Success Stories

BUFFALO, NY –United States Army Ammunition Specialist, Mike Stanton risked everything buying his business almost two years ago in Clarence, New York. Taking a leave of absence from his transportation career and purchasing Royal Pizza & Italian Bistro.

“I wanted a life change and felt a hard desire to work for myself,” he said. “I started looking for a place and knew I had the recipe for success, passion and drive to dive into this business and keep the authentic Italian style the community was used to.”

While searching for a location, owner, Mike Stanton tapped SCORE Buffalo Niagara for help learning about the advantages of buying an existing business. “The counseling advice I received, helped me to determine how to evaluate my business before I purchased it. The good thing about SCORE is that they will match you with someone who can help you with a specific issue,” he said.

SCORE Buffalo Niagara is a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business... Read More

50 Year Old Business Receives Government Contracts through Primes

BUFFALO, NY – Not long after attending SBA’s annual Small Business Matchmaker, Scott Sutherland, President, SCJ Associates, Inc. began receiving contracting opportunities and numerous quotes from a variety of prime contractors.

Founded in 1971, SCJ is a leading electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider.  Nearing 50 year of business, SCJ has been supporting military/defense, aerospace, medical and industrial related companies.   Their printed circuit board assemblies, cable assemblies and electro-mechanical sub-assemblies are used in thermal weapon systems, military radio accessories, imaging systems, satellite communications, controller systems, robotic inspection and more.  Not only are they a manufacturer, SCJ will design custom test equipment/fixtures and control panels as well as perform a variety of engineering services for their diverse group of customers.   SCJ is also developing their... Read More

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

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