Success Stories

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

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

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