Workshops | WEDI

Entrepreneurship Assistance Center

The WEDI Entrepreneurship Assistance Center (EAC) is made possible by a grant from Empire State Development. As one of New York State's 26 EACs, WEDI offers 60 hrs of free business support through our "EAC Training Series", tailored for new and existing small business owners. This training series will include workshops by various business experts, and one-on-one coaching to help you work on a Business Model Canvas. There are both in-person and virtual training options.

WEDI would like to thank all of our fall attendees. We hope you found the information helpful and allowed you to build upon your business acumen.

Our Spring EAC Training Series will begin May 2025. Stay tuned to our social media and website for more information.

Thank You to our Fall 2024 EAC Presenters!

Tina Anderson, Creative Juices Marketing & Events

Tina Anderson is a marketing professional with over 10 years of experience in social media, content creation, and community management. In March 2022 she launched Creative Juices Marketing + Events full time, and has enjoyed the entrepreneurship experience. In addition to Creative Juices, she also runs SheConnects, a resource center for female professionals, and the Buffalo Kid Entrepreneurs, and organization that provides free vending and financial education to youth entrepreneurs.

In her spare time Tina has a passion for film, live music, stand-up comedy and traveling. She works with local theatres on live film events, and even co-ran a Drive Inn Theatre during the pandemic. Tina loves to connect with other businesses and organizations, feel free to say "hi" in person, at events, or online, creativejuicesny.com!

Juweria Dahir, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus

Juweria Dahir is a leader in innovation, entrepreneurship, and governance. She is the founder of JD Vertex, a consulting firm specializing in urban planning, business coaching, and data evaluation. As the co-founder of SheConnects, Juweria is dedicated to empowering female founders in both for-profit and non-profit sectors through resources, networking, and support.

She currently serves as the Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, where she oversees the IC Success Business Accelerator, and continues to drive economic and social impact through inclusive entrepreneurship. Her passion for community engagement and connecting donors with mission-driven impact sets her apart, as she works tirelessly to foster a thriving local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Additionally, she is an Adjunct Professor of Business and Entrepreneurship at Daemen University.

With extensive experience in business development, fundraising, and executive leadership, Juweria has a proven track record of managing teams and driving community engagement. Before transitioning to the business sector, she spent six years in government as a City Planner and External Affairs Manager for the City of Buffalo, advocating for policies to enhance urban and economic development. She applied her expertise to expand government initiatives, boost workforce growth through economic development, and lead neighborhood beautification and restoration efforts.

Juweria holds a Master's degree from the School of Architecture and Planning at the University at Buffalo. She has received numerous awards, including the 2022 Buffalo Business First IDEA Awards, the 2021 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award. the 2021 LISC Community Builder Award, the 2019 Business First "30 Under 30" Award, and the 2015 Buffalo Urban League Young Professionals Community Engagement Award.

In addition to her professional roles, Juweria leads H.E.A.L. International, a non-profit focused on women empowerment, economic development and youth enrichment programs, where she works with disadvantaged communities to promote self-sufficiency. Fluent in four languages, Juweria is passionate about making Buffalo a better place for all residents.

Adam Goldfarb, Goldfarb Financial

Adam Goldfarb, Financial Advisor Raymond James, assists individuals, families, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and entrepreneurs through important transitional periods in professional and personal development, beyond retirement and succession. He is an active community member serving on the board of the Big Easy in Buffalo and past service with the University at Buffalo’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Alumni Association, Hillel Buffalo, WNY Sustainable Business Roundtable, WNY Planned Giving Consortium, the Rotary Club of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, and the EPA Environmental Financing Working Group. Additionally, he was a founding member of the Raymond James Sustainable Investing Advisory Council.

Blake LeMoi, oneighty.io

At the helm of Paid as Director of Business Development, Blake's mission is to lead strategic growth initiatives and fuel market expansion. With deep expertise in SaaS sales and inbound sales strategies, he designs and execute initiatives that boost client acquisition and revenue while fortifying our market presence. A seasoned professional known for his relentless pursuit of excellence, he joined Paid in 2024, bringing a wealth of knowledge from a diverse career. Originally from Seattle, his early fascination with technology laid the foundation for a career defined by innovation and ambition. Blake's academic journey at Lake Washington Institute of Technology (Computer Networking & Automotive Engineering) and UTSA (Business Management & Marketing, Honors) further solidified his expertise in leadership, technology, and business strategy.

He kicked off his career at Washington Mutual Bank, and played a pivotal role in its digital transformation, guiding operations and managing people effectively. His transition into consulting and entrepreneurship allowed him to help business owners navigate digital transformations, enhancing his ability to deliver strategic business insights.

Since 2015, Blake has immersed myself in the payroll and HR SaaS sector, focusing on sales enablement and business development. His experience has made him a vital asset to Paid, aligning perfectly with their growth goals and innovation-focused strategies.

Blake is passionate about enhancing customer experiences and fostering servant leadership. With a strategic mindset and a talent for storytelling and brand engagement, he is excited to lead Paid’s growth strategy and solidify our leadership in the marketplace.

Jeffrey Leyonmark, GA Leyonmark Insurance Services, Inc. (An Affiliate of Wolf Agency, Inc.)

As owner and principal of GA Leyonmark Insurance Services, Inc. (An Affiliate of Wolf Agency, Inc.), a full-service risk management firm specializing in property and casualty insurance, I help families and businesses mitigate risk with comprehensive insurance coverage.

I am a business and community leader with a passion for building relationships with people. I consider myself a connector of people, serving as a “change agent” for growth and prosperity in the community in which I live.

Michael Lightman, Hate Your Deck

Michael Lightman, founder of Hate Your Deck, kicked off his career in the Peace Corps, where he helped local entrepreneurs learn to build and scale companies in Morocco. Since then, he has built and run startup programs around the world, led entrepreneurial education and launched startup ecosystem programs for various nations, led bootcamps and accelerators, and fundraised for and launched a $50M venture fund in NY & Singapore. His passion remains working directly with entrepreneurs to help them capture the interest of investors through effective storytelling and uncovering market differentiation.

Sinclair McGuffin, Vivere Studios

Sinclair McGuffin owns Vivere Studios, which focuses on the positive impact that creativity, community, and collaboration have on artists, makers, and creative entrepreneurs. The studio curates pop-up events like discussions, workshops, open mic, and open photoshoots to engage people in creativity and community so that the process of making art isn't solitary and hosts semi-annual art supply give-aways to give resources to community members who don't have access. Its vision is to strive for colorful co-working office spaces for artists and entrepreneurial creatives equipped with studio spaces to handle everything from painting to photography.

Lyndsey Michael, Small Business Legal Clinic

Lyndsay Michael is the paralegal for the Small Business Legal Clinic. She joined SBLC in 2022 after graduating from Erie Community College with an A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies. She has several years’ experience working with the public. Lyndsay works closely with SBLC clients and is the clinic’s MWBE certification specialist. She is passionate about helping entrepreneurs in Western New York and beyond succeed at their business goals.

Hope Rwigamba, WEDI

Esperance moved to Buffalo as a refugee in 2005 and considers it her home. She holds an associate degree in Business Administration from Erie Community College, a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Medaille College, and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Buffalo State College. Prior to working at WEDI, Esperance provided services to people with mental health issues and their families. In her free time she enjoys traveling and spending time with family. She lives with her husband and four children. Esperance was named WEDI's Employee of the Month in May 2022.

Our EAC training series is made possible by our presenters sharing their time and expertise and by a grant from Empire State Development.

Please check out the New Community Partner Events Calendar here for more learning opportunities!