Koffman Southern Tier Incubator

Exciting news from Binghamton's First Ward! ????? The Shoppes at 85 Clinton has officially opened its doors, creating a vibrant space for local creativity and celebrating the power of minority entrepreneurship. This new boutique showcases the talent and vision of local entrepreneurs, offering unique, handcrafted goods and fostering a sense of community pride. Discover how this initiative is revitalizing the First Ward and making an impact in Binghamton!

Thanks to our friends at Binghamton University's Transformational Leaders Program for visiting Koffman last week! ?? ??

??? The Koffman team is feeling the holiday spirit! Once again, we’re thrilled to sponsor a tree at the Roberson Museum's Home for the Holidays exhibit. Our Koffman elves had a blast decking out the tree with ornaments celebrating our 60+ member companies.Experience a true Binghamton tradition at Roberson this holiday season! Home for the Holidays is open now through January 4th.

?? Koffman Graduation Alert! ?? We’re excited to celebrate Roadmap's graduation from the Koffman Business Incubator Program! ?? What started as a simple idea grew into an AI-powered coach designed to help individuals with ADHD overcome task paralysis and reduce procrastination through personalized strategies. This innovative solution took the Roadmap team—comprised of students from Binghamton University and Georgia Tech—to incredible heights. This year, they competed in the Microsoft Imagine Cup, placing third overall among thousands of global applicants and earning $50,000 to fuel their venture! Pictured (right) is Clay Battle, a Senior Computer Science major at Binghamton University’s Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science, Binghamton University and a key member of the Roadmap team. Congratulations to Clay and the entire Roadmap team on this remarkable achievement!

?? Happy National Entrepreneur Day! ?? At the Koffman, we're proud to support incredible entrepreneurs who are transforming industries and turning bold ideas into reality. From cutting-edge tech startups to community-focused businesses, our member companies are making waves and leaving a lasting impact. Check out our blog to learn more about the amazing achievements of our entrepreneurial community: https://lnkd.in/gwC4hts5 Let's keep innovating, inspiring, and supporting one another! ?? #NationalEntrepreneurDay #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #KoffmanIncubator #Startups #MakingWaves #SupportEntrepreneurs

Webinar Alert: Unlocking Global Opportunities for Startups ?? In an increasingly interconnected world, entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) are vital in helping startups navigate the challenges and opportunities of international markets. Join this insightful webinar to learn strategies for empowering startups and scaleups to succeed globally. We’re thrilled Elena A. Iankova, Director of the Koffman’s Soft Landing New York Program, will be featured as a speaker during this event. What You’ll Gain: ?? Key Trends: Learn about the latest in cross-border entrepreneurship and market drivers. ?? Actionable Strategies: Discover proven approaches to support startups in scaling internationally. ??? Valuable Resources: Access tools and insights to promote sustainable global growth. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners and walk away with actionable takeaways to support entrepreneurial ventures aiming for global success. ?? Date: Wednesday, November 20 ? Time: 1:00 PM ET Let’s work together to help startups grow sustainably—beyond borders! ??

Koffman member and Binghamton University alum Leighton Blackwood, founder of campus favorite 2nd Heaven Bubble Tea, has taken his entrepreneurial journey to the next level with the grand reopening of Chroma Café & Bakery in downtown Binghamton. With guidance from the Koffman, the Small Business Development Center at Binghamton University, and the support of the greater community, Leighton is transforming Chroma into a vibrant hub where students and locals can connect and enjoy his creative vision...and some delicious food! Read more about his inspiring journey: https://lnkd.in/gJfYfk_E #Entrepreneurship #BinghamtonUniversity #SmallBusiness #KoffmanIncubator #DowntownBinghamton

The Koffman is thrilled to join "Team University" once again for CHOW's annual “Downtown Thanksgiving Food Challenge”! ?? This year’s food drive officially kicked off today in downtown Binghamton, bringing together city, state, and county teams to compete in gathering non-perishable food donations for families in need. We're proud to partner with Binghamton University’s College of Community and Public Affairs in this effort. Last year, "Team University" earned the top spot, and we’re aiming for the top spot again this year! CHOW collection barrels will be in the Koffman lobby from November 18-22, so stop by with a donation! You can also support by donating online: https://lnkd.in/gsEjSzed. Let's make a difference together! ??

?? The Koffman team had a fantastic experience at the 2024 Grow-NY Food & Agriculture Summit last week! Our staff was excited to network, connect, and dive into the latest innovations in the food & ag startup world. A special highlight was supporting Koffman member Shelley Elkovich, Founder & CEO of For Bitter For Worse, and Mauricio Agudelo, Co-Founder & CEO of BIALTEC and participant in our Soft Landing New York program. Both Shelley and Mauricio took the stage in the prestigious pitch competition—Shelley walked away with $250,000 to fuel the growth of her non-alcoholic cocktail company! Congratulations to Shelley and Mauricio, and many thanks to the Grow-NY team for hosting an incredible event!

Ready to connect, share ideas, and grow your network? Join us on November 20th at Breaking Down the Silos for an evening of innovation and inspiration! Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2024 Time: 5:00–7:00 PM Location: Koffman Southern Tier Incubator Event Highlights: ?? Networking with entrepreneurs and community leaders ?? Pitches from local businesses ?? Free Headshots to update your professional profile ?? Tasty Bites and engaging conversations This free event is open to all. Don’t miss out—reserve your spot today! https://lnkd.in/gGt5W9Cj