Workshops | WEDI

Entrepreneurship Assistance Center

The WEDI Entrepreneurship Assistance Center (EAC) is made possible by a grant from Empire State Development. As one of New York State's 26 EACs, WEDI offers 60 hrs of business support through our "EAC Training Series", tailored for new and existing small business owners. This training series will include workshops by various business experts and one-on-one coaching to help you work on a Business Model Canvas.

The Spring EAC Training series begins April 14.

The Spring EAC Training Series is scheduled to run from April 14 to May 21 from 5:30 PM–7:30 pm. There will be 10 virtual sessions and 2 in-person sessions. Registration is $150. Participants who complete 10 out of 12 workshops will receive a $50.00 reimbursement at the conclusion of the program, followed by a Pitch Competition and Graduation.

NEW THIS TRAINING SESSION: PITCH COMPETITION! Get ready to showcase your ideas, ambition, and innovation! Our EAC Pitch Competition brings together bold entrepreneurs who will take the stage to pitch their ventures to a panel of expert judges and a live audience. In just a few minutes, each competitor will share their vision, demonstrate impact, and make the case for why their business deserves to win. Cash prizes will be awarded. More information is forthcoming.

Interested participants should contact Entrepreneurial Assistance Center Program Manager, Antionette McClain, at amcclain@wedibuffalo.org or (716) 791-5025.

Thank you to our Fall 2025 EAC Presenters

Tina Anderson, Creative Juices Marketing & Events

Tina Anderson is a marketing professional with over 10 years of experience in social media, content creation, and community management. In March 2022 she launched Creative Juices Marketing + Events full time, and has enjoyed the entrepreneurship experience. In addition to Creative Juices, she also runs SheConnects, a resource center for female professionals, and the Buffalo Kid Entrepreneurs, and organization that provides free vending and financial education to youth entrepreneurs.

In her spare time Tina has a passion for film, live music, stand-up comedy and traveling. She works with local theatres on live film events, and even co-ran a Drive Inn Theatre during the pandemic. Tina loves to connect with other businesses and organizations, feel free to say "hi" in person, at events, or online, creativejuicesny.com!

Carl Chisholm, Insurance Associates Marketplace Agency, Inc.

Carl Chisholm is a 16-year veteran of the insurance industry, specializing in Property & Casualty insuraBnce for both businesses and individuals. As the third generation owner of Insurance Associates Marketplace, he represents a long established small business that’s been a part of his community for more than sixty years. A Buffalo native, Carl holds bachelors degrees in both psychology and political science, including having lived in Canada for several years with his now-wife Amanda. His hobbies are mostly quiet – he collects books, can’t resist a garage sale, and acts as assistant/taste tester for his wife’s bakery.

Ted Galantowicz, SCORE

Ted Galantowicz is a SCORE mentor and workshops coordinator for the SCORE Buffalo Niagara Chapter. He has been mentoring small business clients for almost 10 years. He is a licensed customs broker who served as director of the St. Louis Customs District for 13 of his 30-year Customs career. That career also included five years of service on the staff of the World Customs Organization. Following retirement from Customs, he served as Global Trade Compliance Manager for two fortune 500 companies. From 2009 – 1015 he operated a consulting business providing import/export compliance resources and assessments to small and large businesses. Ted is a Buffalo native, a graduate of Canisius University and holds an MBA from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Carol Kowalik-Happy, Buffalo and Erie County Public Library

Carol Kowalik-Happy is the Manager of System Adult Outreach Services for the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library System, where she leverages over 16 years of public library experience to serve the community. In her role, Carol focuses on engaging with adult patrons, offering valuable resources and services tailored to their needs, including workforce development programming and economic outreach.
Carol works closely with the local small business community. She partners with organizations like SCORE and the Ibero Business Center to provide library resources to entrepreneurs and frequently presents at SCORE’s “Starting and Managing Your Own Business” workshop. As a Small Business Librarian and Patent and Trademark Resource Center Representative, Carol offers specialized assistance and guidance to individuals seeking information on small businesses, patents, and trademarks.

