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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
Biotech and Life Sciences
Agribusiness
Software and Digital Media
Tourism
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.
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.
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, 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
34,727
Firms (private and public) that make their homes in Western New York (2019)
526,556
Private-sector jobs in Western New York in 2019
$3B
Western New York visitor spending in 2017
Population (2023)
Labor Force Status (2023)
Age Distribution (2023)
Education Attainment (2023)
Data source: ZoomProspector (Applied Geographic Solutions)
Doing Business in Western New York
Tax-Based Incentives
Operational Support
Growth Support
Innovation Development Support
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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