Buffalo-based Accelerator Kicks Off Search for Five Companies to Receive $1 Million Investment
Celebrates Decade of Investing in World-Class Entrepreneurs in Buffalo
Interested Founders Can Find Application for 43North’s 2024 Startup Competition Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that applications are now open for the 43North annual pitch competition. This year marks a decade of the state-funded accelerator investing $5 million annually to attract world-class entrepreneurs to grow their startups in Buffalo. The accelerator will take applications through June 7 in pursuit of the next five companies to receive a $1 million investment and secure the opportunity to join 43North’s immersive program.
“The 43North accelerator program has been a collaboration amongst government agencies and the broader business community that has not only attracted - but retained — entrepreneurs from across the world, creating a proven economic model,” Governor Hochul said. “The fact that this year marks the ten-year anniversary of this operating model shows just how successful this incubator program has been in bolstering jobs, community, and exceptional economic rebirth into our Western New York region.”
To kick off this year’s application process, 43North hosted a press conference at Top Seedz, a year seven, $1 million recipient that recently opened its new world headquarters and production facility in downtown Buffalo. The cracker company’s founder and CEO, Rebecca Brady, leveraged her 43North investment to grow her team, invest in new equipment and move into a newly renovated, 35,000-square-foot production facility. The new site brings ten times the capacity of the original plant and will serve as the production house for the gluten-free and vegan crackers, seeds and the company’s new on-the-go snack-size pouches. ESD is supporting the company’s growth with up to $315,000 through the performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program in exchange for promised job commitments.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Ten years of hard work at 43North has helped turn Buffalo into a well-recognized epicenter of entrepreneurial ventures. The competition’s success can be measured by new cutting-edge businesses, the draw of diverse, top talent to Western New York, and the creation of more than 1,000 jobs. We look forward to supporting this year's applicants and thank 43North for helping to fuel an economic resurgence in the region.”