Buffalo’s Next Wave of Entrepreneurs Take the Stage at Intersect Buffalo’s IC Success Final Pitch & Graduation

If you've ever dreamed about starting a business, turning a side hustle into a full-time career, or creating something that could impact your community, this is the event for you.

On Friday, June 5, Buffalo will have the opportunity to witness the next generation of entrepreneurs take center stage as Intersect Buffalo celebrates the Spring 2026 IC Success Final Pitch & Graduation at the Northland Workforce Training Center.

The evening will feature live business pitches from eleven local entrepreneurs who have spent the last several months sharpening their business plans, strengthening their brands, and preparing to grow their companies through the IC Success Business Accelerator Program. The event is free and open to the public.

IC Success is one of Intersect Buffalo's signature entrepreneurship programs designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs, particularly those from historically underserved communities. The free program provides participants with access to mentorship, business education, networking opportunities, marketplace connections, and resources that help entrepreneurs launch, strengthen, and grow their businesses.

The program is part of Intersect Buffalo's broader mission to create economic opportunity, foster entrepreneurship, attract investment, and empower residents across Buffalo's East Side. Through initiatives like IC Success, entrepreneurs gain the tools, confidence, and support systems needed to move from ideas to sustainable businesses.

Over the years, IC Success has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs develop stronger business strategies, improve marketing efforts, build financial literacy, connect with mentors, and gain access to new opportunities. Graduates frequently cite the mentorship, accountability, and sense of community as some of the program's most valuable benefits.

This year's graduating entrepreneurs represent a wide range of industries and talents, proving once again that Buffalo's entrepreneurial community is filled with innovation, creativity, and resilience.

The Spring 2026 cohort includes:

• Keesha Miller – WNY Mobile DNA Solutions LLC
• Ebony Smith – Fire N Ice
• Danielle Sharp – My Legacy Creations
• Jessica Miller – Ink Euphoria Tattoo Studio
• Tyler James – GigPlug
• Christine Martin & Bryant Browne – The Natural Hustle Entertainment
• Lakita Boyette – Western New York Caregivers Training Co.
• Tanaiya Black – The Black Lab
• Onice Castro – Coach and Assist
• Monisha Groff – Ladii's Cabaret Lounge
• Rashaad Holley – The Ruth L. Holley Design Studio

Each entrepreneur brings a unique story, business model, and vision for the future. From creative services and entertainment to healthcare, training, consulting, and technology, this cohort reflects the diversity and strength of Buffalo's small business community.

What makes the IC Success Final Pitch & Graduation special is that it isn't simply a ceremony. It's a celebration of growth.

It's about the entrepreneur who took a chance on themselves. It's about the business owner who turned an idea into a plan. It's about the founder who gained confidence, found mentorship, built new relationships, and discovered that success doesn't happen alone.

The event also serves as a reminder that Buffalo's future is being built right here by local entrepreneurs who are creating jobs, generating economic activity, and investing back into their communities. That's exactly the kind of work Intersect Buffalo was created to support.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, community leader, student, or simply someone who loves seeing Buffalo win, this is an opportunity to support local businesses and celebrate the next chapter for these founders.

Come hear their stories. Watch their pitches. Build new connections. And help celebrate a season of hard work, growth, and achievement.

Friday, June 5, 2026
5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Northland Workforce Training Center at 683 Northland Avenue Buffalo, NY 14211

Admission is free, but registration is encouraged. Register HERE 

For more information about Intersect Buffalo and the IC Success Program, visit Intersect Buffalo.

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