Springboard

Introducing Western New York’s Newest Venture Capital Fellow.   Monica Cronmiller, Founder and Managing Partner of CapTable Ventures, has been named to the Kauffman Fellows Class of 2026: one of the venture capital industry's most prestigious and selective leadership development programs. She joins 55 Fellows selected from a highly competitive global applicant pool, becoming part of an alumni network of more than 900 venture capital leaders across 65+ countries.   "Being selected as a Kauffman Fellow is an incredible honor and an opportunity to learn alongside some of the most accomplished investors and innovation leaders,” Cronmiller said. “This recognition reflects the momentum we're seeing across Western New York's entrepreneurial ecosystem, and I look forward to bringing new insights and connections back to the entrepreneurs, investors, and communities I serve."   At Springboard, we work to keep expanding access to transformational programs for WNY leaders—so they can bring back more value, connection, and growth to our entrepreneurial ecosystem.   Learn more about the Springboard Kauffman Fellows Scholarship: https://lnkd.in/ge9urHNP

Some of the most valuable takeaways from the Western New York Food Entrepreneurship Tour weren't tied to a specific organization. They came from the conversations, connections, and lessons shared throughout the day. Participants left with new ideas around partnerships, entrepreneur support, food access, and community development. More importantly, they left with relationships and examples they can bring back to their own communities. That's what Springboard is all about: creating opportunities for people to learn from one another, build connections, and strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems across Buffalo, Rochester, and Western New York. Kimberly LaMendola | Dr. Fileve Tlaloc Palmer | Megan Hageney, CEcD, EDP, MBA | Aili Makuch

Starting a business takes more than a good idea. At West Side Bazaar, entrepreneurs gain access to space, mentorship, capital, and the support needed to turn an idea into a sustainable business. From first-time food entrepreneurs to business owners ready to grow, the focus is on meeting people where they are and helping them take the next step. As part of the Western New York Food Entrepreneurship Tour, participants saw firsthand how organizations like West Side Bazaar are creating pathways for entrepreneurs to succeed. The visit sparked conversations about how communities can better support business owners at every stage of their journey. By connecting leaders with models like this, Springboard is helping communities share ideas, strengthen support networks, and create more opportunities for entrepreneurs across Buffalo, Rochester, and Western New York. Courtney Yonce | WEDI (Westminster Economic Development Initiative)

One of the goals of the Western New York Food Entrepreneurship Tour was to connect community leaders with organizations tackling challenges that many of our own communities are working to solve. At FreshFix, participants saw how a simple idea connecting local farms directly with consumers grew into a model that expands food access, supports farmers, and strengthens local food systems. From food distribution to farm support, the organization demonstrates how entrepreneurship can create ripple effects throughout an entire community. By creating opportunities to learn from organizations like FreshFix, Springboard is helping communities share ideas, build relationships, and explore solutions that can be adapted and applied back home to Buffalo, Rochester, and Western New York. Joshua McGuire

What can happen when a community invests in its own future? Participants on the Western New York Food Entrepreneurship Tour visited the Massachusetts Avenue Project (MAP), where vacant lots were transformed into green spaces, youth employment opportunities, and a hub for food, education, and entrepreneurship. Just as important as the physical transformation was the lesson behind it: strong partnerships help communities turn ideas into lasting impact. That message resonated with participants and sparked conversations about what similar approaches could look like in their own communities. By creating opportunities to learn from organizations like MAP, Springboard is helping community leaders build connections, share ideas, and bring new possibilities back home to Buffalo, Rochester, and Western New York. Avalon Gupta VerWiebe

Every entrepreneur starts somewhere. For Ansh Kumar, that journey began with curiosity, mentorship, and a willingness to learn. As a student, he was introduced to concepts like customer discovery, competitive analysis, and the process of turning ideas into real opportunities. Today, he's sitting in the same room helping support students who are beginning their own entrepreneurial journeys. With support from Springboard, the Upstate Biotech Summit is creating opportunities for emerging innovators to learn from experienced entrepreneurs, build meaningful connections, and take the next step toward bringing their ideas to life. That's how strong entrepreneurial ecosystems grow: one entrepreneur helping the next.

Entrepreneurship is about more than having a great idea. It's about finding the people who can help that idea grow. At the Upstate Biotech Summit, students had the opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry leaders who are helping shape the future of innovation in Western New York. As Alvina shares, Buffalo's entrepreneurial community stands out because people are willing to share their knowledge, support one another, and help emerging innovators find the right opportunities. With support from Springboard, events like this are creating new connections, new pathways, and new possibilities for the next generation of entrepreneurs.

What can happen when community leaders step outside their own region and spend a day learning from others doing similar work? Through the Western New York Food Entrepreneurship Tour, presented by Springboard, participants visited organizations across Buffalo that are supporting food entrepreneurs in different ways; from youth development and urban agriculture to food distribution and business incubation. More than a tour, it was an opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and see what's possible when communities learn from one another. The goal wasn't to copy what Buffalo is doing, but to bring back ideas, lessons, and connections that can help strengthen entrepreneurship and food systems across Buffalo, Rochester, and Western New York. That's the power of creating intentional spaces for communities to learn together. Ryan Williams | Avalon Gupta VerWiebe | Massachusetts Avenue Project | Aili Makuch | FreshFix | Joshua McGuire | Dr. Fileve Tlaloc Palmer | WEDI (Westminster Economic Development Initiative) | Courtney Yonce | Kimberly LaMendola

For many science students, the academic path is the only path they're ever shown. The Upstate Biotech Summit was created to introduce students to another possibility: entrepreneurship. As Alex explains, researchers and innovators are constantly solving problems. This event helps students learn how those solutions can become businesses, products, and opportunities that create real-world impact. With support from Springboard, the summit connected students with entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry leaders who are helping grow Western New York's innovation ecosystem. Sometimes all it takes is seeing a different path.

Great ideas don't change the world unless they leave the lab. At the Upstate Biotech Summit, students, researchers, and entrepreneurs came together to learn how scientific discoveries can become real businesses with real impact. As Adam Utley explains, entrepreneurship is more than starting a company. It's a way of thinking about problems, identifying opportunities, and turning innovation into action. With support from Springboard, the Upstate Biotech Summit is helping introduce life science students to new pathways for their ideas and strengthening Western New York's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.