Western New York

Canalside walkway in Western New York

Fresh water, affordable power, a skilled workforce and a strategic location

Western New York’s time has come. The region's profile has risen with news of the area’s affordable real estate, top academic and research institutions, revitalized downtowns and an unmatched quality of life. From the resurgence of Buffalo to the timeless beauty of Niagara Falls, Western New York has captured the world’s attention—and it’s no surprise to the people and businesses that have steadily built their futures here. 

“ ”
Sucro Sourcing is very excited to expand its business in Western New York, and provide unique, innovative, and low-cost sugar supply opportunities to the many food and beverage customers in the Great Lakes area.
Jonathan Taylor, Founder and CEO of Sucro Sourcing
Jonathan Taylor, Founder and CEO of Sucro Sourcing
View of canal in Western New York

Western New York benefits from a highly strategic location — the 500-mile radius around Western New York region is within reach of 40% of North America’s population. The region also has a strategic proximity to Canada through four international bridge crossings. Convenient air access via Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), which serves 5 million passengers per year with more than 100 flights per day. Access to the Port of Buffalo, located on the Great Lakes system, with a point of entry to intercontinental destinations through the Welland Canal. 

Image of University at Buffalo's New Downtown Incubator

The region’s  comprehensive network of entrepreneurial support, expertise, funding and facilities  is attracting more entrepreneurs, capital and attention from around the globe. That’s fueled by initiatives including  43North, the world’s largest business plan competition, and UB Innovation Hub,  providing comprehensive support to accelerate the growth of life science and technology startups. Western New York is also establishing itself as a center for tech talent through partnerships with industry to upskill, retain and attract tech sector workers. 

close up of a hand holding a pipette and filling vials

M&T Bank, MOOG, General Mills, Verizon Media, GEICO, Cummins and Great Lakes Cheese have all chosen to build their organizations in Western New York. Companies benefit from the region’s highly educated workforce, with over 28,000 graduates annually from the region's 20 colleges and universities. Access to the New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics & Life Sciences in Buffalo has greatly influenced Western New York’s emerging biotech sector. 

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, the natural wonder that made Western New York famous and prosperous a century ago, continues to have a positive economic impact on the region today, with 9 million annual visitors, and providing access to affordable and renewable power. 

Western New York By The Numbers

Population (2023)

Labor Force Status (2023)

Age Distribution (2023)

Education Attainment (2023)

Data source: ZoomProspector (Applied Geographic Solutions)

Western New York Regional Economic Development Council

Visit the REDC site for more information on members, projects, economic data and funding applications.

Regional Revitalization Partnership

The RRP is a $300 million private and public regional co-investment in three interconnected geographic areas: Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Rochester.

 

Regional Office

The Western New York regional office works hand-in-hand with new and existing businesses to help identify economic development programs to support business growth and expansion—for building new facilities, relocating a business, expanding operations and workforce and entering new and global markets. 

Karen Utz
Regional Director
95 Perry Street
Suite 500
Buffalo New York 14203-3030

.