2021 | Q1
Small Business Assistance
Where to find it?

Throughout the pandemic, small businesses across the country are certainly feeling the constraints and hardships more than anybody. An ebb and flow of business prompted by constantly evolving legislation, fluctuations in positivity rates, and a general uneasy consumer feeling have all contributed to the uncertainty and instability.

A number of assistance programs have been generated, but the effectiveness seems to vary from business to business. One local salon owner commented, "We applied for and received the the first round of PPP funding. It got us through, but just barely. Now we are struggling to get employees to come back from unemployment benefits, and are facing a loss of customers who found other means of service during the salon shut downs. For us, it just won't be worth it to apply for the second round of PPP funding."

Aside from the programs initiated by the federal government, it's been great to see the development of locally focused and/or donation based programs like the Buffalo Business Blitz, Back to Business Grant Program, and the Barstool Fund.

First year Buffalo Bill, Josh Norman, leads the STARZ 24 Foundation, focusing on community betterment and youth enrichment. As local businesses began to feel the struggle around the holiday season, Buffalo Business Blitz was formed to support these businesses with up to $2,500 donations. To date, over $500,000 in funding has been raised.

Administered by 43North, the Erie County Back to Business Grant Program initiated a program in October which sought to provide $20 million in relief funding to Erie County-based small businesses. Up to $45,000 in funding per business allows for a wide range of past and future expenses, including operations, payroll, adaptations to meet COVID restrictions, rent, and more.

Internet sensation Barstool Sports, led by Dave Portnoy, recently created the Barstool Fund, raising over $30 million in private funding for small businesses across the country. Portnoy has since been hosting emotional FaceTime calls with incredibly grateful recipients, including Williamsville's Eagle House and Tonawanda's Squire's Tap Room.
Move-in Ready Office Space Available
First Floor Office & Retail

  • Full glass offices and conference rooms
  • Mix of modern and industrial aesthetic
  • High ceilings with exposed duct work
  • 11,000 square feet
  • Contiguous expansion opportunities
  • Larkin Center provides 24/7 security, fitness center, conference rooms and two full service restaurants
Sammy Sortisio
Senior Development Officer
office 716.856.0810
mobile 716.440.5511
COVID-19 Vaccine
Safe, Effective, Free

The New York State Department of Health is actively focusing on the importance of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Details regarding eligibility can be found below.

The first COVID-19 vaccines are here. Supply from the Federal Government is extremely limited. Additional New Yorkers will become eligible as the vaccine supply increases. While the vaccination process is underway, every New Yorker should wear a mask, social distance and avoid small and large gatherings.

Over seven million New Yorkers are now eligible for the vaccine. Eligible groups include doctors, nurses and health care workers, people age 65 and over, first responders, teachers, public transit workers, grocery store workers and public safety workers. 

Vaccines are available at pharmacies, hospitals and through local health departments statewide – please contact your provider of choice to schedule your vaccine appointment. You can use this website for scheduling an appointment at a New York State-run site only. To determine eligibility and schedule appointments at one of these sites, use the Am I Eligible app. Remember: Both vaccines require two doses for effectiveness. Appointments are not transferrable.
Summitview | The Perfect Staycation Experience
I Want to...
Ski, snowshoe, tube, bike, spa, shop, eat, drink, gamble, relax, explore.

Ellicottville and its surrounding amenities have it all, and Summitview in Ellicottville is at the heart of it all.

This Ellicottville getaway is secluded from neighbors, presents gorgeous views and quick access to the slopes and trails. A plethora of dining, shopping and entertainment options are just a short drive way.

Get comfortable with a week long stay, or just shoot down for a weekend getaway.
The History of Larkin, told by Sharon Osgood
Larkin Co. as a Playbook for Governmental Legislation
This article will draw on some topics I have considered in past articles. However, as we approach a new federal administration in the United States, having just survived the last, it seemed like a good time to review the Larkin Co. (LCO) as the forerunner of industrial norms that became codified as the years passed. The hero of this story is, of course. John D. Larkin (JDL), who did not require the pressure of law to be guided in his business, manufacturing and employer responsibilities.

LCO was born in 1875 during the presidential administration of Ulysses S. Grant. Initially it operated from a small brick building located on Chicago St., that had previously also been used for soap manufacturing.