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Biotech and Life Sciences
Investment in biotech research and development, life science companies and talent, is building this world-class New York State industry.
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.
Key Industries in Western New York
Agribusiness
New York State agribusiness, supporting leading companies, is fueled by farms, rich natural resources and innovative agricultural startups.
Software and Digital Media
New York State’s thriving tech community and top STEM talent puts the state at the forefront of software development and digital media.
Tourism
Record numbers of visitors to New York State’s diverse regions—from the Adirondacks to Montauk—create jobs and a sizable economic impact.
We are proud that Worksport is choosing to invest in New York State, fostering innovation and green technology, and taking excellent advantage of our high-quality manufacturing workforceGovernor Kathy Hochul
Western New York benefits from a highly strategic location — the 500-mile radius around the 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.
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, an accelerator program that hosts an annual startup competition, and UB Innovation Hub, which accelerates the movement of innovations from labs, classrooms and clinics to the marketplace by connecting entrepreneurs to resources. 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.
M&T Bank, MOOG, General Mills, Yahoo, 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, 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
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34,701
Firms (private and public) that make their homes in Western New York (2023)
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509,985
Private-sector jobs in Western New York in 2023
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$4.2B
Western New York visitor spending in 2023
Population 2025
Labor Force Status 2025
Age Distribution 2025
Education Attainment 2025
Data source: ZoomProspector (Applied Geographic Solutions)
Doing Business in Western New York
Tax-Based Incentives
All forms of tax incentives that enable savings and cost advantages to businesses.
Operational Support
Programs offering assistance or training to ensure more competitive businesses.
Growth Support
Funds, loans and other means of financial support to stimulate business growth.
Innovation Development Support
Leverage New York State’s unparalleled investment in world-class tech assets, programs and expertise to grow your business.
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.
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Karen Utz
Regional Director
95 Perry Street
Suite 500
Buffalo, NY 14203-3030
United States