The Return of Readiness doesn't end on October 22.
Thank you for filling the room. Watch the recap, find your photo, flip through the program book, and keep building with us all year.
Where's your next opportunity?
All packed into one conference — founded by a small diverse businesswoman who didn't wait for anyone to build what Western New York's small businesses need. Meet the founder →
Less talk. More execution. Here's what happened.
Can Your Business Grow Beyond You?
Dr. Kristen Szabla was unable to attend due to a family emergency, so our Executive Director, Talia Johnson-Huff, led the bootcamp, and it was phenomenal.
- What your business really is to you, and what it needs to be in order to grow
- Pricing that makes sense
- Knowing your value
- Taking the leap, and being prepared when you do
They did the work. They graduated.
Congratulations to the business owners who completed the Buffalo Niagara MWBE & SDVOB Capacity Building Program and walked the stage on October 22.
The 2026 Program Book, open all year.
Every session, facilitator and sponsor who made the day happen. Flip through it, and reach out to the partners who showed up for you.
Find yourself. Post it. Tag us.
- 1Find your photo in the gallery.
- 2Download it, or share straight from your phone.
- 3Post it and tag @mwbebuffalo and @themwbecoach.
In their words
“The energy in the room? Electric. The knowledge shared in the bootcamp sessions? Priceless. The confirmation I felt? Powerful.”
“Empire State Development's MWBE Division is here at the Buffalo Niagara MWBE Training Day Conference. Please stop by for ESD resources.”
“A huge shoutout to Talia for doing an amazing job bringing together essential resources. Jason Clark dropped key nuggets about New York State's unwavering commitment to MWBE success.”
We'll reach out before sharing anything publicly.
Clips, interviews and countdown videos — posted weekly.
Know what's coming. Know where you fit.
We translate construction, procurement and economic development into information small and diverse businesses can actually use, so you're ready when the opportunity arrives. Pick what you want to hear about.
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The Organization Behind the Conference
The Buffalo Niagara MWBE & SDVOB Training Day Conference is part of the year-round work of The RARE Place, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2014 and led by founder and Executive Director Talia Johnson-Huff.
We build economic and leadership infrastructure for underestimated communities in Buffalo, connecting education, business readiness, workforce development and community partnerships to help people turn potential into opportunity.
We believe the people closest to the problem hold the power to solve it.
Since 2024, the conference has brought small and diverse businesses together with buyers, contractors, trainers and community partners. The work continues beyond conference day through capacity building, practical education and connections to resources.
The 2026 Conference Committee
Business leaders, buyers and agency leaders who build this program together — and who will be in the room with you on October 22.
See you in 2027.
Sponsor, exhibit or facilitate next year. The conversations start now.
Clips, interviews, opportunities and what's next for small and diverse businesses in WNY.