-Powered Business Tips and Trends for Buffalo Professionals

What are the top challenges of doing business in Buffalo?

1. Rising Costs & Inflation – Many local businesses in Buffalo are still grappling with higher input costs (materials, labor, transportation) while consumer spending remains stretched.
2. Talent Shortages & Retention Issues – Buffalo employers continue to face challenges finding and keeping qualified workers, especially in skilled trades, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing.
3. Commercial Real Estate & Regulatory Hurdles – Older infrastructure, rising property costs, and complex permitting processes can slow down expansions, renovations, and new business openings in Buffalo.

NETWORKING
📅 Buffalo Events

Top Networking Events in Greater Buffalo, NY

🤝 11/20 40 Under 40 Celebration 2025 (Register)

🤝 11/20 Gentlemen's Care Group - For Men Supporting Women with Breast Cancer (Register)

🤝 11/25 Buffalo Big Business Tech & Entrepreneur Professional Networking Soiree (Register)

🤝 12/02 Panel of Experts: Economic Outlook 2025 (Register)

🤝 12/03 Healthcare and Business Networking | Elevating Your Potential - Buffalo (Register)

🤝 12/03 Media and Business Networking | Elevating Your Potential - Buffalo (Register)

🤝 12/03 Trivial Networking @Frequentem Brewery (Register)

🤝 12/03 Tech and Business Networking | Elevating Your Potential - Buffalo (Register)

🤝= In Person, 💻 = Virtual

What is your favorite feature in this newsletter?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Let's Connect!

New to the newsletter? Subscriber for free

💌 What do you think? Let me know!

What did you think of today's newsletter?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Reply

or to participate.