This is where you show up for your business.
For the business owner ready to go to the next level. The banks, the buyers and the people who award the work are all in one room for one day — and if you're serious about your next contract, you need to be in it.
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 →
When the people who award the work are in the room, you show up.
Capital conversations happen live, in person. When the lenders are in the room, you show up ready.
Large organizations that do business with diverse firms — looking for the ones who are ready.
If you don't start working on your business, it will catch up with you. So you do something about it.
U.S. Congressman Tim Kennedy and your favorite Senators are in the room — with something to say.
The most fun learning you'll ever have.
Good vibes and contracts, all in one room. This is the work we do — and we do it in a big way.
Coffee at 7:30.
Contracts by 2:30.
Then the Afterglow.
No dead air and no sitting through filler. Every block hands you something to use: a buyer's card, a bid that finally makes sense, a room full of people who want you to win.
Grab breakfast, find your people, and get your badge. Registration and networking from 8.
Remarks from Congressman Tim Kennedy and elected officials. Then Senator April Baskin hands the Readiness Standard™ cohort their certificates.
The Buyer Blueprint — led by the Buffalo Purchasing Initiative with UB, Roswell Park, KeyBank and small diverse businesses — and Beyond The Checkbox, each followed by four bootcamps: Build The Bid, Grow Beyond You, AI at Work, Work The Room. Pick your rooms.
Lunch with the main panel: the industries and supply chains to get ready for now, and where your business fits.
The floor turns into the Small Business Marketplace, afterparty and networking happy hour — DJ Kenny Kutz, photo booth, bar and the Community Giveback kick-off. VIP guests get a drink ticket and VIP seating.
Send this to somebody who needs to be in the room.
Everything about the day on one page — the highlights, the $3 billion in diverse-business opportunity on the table, and a code that registers them on the spot. Print it, post it, or forward it.
If you're building something real, this room is yours.
Tickets from $15
Early Bird has closed — General Admission is $35, student $15, team of four $120, VIP $75 with the Prime Access Hour. Breakfast, lunch and snacks included in every tier.
Secure checkout on our official ticketing page.
Tickets are non-refundable but fully transferable — can't make it, send someone in your place.
See ticket tiers →Sponsor, sell or facilitate
Expo tables are sold out — but you can still put your name on the day, sell your products in the Small Business Marketplace, or lead a session in front of a room full of owners who need what you know.
Tiers, Marketplace spaces and speaking slots are all on one page.
Don't just leave inspired. Leave more ready.
Return of Readiness isn't a slogan. Here's what the day is built to put in your hands.
Less talk. More execution.
Questions people actually ask
Yes — breakfast, lunch and snacks in every ticket tier, including student.
Especially then. Empire State Development is on site to help you work through certification in the room.
Your capability statement, business cards, and any certification paperwork you're stuck on. Dress how you're comfortable.
Team of four is $120. Need an invoice or a bigger block? Email us and we'll set it up.
The Prime Access Hour — sit down with primes and buyers, get your capability statement reviewed, and hear an honest read on your capacity.
There's a parking ramp attached to 500 Pearl with direct indoor access to the venue — park and walk straight in, no weather, no hike. Street parking is nearby too. We'll email details with your ticket.
Aloft Buffalo Downtown is inside 500 Pearl — learn and stay in the same building. We have a special conference rate.
Book the conference rate at Aloft →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.
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.
The companies that put their name on this day.
Banks, primes, developers and contractors — the organizations that actually award the work. Their logos sit on this wall, in the program book, and in front of every business owner in the room on October 22.
These companies will be in the room. Will you?
Banks, primes and buyers are showing up for diverse businesses. Show up for yours — meet them face to face, with your capability statement in hand.
Partner wall current as of September 2026.
One day. October 22nd. Your next contract is in this room.
Early Bird has closed and this room fills on word of mouth every year. Don't be the one who hears about it after.