For 23 years, the SBA Buffalo District and SCORE Buffalo Niagara have been hosting a yearly event called Straight Talk - an opportunity for budding entrepreneurs and those interested in starting a business an opportunity to learn the business basics of planning, operating, and growing a business. But with the government shutdown, the SBA staff were not allowed to participate. But that didn't stop the event from happening. The SCORE Buffalo Niagara volunteers stepped up to host the event.
The event attracted over 300 attendees who were supported by over 30 SCORE volunteers, serving in all types of roles from greeters, vendor coordinators, booth representatives, IT Support, and presenters in the two breakout sessions conducted during the event. Additionally, there were another 30 vendors - financial institutions and community partners - who provided additional learning and networking opportunities for the 305 attendees at the event.
SCORE Buffalo Niagara volunteers' commitment to their community members is evident and admirable. They knew the event had to happen because over the past 23 years, the Straight Talk event has created thousands of jobs in Buffalo.
Thank you to our SCORE Buffalo Niagara mentors for stepping up and making such a difference in the community.