Cecilia Johnson, Cooperation Buffalo

Cecilia is an organizer and social media manager who is passionate about working to build a new economy that meets everyone’s needs. After spending more than a decade at a large international bank, Cecilia was glad to leave behind the extractive, exclusionary, and profit driven big banking industry and join the movement to normalize non-extractive financing and democratize our workplaces with Cooperation Buffalo.

Michael Lightman, Hate Your Deck

Michael Lightman, founder of Hate Your Deck, kicked off his career in the Peace Corps, where he helped local entrepreneurs learn to build and scale companies in Morocco. Since then, he has built and run startup programs around the world, led entrepreneurial education and launched startup ecosystem programs for various nations, led bootcamps and accelerators, and fundraised for and launched a $50M venture fund in NY & Singapore. His passion remains working directly with entrepreneurs to help them capture the interest of investors through effective storytelling and uncovering market differentiation.

Susan McCartney, Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Susan McCartney is the Director of Buffalo State’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC). She will discuss the vital role small businesses play in driving economic growth and job creation in Western New York. SBDC provides support to entrepreneurs at every stage, from initial launch to expansion or refining existing operations. Sue McCartney is a strong advocate for entrepreneurship and small business initiatives. She emphasized Buffalo State’s commitment to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem where businesses not only thrive but also contribute to the culture and economic vitality of the local and regional community.

Antionette McClain, WEDI

Antionette was born and raised in Buffalo and is currently working on receiving her bachelor’s degree in communication. Prior to WEDI, she worked for Massachusetts Avenue Project, and she is currently a member of the board of directors for Gerard Place, and the Tool Library. She also volunteers for both organizations. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and listening to music. She also loves to travel and experience different cultures. She lives in Buffalo with her husband and their son.

Purnima Mohan, WEDI

Purnima has lived in Buffalo for 15 years. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry and Food & Fermentation Technology from the University of Mumbai, India. Prior to WEDI, she worked for Rich Products and Coca Cola India. Purnima has volunteered with numerous nonprofits and serves as the co-president of her PTSA Council. In her free time she enjoys arts and crafts, singing, dancing, cooking, photography, and volunteering. She lives in Amherst with her husband and son. Purnima was named WEDI's Employee of the Month in January 2022 and September 2023.

Desiree Parker-Smallwood, DLP Consulting WNY

Desirée L. Parker-Smallwood is the founder and CEO of DLP Consulting WNY and a well-known figure in the Western New York Community. At just 21 years old, she made history as the youngest African American female to own a Subway franchise. Over the past 30 years, Desirée has dedicated herself to empowering women, youth, and the greater Buffalo area through impactful speaking engagements and community involvement.
Following the successful sale of her franchise, Desirée built a diverse professional portfolio, working in banking and finance for a decade, and serving in food service management for 15 years. For the past five years, she has held roles in hotel front office management and accounting. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business with a certification in Hospitality.
A passionate entrepreneur and mentor, Desirée thrives in business, accounting, and training others to reach their highest potential. By day, she works in an accounting office, and by night and on weekends, she pours her energy into her own consulting firm.
Desirée is married to Harl Smallwood and is the proud mother of NaTania B. Parker, a multi-talented actor, singer, and dancer based in New York City—whose success helped inspire Desirée's journey as a Mompreneur. In addition to her professional commitments, she serves on the boards of four nonprofit organizations, continuing her mission to uplift and serve her community.

Victoria Reynolds, Small Business Administration (SBA)

Victoria Reynolds began with the US Small Business Administration in 1990 and has served in a variety of roles assisting small businesses gain access to capital, technical assistance and government contracting opportunities. Since 2007, she has been responsible for the delivery of all of SBA’s programs throughout the 14 counties of Western NY and the Finger lakes and developing its dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Esperance Rwigamba, WEDI

Esperance moved to Buffalo as a refugee in 2005 and considers it her home. She holds an associate degree in Business Administration from Erie Community College, a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Medaille College, and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Buffalo State College. Prior to working at WEDI, Esperance provided services to people with mental health issues and their families. In her free time she enjoys traveling and spending time with family. She lives with her husband and four children. Esperance was named WEDI's Employee of the Month in May 2022.

Our EAC training series is made possible by our presenters sharing their time and expertise and by a grant from Empire State Development.

Please check out the New Community Partner Events Calendar here for more learning opportunities!