In an effort to learn more about the current state of Western New York’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and to inform future strategy, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation engaged Victor & Company, led by Victor W. Hwang, to conduct a three-month rapid discovery process. As part of this process, Victor & Company conducted 20 interviews with regional stakeholders and reviewed existing reports and articles about the entrepreneurial ecosystem. This report presents observations regarding the challenges facing the ecosystem and recommendations for the next phase of work, as stakeholders seek to foster small business growth, place-based community, and economic development.

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