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Encouraging Youth Entrepreneurship

Girls participating at interactive demo tables.

Girls participate in an interactive demo with WNY teenpreneur, Zandra Cunningham.

She Started IT seeks to inspire girls 6th to 10th grade to LEAD in computing, technology and entrepreneurship.

She Started IT ... and You Can Too!

Startup and Innovation CoLab powered by Blackstone LaunchPad is teaming up with leaders in the WNY area to host She Started IT - an annual event based on the acclaimed documentary - in an effort to increase female engagement in the STEM and entrepreneurship fields.

2025 Schedule Information

Check back in the spring for more information!

Girls Can Plan to...

  • Explore opportunities in computing and technology sectors through hands-on activities
  • Grow your network with other girls interested in IT
  • Engage with WNY female founders and professionals in tech

Is there a fee to register?
 No, the program is free!

Who should participate?
 The program is designed to be appropriate for girls 10 years old (or 6th grade) through 16 years old (or 10th grade) but all are welcome to attend.

As a parent, do I need to attend?
Unlike the first year, adults/parents need not attend. Girls will be assigned to a group at check-in with an adult facilitator to guide the day's experience.

I attended last year. Should I register again?
Yes! Each year, the program evolves to keep activities and discussion fresh.

Will lunch be provided?
Yes, lunch will be provided for all program attendees.

Register to attend as a student or as a school group:
Register here.

 

She Started IT is a collaboration between Startup and Innovation CoLab powered by Blackstone LaunchPad, ACV Auctions, 19 IDEAS, the Allstate Foundation, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, UB College of Arts and Sciences, Delaware North, Driver Watchdog, The Foundry, Girl Develop IT, Girl Scouts, Inspiring Future Engineers, Junior League of Buffalo, LaunchTECH, Lena Levine Studio, UB Office of Business & Entrepreneur Partnerships, UB School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Women in Science & Engineering (WiSE), WNY STEM, and the WNY Women's Foundation.