Success Stories

SBA Programs and Services Prove Positive Impact for Sport Nation

BUFFALO, NY – Child athlete, Division 1 soccer player and former coach, Kristen Wood has plenty of experience in sports development, engagement and all around tournament  and management experience. 

In 2009, she used these experiences to start her own small business.

Kristen Wood started her company Sport Nation to help sports team tournament directors and managers prepare for and manage their athletic events.  Specializing in event management, Sport Nation offers registration, housing, ticket sales and education.

“As a female entrepreneur, I have learned that your customers need to be passionate about you and your services,” said Kristen.  “I knew with all my experiences, I could find that powerful message and create real relationships.”

So much so, Kristen earned the contract to manage the International Ice Hockey Federation U20 World... Read More

Straight Talk and the Series Helps; The Small Business Partners Grow

BUFFALO, NY – Andrea and Jeff Ryan took combined work experience to the next level after attending the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and SCORE Buffalo Niagara’s Straight Talk and the Series.

The entrepreneurial couple from Buffalo are the owners of a business strategy and technology firm, built using operations and risk management, financial and marketing expertise while employed out in the workforce for over 25 years each. 

“We were both looking for a long time for what kind of business we could do,” said Jeff.  “We wanted to be self-employed, help others in some way.  We also work a lot, but wanted to work from where we want.”

The dream team attended Straight Talk and the Series in search of small business resources that would guide them on how to start and grow their business.  They met with SCORE Buffalo Niagara, several... Read More

Retired veteran takes “special operations” approach to real world experience

BUFFALO, NY – For Christopher Durkin it was 23 years of experience in the U.S. military that enabled him to open Blackhawk Emergency Management Group LLC. As a former special operations Black Hawk helicopter pilot, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army, Durkin recognized the need for emergency management and disaster preparedness assistance. Upon retiring, he developed a “special operations” approach to developing, implementing and managing comprehensive programs and services to assist organizations with any type of disaster or emergency.

“When you are out in the real world, you realize there are opportunities to improve and greatly enhance safety, security and emergency management; helping others from your own knowledge base,” says Durkin.

When Durkin, a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM®), ran into start-up issues, he sought guidance from SBA resource partner, Greater... Read More

Minority-owned business secures contracts after attending Small Business Matchmaker

BUFFALO, NY – For MinoriTech Inc. owners, John, Richard and Patricia Marcaida, entrepreneurship taught them a number of things in life, though a satisfying journey, it took the company a lot of patience and perseverance before finding success at the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Buffalo District office annual Small Business Matchmaker.

Emma Briones migrated from the Philippines as a young woman. While raising a family and working with engineers at Kodak, she was encouraged to start her own business.  And in 1988, MinoriTech Inc. was founded.  The name derived from her minority and technology background.

From its humble beginnings, the company has expanded to the point where it now provides sourcing, manufacturing and assembly services for customers in defense-aerospace, business, higher education and government agencies. “MinoriTech is one of few companies in the... Read More

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