Buffalo, NY – The growing economic impact of women entrepreneurs across Western New York will be in the spotlight Friday, May 8 when the Women’s Business Center (WBC) at Canisius University hosts its 9th annual IGNITE Awards. The event, to be held from 7:00–10:00 p.m. in the Science Hall at 1901 Main Street, recognizes the leadership, innovation and economic contributions of women-owned businesses throughout the region.
Founded in 2003 through support from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Women’s Business Center at Canisius University provides no-cost business counseling, training and resources to women entrepreneurs across eight counties of Western New York. In the past year, the center served approximately 300 women entrepreneurs and helped secure an estimated $200,000 in business financing for clients. Additionally, the WBC supported women-owned businesses that collectively grossed more than $32 million in revenue.
That momentum is reflected in this year’s IGNITE Awards, which drew 60 nominations – more than double last year’s total - across four categories: Emerging Entrepreneur, Woman of Impact, Innovator & Change Maker, and Woman-Owned Business of the Year.
“The women we serve are building businesses by trusting themselves and moving forward through uncertainty,” says Lauren Jenkins, the newly appointed executive director of the Women’s Business Center. “IGNITE celebrates that courage and helps illuminate the path for others. My vision for the Women’s Business Center is to expand that impact by helping more women succeed because their success fuels jobs, economic growth and a stronger community for all of us.”
This year’s event reflects a reimagined vision for IGNITE as a signature evening celebrating the leadership, innovation and impact of women entrepreneurs across Western New York. The evening will kick off with a red-carpet arrival, followed by a networking reception with open bar and hors d’oeuvres, and an awards presentation hosted by Buffalo Bills reporter Maddie Glab.
Tickets for the IGNITE Awards are available here.
Founded in 1870 in Buffalo, NY, Canisius is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. Consistently ranked among the top institutions in the Northeast, Canisius offers undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional programs distinguished by close student-faculty collaboration, mentoring and an emphasis on ethical, purpose-driven leadership.
