Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership - UBuffalo School of Management

The greatest threat to many family businesses isn't competition.

It's the absence of a succession plan.

Business owners often have a clear vision for growth, operations and customer relationships, yet many have not documented how leadership will transition when the time comes.

Succession planning is about more than ownership. It's about preserving institutional knowledge, preparing future leaders, managing family dynamics and creating continuity for employees and customers.

The strongest family businesses don't wait for a retirement announcement or unexpected event to begin planning. They build succession into their long-term strategy.

A business built to last should also be built to transition.

If your family business is facing this conversation, or needs to start having it, we have an upcoming workshop designed specifically for you. Learn more and register here: https://ubmgtconnect.buffalo.edu/portal/cel_familybusiness

Yesterday, we hosted the third workshop in the AI Workshop Series, Simplify HR with AI: Build Practical Tools to Support Your Teams, led by Gian Martinelli, senior manager of associate digital enablement at Rich Products Corp.

Participants explored practical, real‑world HR use cases, learned responsible ways to apply AI and built ready‑to‑use tools to better support their teams and reduce day‑to‑day complexity.

There is one workshop remaining in the AI Workshop Series, and spots are filling quickly. Register today to secure your seat and learn practical ways to put AI to work in your business: https://ubmgtconnect.buffalo.edu/portal/cel_aiworkshops

Our June 24 Core program open house at Duff's Famous Wings is right around the corner, and you don't want to miss it!

For 39 years, the Core program has helped Western New York business owners grow stronger companies through peer learning, mentorship and practical business education. Now, we're looking for the 40th cohort of leaders ready to invest in their growth.

Join us to meet alumni, connect with fellow business owners, enjoy Duff's Famous Wings and learn what makes Core a transformational experience for entrepreneurs.

Register today: https://ubmgtconnect.buffalo.edu/portal/cel_coreopenhouse

Introducing the Classes of 2026! 🎓🥂

Last night, we proudly celebrated the graduation of the Core and M&T Bank Emerging Entrepreneurs programs. Throughout their journeys, these entrepreneurs demonstrated dedication, resilience and a commitment to growing their business and leadership skills.

The evening recognized the accomplishments of our graduates and provided an opportunity for participants, mentors, alumni and supporters to continue building meaningful connections. Interested in learning more about the Core or M&T Bank Emerging Entrepreneurs programs? Visit our website: https://management.buffalo.edu/centers/center-for-entrepreneurial-leadership-cel/programs.html

Yesterday, the M&T Bank Emerging Entrepreneurs program held its final class, where participants reflected on their 10-month journey and began mapping out the next stages of their business and professional growth.

Tonight, they graduate, closing out the program and stepping into their next chapter.

A limited number of seats remain for the upcoming cohort. If you're interested in applying, visit our website: https://management.buffalo.edu/centers/center-for-entrepreneurial-leadership-cel/programs/mtbank-emerging-entrepreneurs-program.html

Yesterday, we hosted the second workshop in the AI Workshop Series, AI for Small Business Marketing, led by Celine Krzan, clinical assistant professor of entrepreneurship in the UB School of Management.

Participants discovered how AI can help them craft sharper messaging, personalize outreach at scale and automate campaigns so they can take back time in their day.

There are still two workshops remaining in the AI Workshop Series, but spots are filling quickly. Register today to secure your seat and learn practical ways to put AI to work in your business: https://ubmgtconnect.buffalo.edu/portal/cel_aiworkshops

Every business has a story, and the way it's told can shape how customers connect with your brand.

Yesterday, members of the Mastery Forum program welcomed Erik Eustice of Of The Sea LLC for an engaging workshop on brand development and marketing through storytelling.

Effective storytelling helps businesses communicate their purpose, build trust and create meaningful connections with customers. By sharing authentic stories, organizations can differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace and make their message more memorable.

Interested in the Mastery Forum program? Visit our website to learn more: https://management.buffalo.edu/centers/center-for-entrepreneurial-leadership-cel/programs/mastery-forum.html

Yesterday, we hosted the first workshop in the AI Workshop Series, AI: From Experimentation to Transformation, led by Dominic Sellitto, assistant faculty director of the Center for AI Business Innovation.

Participants explored how small businesses can move beyond using AI for simple tasks and begin leveraging it to redesign workflows, reduce coordination costs and create strategic advantages.

There are still three workshops remaining in the AI Workshop Series, but spots are filling quickly. Register today to secure your seat and learn practical ways to put AI to work in your business: https://ubmgtconnect.buffalo.edu/portal/cel_aiworkshops

Join us in congratulating Jessica Henschel of Watts Architects & Engineers for completing her Core clinic!

A special thank-you goes out to the team of experts that helped Jessica succeed:

- Mentor: Denise Neamon
- Reactors: Jeannie Parent, Lisa Stefanie, Dan Wangelin and Jake Worthington

Interested in participating in the Core program next year? Visit our website to learn more and register for an open house: https://management.buffalo.edu/core