The U.S. Small Business Administration Buffalo District Office and the SCORE Buffalo Niagara Chapter will host Straight Talk 2024 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center.
This is the 26th year of the program which has attracted thousands of participants from Western New York over the years. Straight Talk provides resources and information to entrepreneurs and small business owners that can help them start and grow.
“As we turn the page on a once-in-a-generation pandemic, Straight Talk 2024 will help position small businesses to remain giants in our economy. We are in the middle of the largest small business boom in American history, and we are looking forward to introducing a new cohort of entrepreneurs to the Straight Talk program,” said Victoria Reynolds, SBA Buffalo District deputy director.
Several hour-long seminars will reflect the ever-changing needs of the Western New York entrepreneurial community. Additionally, participants can obtain one-on-one business counseling, visit information booths, speak to representatives from local business resources and network with other entrepreneurs and small business owners.
“Straight Talk 2024 represents the 26th year of bringing the business support community under one roof to fuel entrepreneurial aspirations in Western New York. This year’s program will be better than ever with topics relevant to our new diverse economy including one session offered entirely in Spanish” said Gary Friedman SCORE Buffalo Niagara Chapter chairman.
Registration is open and available online at www.WNYStraightTalk.org. On Jan. 20, registration begins at 8 a.m. at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. Cost of attendance is $25 on the day of the event; pre-registration tickets are available for $20. Students with current/valid identification pay $10, and veterans attend for free with proof of veteran status. Registration fees include a continental breakfast and parking.
Registered attendants will automatically be scheduled for the Business Basics introductory seminar to learn about business plans and other foundations for growing a successful business. Participants can select two additional seminars from the following list:
• Boost Your Credit Score
• Find Opportunities in Government Contracting
• Financing Your Business
• Social Media Marketing and E-Commerce
• “We Did It! You Can Too!” featuring a discussion by successful business owners
• Finding the Right Idea
• Brand Building and Reputation Management
Following the event, the Straight Talk Series will begin on Jan. 30 for six sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Buffalo Erie Central Library in Buffalo. The Straight Talk Series provides additional information about starting, maintaining, and growing your own business. Attendance is free with registration to Straight Talk on Jan. 20, otherwise, the cost is $5 per session.
For more information contact SBA at 716-551-4301. To register online, visit www.wnystraighttalk.org.