More than 140 people are taking part in a weekend program at Medaille College, designed to help entrepreneurs launch their ideas into the marketplace.
It's called "Startup Weekend Buffalo." Friday night, participants pitched their business ideas. Those who were selected will spend Saturday and Sunday putting their business plans together.
"It's a 54-hour event that caters to entrepreneurship and innovation," said John Spitz, director of online programs at Medaille and one of the organizers. "We're targeting people of all backgrounds -- business people and developers -- to create a business. They pitch. They create ideas. They work on them all weekend. They win prizes. There are judges and mentors to help them along the way."
Spitz says he expects many of the business ideas will center around smart phone apps. Besides the cash prizes, the winners will also be provided incubator space to further develop their ideas if they so choose.