ONE MILLION DOLLARS!
For many young start-up companies, a million dollars could potentially be a game-changer in their ability to grow, expand, and cultivate a dream into reality. 43 North is a company founded in Buffalo NY. They work hard to bring together investors which provide start-up companies with an opportunity to win a share of 5 million dollars!
Why Buffalo NY?
Part of the Buffalo Billion initiative which is supporting Western New York’s economy and providing employment through these new businesses. If a company wins the investment, it will be provided space and mentorship here in Buffalo NY to build and grow.
What are the Grand Prizes?
One lucky company will win 1 Million Dollars and 7 additional companies will walk away with 500,000 thousand dollars in investment money.
How are the Winning Companies Selected?
Widdled down from over 500 starting applications down to 16 semi-finalists. Following a fun day of speed networking with various investors, the semi-finalist will then be cut down to 10 finalists. These remaining companies will battle it out on the main stage at the beautiful Sheas Theatre on October 30th in a “Shark Tank” competition. Think the TV Show!
Why we LOVE it?
One word, Inspirational! Talk about like-minded folks coming together who are interested in small businesses, unique ideas, and loving Buffalo NY. Just like the television show, Shark Tank, it can be fun to see people give their sales pitches and see how the judges react.
Can anyone attend the final event?
YES! It’s FREE to attend the final competition where the grand prizes will be awarded. I’m definitely eager to see how everyone pitches their start-up companies this year and see how they react to constructive questioning from the judges.
Who are the 16 Finalists?
There is a myriad of different companies participating this year from all sorts of industries!
Here are a few of our favorite semi-finalists
“Hotels By Day” offers an online platform that rents out hotel rooms during the day. This is an interesting concept! I can see it being very useful for travelers who travel at night and need a place during the day to recharge.
“Peanut Butter” helps companies offer student loan assistance as a benefit. They help provide financial literacy, negotiate company contributions towards student debt, and increase employee retention.
“Rally” is a bus rideshare program. It supports crowdsourced trips to different destinations like concerts and sporting events. I could definitely see this being a great option for going down to New Era field for a Buffalo Bills game.
“Whose your landlord” is a mobile platform that allows renters to rate and provide feedback on rental properties. This can be a helpful step that can save a lot of money and time down the road for renters who are considering a particular property.
“GroupRaise” is a marketplace that provides groups of people to work with businesses on various fundraising efforts. I imagine schools that are in need of funds to support clubs and sports programs using this platform with various businesses in the community.
Now if you’d like to see the other 11 companies, you can read up on them here at the 43 North Website. There’s even an awesome #BracketChallenge where you can choose the companies that you think will win each round like the march madness college basketball bracket challenges. The winner of the bracket challenge will be awarded a suite at an upcoming NHL Buffalo Sabres game!
You already know that we filled out our brackets!!
We hope to see everyone on October 30th at 6 pm for the 43 North Finals Event. Don’t forget that the tickets are FREE but seating is first-come-first-serve! You can grab your tickets HERE through the 43 North Website.
