Skip to content

Ignite Buffalo Announces $30,000 Small Business Pitch Competition in Partnership with Ureeka

Media Release

Western New York Small Businesses Invited to Apply by September 1

Buffalo, NY / August 26, 2019 – In partnership with Ureeka, Ignite Buffalo is inviting Western New York small businesses to apply to Ureeka’s Small Business Pitch Competition, where 5 prizes totaling $30,000 will be awarded.

Ureeka’s Co-Founder and Buffalo native, David Jakubowski, was back in Buffalo recently to introduce Ureeka, a community where small businesses gain unprecedented access to the expertise needed to grow their business. In addition to announcing the platform’s invite-only Beta launch to local area businesses, Jakubowski announced that Ureeka will be partnering with Ignite Buffalo to host a pitch competition on September 18, 2019. Western New York  small businesses are encouraged to apply today, as the deadline is fast-approaching on Sunday, September 1, 2019 at midnight EST!

The prize structure for the Small Business Pitch Competition is:

  • 1 – Prize of $10,000

  • 4 – Prizes of $5,000

David Jakubowski stated, “Over the last year, Ignite Buffalo has proved, unequivocally, that the combination of access to capital and to coaching creates jobs and helps businesses grow. This is exactly Ureeka’s vision, making Buffalo the perfect location to launch our platform and host our first pitch competition!”

Colleen E. Heidinger, VP Programming Strategy and Community Engagement at 43North and co-founder of Ignite Buffalo, said, “It is with great excitement and appreciation that Ignite Buffalo continues to grow the opportunities available for small businesses in Western New York with great partners like Ureeka. We are thankful to the entire Ureeka team for thinking of Buffalo first.”

Ureeka/Ignite Buffalo Pitch Contest Timeline

August 16 – September 1 (midnight EST): Applications Accepted

September 9: Finalists Notified

September 18: Live Pitch Event in Buffalo, NY

Visit https://www.ureeka.biz/pitch/ignite-ureeka to apply.

About Ureeka 

Ureeka is a platform that provides access to underrepresented small to medium businesses (SMBs). Ureeka offers access to a Peer, Mentor, Coach Community (PMC Community), Best Practices, and a Specialist Marketplace. Ureeka is actively looking for Mentors, Coaches, Specialists, and Corporate Partners, to help build their small business community. To learn more about helping ignite the potential of small businesses, Please visit www.ureeka.biz.

About Ignite Buffalo

Ignite Buffalo is a small business grant and mentorship program that was established by 43North, Facebook, M&T Bank, and other partners to promote sustainable growth, job creation, and ongoing education in Buffalo, NY. The program provides access to industry experts through free programming and resources, and $1 million in grants that were awarded to 27 small businesses to spur economic growth in the region. To learn more about Ignite Buffalo, visit ignitebuffalo.org.


Tags: Ignite Buffalo, Press Release

More blog posts

FoodNerd (Y10) Opens FDA-Registered Facility in Clarence, NY

Big news for Year 10 portfolio company FoodNerd: the Buffalo-based, woman-owned startup has officially opened its new 30,000 sq. ft., FDA-registered manufacturing facility in Clarence, NY. The state-of-the-art space will allow the company to scale production of its plant-based toddler snacks and create new jobs in Western New York. The ribbon-cutting event brought out strong

Space Station’s Jaxon Stuart Shares CPG Insights at 43North

Jaxon Stuart of Space Station recently stopped by 43North to share his expertise on what sets standout consumer brands apart — from compelling storytelling to smart retail strategy. As a partner at Space Station, co-founded by creator and entrepreneur Shonduras, Jaxon has backed industry-shaping brands like Graza, Olipop, and 43North portfolio company FoodNerd (Y10). During

Top Seedz (Y7) Named Best Seed Cracker by Good Housekeeping

Top Seedz (Y7) has been named Best Seed Cracker in the 2025 Good Housekeeping Best Snack Awards. This national recognition highlights the company’s commitment to clean, simple ingredients and crave-worthy flavor. Made from pantry staples like sunflower and pumpkin seeds, Top Seedz crackers have become a favorite among health-conscious snackers. Built in Buffalo and backed