Media Advisory: UB CEL Emerging Entrepreneurs to gather at new Buffalo gaming center

By Kevin Manne

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The impact of Buffalo’s entrepreneurial ecosystem will be on display as alumni of the M&T Bank Emerging Entrepreneurs program from the University at Buffalo School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership gather with prospective participants at Funville, a new private-party entertainment venue in Buffalo owned by a program graduate.

Who:

• Susan Steffan, Executive Director, UB School of Management Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership
• Shannon Johnson, Business Banking Relationship Manager, M&T Bank
• Yolanda Fonville, Owner, Funville
• Alumni and prospective students of the CEL’s M&T Bank Emerging Entrepreneurs Program

What: Open house and networking event for graduates and prospective participants of the University at Buffalo School of Management’s M&T Bank Emerging Entrepreneurs program — a 10-month intensive program that helps socially or economically disadvantaged business owners take their companies to the next stage of development.

Why: Since 2004, the Emerging Entrepreneurs program has empowered more than 400 individuals to turn their business dreams into reality, contributing to the economic vitality of the region. Across all CEL programs, more than 1,700 alumni employ more than 23,000 Western New Yorkers, and their businesses are worth more than $2.3 billion to the local economy.

When: April 22 from 4-7 p.m.

Where: Funville, 68 Tonawanda St., Buffalo

Details and Photo Opportunities: 

• 4:30 p.m. – Welcome and opening remarks from Yolanda Fonville, Susan Steffan.
  
• 5-7 p.m. – Emerging Entrepreneurs alumni and prospective participants networking and participating in activities such as VR roller coasters, immersive gaming rooms, neon lighting, ax throwing, karaoke and more.
  • Steffan, Johnson and Fonville available for interview.