WESTERN NEW YORK INCUBATOR NETWORK (WIN)
Collaborating to help startups thrive in WNY
The Western New York Incubator Network (WIN) is a collaborative effort of business incubators to expand entrepreneurial services, help startups and grow wealth in our region. We work together to enable incubator ventures grow quickly, achieve greater profitability and become more attractive to investors.
Starting a business is never easy, but access to the right tools can make a world of difference. WIN is a collaborative effort of incubators and entrepreneurial service providers from New York’s Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Niagara Counties, working together to turn our region into a hotbed of entrepreneurial activity. We share best practices, networking, mentoring, educational, and financial resources to better assist incubator client companies.
Managed by University at Buffalo Business & Entrepreneur Partnerships, WIN connects startups to UB’s vast resources, including student talent, faculty expertise, entrepreneurial support programs and world-class facilities.
SERVICES & OFFERINGS
WIN exists within a vast entrepreneurial ecosystem and connects startups with resources that include:
Expertise
- Assistance with business vitals— accounting, finance, marketing, strategy, legal issues and regulatory compliance
- Mentoring/advice from successful entrepreneurs and subject matter experts
- Technology transfer and commercialization
- Presentation skills and pitch practice sessions
- Interns and student support
- Networking events
- Recruitment of executive leadership and employees
- Pre-screened vendors offering discounted services
- Being surrounded by WNY’s boldest thinkers, dreamers and doers
Facilities
- Managed properties that allow you to focus on running your business
- Shared services including libraries, reception, copy machines, mailrooms and high-speed internet access
- Connections to strategic partners and higher education
Funding
- Access to angel investors, private equity and venture capitalists
- Connections to banks, gap funds and revolving loans
- Attractive and flexible occupancy agreements
- Development of advisory boards
Tax Incentives
- Clients of WIN incubators can apply to participate in the NYS Innovation Hot Spot tax incentives program.
PARTICIPATION & ELIGIBILITY
WIN incubators are available to students, faculty and businesses in all stages of development—from idea to early stage growth. Most business incubator clients are startups with significant potential to scale, whose capabilities are still incomplete.
Additional resources for startup growth
Build your business and connect with a diverse network of entrepreneurs in our two business incubators—the Incubator @ CBLS downtown and the Incubator @ Baird near North Campus.
Get up to $100,000 in pre-seed startup capital and help from experienced entrepreneurs through the UB Cultivator.
Start, expand, or relocate your business in New York State and you, your employees and company could pay no state taxes for 10 years through START-UP NY.