Buffalo, NY– Upstate Venture Connect (UVC) and Upstate Capital are partnering to celebrate collective achievements, showcase impactful work and highlight inspiring stories from their programs:
UVC’s Community Advocates: Regional connectors who strengthen the startup ecosystem.
UVC’s mission is to connect Upstate New York founders with the resources needed to scale their businesses, with a particular focus on fostering high-growth companies. The Community Advocate program, launched in 2024, is integral to UVC’s efforts to expand reach and impact. Each Community Advocate focuses on: identifying and supporting founders, increasing the density of local connections and enhancing awareness of UVC’s regional/national network.
Upstate Capital’s New York Business Plan Competition (NYBPC): Empowering the next generation of innovators.
The NYBPC is New York’s largest intercollegiate entrepreneurship competition, and it has three goals: to develop entrepreneurial mindsets and skills, to build personal networks connecting students to organizations in New York and to launch new ventures. The program started in 2010 and has served over 8,000 students and helped launch over 170 ventures.
“In 2024, UVC initiated the Community Advocate program, designed to deepen our engagement with local entrepreneurial communities by enlisting regional advocates who identify, support and connect founders to resources. As a result in 2024, we reached 200+ high-growth companies (over double the impact in 2023) with 500+ curated referrals. In 2025, we are expanding the program to reach even more founders” said Olivia Goldstein, CEO of UVC.
Bailey Burke, Director of the NYBPC said, “The NYBPC fosters entrepreneurship through experiential education so students can gain insights and perspective on developing new ventures from people in the business community. The competition provides a platform for ideas to thrive and grow through mentorship, skill development and professional connections.”
The partnership will be showcased during the event, Building the Future: Upstate Founders Fête in Buffalo on February 5, 2025. The evening will bring together 150-200 high-growth business founders, investors and community leaders from across the State. The event will feature a silent auction, with proceeds supporting the two transformative initiatives.
About UVC: Founded in 2010, Upstate Venture Connect (UVC) provides thought-leadership, intelligence and network-building opportunities for entrepreneurs in Upstate NY. UVC currently supports nearly 700 high-growth businesses by making personalized introductions and hosting invite-only gatherings. UVC is a 501c3 non-profit.
About Upstate Capital
Upstate Capital increases access to capital for companies and deal flow for investors by maintaining a robust statewide network of capital providers, professional advisors and supporting organizations. Through regular events and educational content, Upstate Capital connects, educates and celebrates the people building businesses in Upstate New York. www.upstatecapital.org
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