Facebook To Help Small Businesses Through Ignite Buffalo Program

• Facebook announced its participation in the ‘Ignite Buffalo’ grant program to support small businesses.
• The social media company is set to join the likes of Amazon Web Services, Quickbooks, WooCommerce, WordPress and M&T Bank to offer assistance to small business in the form of grants and mentorship.
• The program is led by 43 North and offers assistance to national and local businesses that are in their early stages.

43 North’s organization ‘Ignite Buffalo’ has teamed up Facebook to offer assistance to smaller companies and help them grow. Ignite Buffalo is a mentorship and grant program to help small businesses. Facebook is set to join companies like Amazon Web Services, Quickbooks, WooCommerce, WordPress and M&T Bank in the organization.

The capital infusion program is designed to help small businesses succeed in the world of digital commerce. Small businesses from New York can apply for mentorship and financial assistance. The grants range from $25,000 to $100,000, a large pool of resources and knowledge, and access to 12 months of mentorship from the partners of Ignite Buffalo.

Image Courtesy of Facebook

27 grants are up for grabs from Facebook alone, and businesses that apply will be asked to showcase their business plans onstage at Buffalo from July 9 through July 11 during the Facebook Community Boost event. Other Ignite Buffalo partners will also be present to offer training and assistance during the event to participants who want to make it big in the digital world.

Local communities including educational institutions and clubs have also come together to support Facebook’s initiative in the program to help the social media giant offer the right training and digital skills to help small businesses grow and develop in the digital world. The Facebook Community Boost will spread awareness about the program and also help bring in more partners to participate in the Ignite Buffalo program.

As of now, the grant program is limited to Western New York, and if the movement gets enough traction, it can spread to other parts of the USA or even beyond. With Facebook ready to invest up to $1 million and other big players ready to fund as well, businesses have the right opportunity to leave a mark in the digital world through the initiative.