By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – City officials will be hitting the streets Friday for the second annual "Buffalo Business Blitz."
The blitz is an initiative of the Buffalo Economic Renaissance Corporation, designed to inform local businesses about the financial incentives and other services offered by the agency.
Last year, BERC staff, in teams of two, visited more than 1,500 businesses. Interim director Dave Stebbins said such outreach is important for two reasons.
"Number one, we can let them know about how we can help them grow their businesses and create jobs," Stebbins said. "And number two, it's also an opportunity for all of our staff to meet businesses. Some of us are unable to get out on a regular basis. So, this enables us to understand what our customer needs are."
Stebbins says special attention will be paid to two business districts, one on Niagara Street on the lower West Side and the other on Jefferson Avenue, where new Tops supermarkets are being built.
"As major neighborhood anchors, we want that to spur revitalization of those neighborhood business districts," Stebbins said. "So, this is a good opportunity to let businesses in those area know what's available to help them."
Stebbins says representatives of Buffalo Niagara Enterprise will join the BERC in Friday's "Business Blitz." He says businesses may be eligible for such incentives as tax abatements, loans and one-on-one consultations.