National Black Business Month
Entrepreneurship plays an important role in the Black community and is crucial for the economy of Western New York. August is National Black Business Month, a historic annual event dedicated to celebrating Black-owned businesses. During this month, people are encouraged to support these businesses, which helps business owners grow and build generational wealth for their families and communities.
The Western New York Law Center helps Black businesses succeed. Our Small Business Legal Clinic (SBLC) is one of the few legal clinics like it in the country. We offer free legal help to small business owners, no matter what stage they are in. In the 8.5 years we've been operating, we have helped 4,044 clients and 3,344 small business owners in Erie County alone. More than half of our clients who report their race identify as Black or African American. We offer services like forming businesses, writing contracts, handling commercial leases, dealing with licenses and permits, zoning issues, tax advice, and more. We can also help with M/WBE certification.
In addition to meeting with business owners who contact us, we provide legal services and educate small business owners about important legal issues. We hold drop-in clinics in neighborhoods on Buffalo's East and West sides, where people can come in for help. Each month, we have five drop-in clinics at these locations:
WEDI Buffalo on the 1st Tuesday of the month from 2-4 PM
Virtual legal clinic with The Exchange at Beverly Gray, from 10 AM-3 PM
(sign up at The Exchange at Beverly Gray | business incubator | 334 East Utica Street, Buffalo, NY)Women's Business Center on the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 10 AM-12 PM
The Exchange at Beverly Gray on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 3-6 PM
Virtual legal clinic with the Women's Business Center
(sign up at Small Business Legal Clinic - Free Business Law Advice - The Women's Business Center)
This Saturday, August 2nd, the SBLC will be at the "Bold Moves" Only Day Conference at Seneca One Tower. One of our attorneys will be there from 10 AM to 1 PM to provide legal help for your business. If you need legal assistance, please contact us today at sblc@wnylc.net.
