Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership

The Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL) is the premier Western New York resource for entrepreneurs like you who are looking to overcome your challenges, inspire innovation, and propel your business to growth and profitability.

Learn to be the leader you were meant to be

Whether you’re an emerging entrepreneur or an established leader, our peer-based, mentor driven programs give you the confidence you need to successfully start a business or take an existing company to the next level.

Designed by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, the CEL’s individualized and interactive programs fit your demanding schedule. Based on proven principles and centered on best practices and emerging trends, our programs allow you to explore new methods for business growth in a confidential, noncompetitive environment with assistance from fellow classmates, UB School of Management faculty and external business experts.

The CEL Advantage

23,000

Western New Yorkers
employed by CEL businesses

1,700

GRADS

$2.3 billion +

economic impact
from CEL businesses

CEL Alumni

“Starting and running a business can be challenging. The Emerging Entrepreneurs program offers critical foundational information, along with the classroom environment and instructors to help you better understand the “why” behind the fundamentals.”

3/5/24

Craig Garner

Owner, ENG23 Home Services Corp.
M&T Bank Emerging Entrepreneurs ’22

“The CEL Core program gives you an instant network of people that want to help you succeed. It changes your brain to think about issues from outside of your current circle. I highly recommend this program.”

7/18/22

Jordan Lema

CEO and Executive Producer, Lemur Studios
Core ’22

“The Emerging Entrepreneurs program has been instrumental to my professional development, which has propelled my business growth. I am appreciative of CEL’s focus on the success of local entrepreneurs.”

3/5/24

Deidre Batson-Griggs

President, Kiper Moving and Transportation LLC
M&T Bank Emerging Entrepreneurs ’20, Core ’23

“The CEL team guided me in my startup journey which then allowed me to cultivate a larger economic impact in WNY. I am forever grateful for the amazing network.”

3/5/24

Shareefa M. Albanna

Founder and CEO of Arabica Enterprises LLC and PURSUIT Business Consulting
M&T Bank Emerging Entrepreneurs ’21

“CEL Core has taught me the ins and outs of my business while allowing me to grow as a professional. Not only have I gained numerous amounts of knowledge, but I have developed relationships with my classmates that will last a lifetime.”

3/5/24

Sara Evans

Principal and Director of Interior Design, MidCity Office Furniture
Core ’22

“CEL Core is an exceptional program for people looking into how to run and manage any business. The knowledge and skills that I took away from this experience are priceless.”

7/18/22

Vanessa Gabriele

Managing Attorney, Gabriele Law PLLC
Core ’22

“Through the transformational CEL Core program, I have learned so much about streamlining our processes to be as efficient as possible and gathering and using the data we need to be able to forecast where we are going.”

7/18/22

Julie Kruger

Owner, Kruger Immigration Law
Core ’22

“At a time of uncertainty, I learned that everyone is going through similar challenges. The Key Persons program helped conquer those challenges.”

9/22/22

Jordan Stapf

Manager, Chiavetta‘s Barbeque and Catering
Key Persons Leadership Development ’20

“The program gave me the resources, tools and confidence to move forward in my business.”

3/5/24

Michelle Spencer

Owner, Aging Well Care Management
M&T Bank Emerging Entrepreneurs ’22

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CEL Programs

Core Program

The flagship program of the CEL, Core empowers you to overcome business challenges, create new opportunities and develop meaningful connections in the business community. As a practicing entrepreneur, you will elevate your talents and operating abilities with the help of this peer-based, mentor-driven program delivered over the course of nine months.

View Program View The Core Program

Emerging Entrepreneurs

The M&T Bank Emerging Entrepreneurs program will help you move your company to the next stage of development. You will work with a mentor, attend biweekly business development seminars and networking events, and complete a revised or newly developed business plan.

View Program View The Emerging Entrepreneurs Program

Mastery Forum

If you are a growth-minded business leader who wishes to push beyond your usual limits, this monthly forum is for you. Professional facilitators and individual coaches guide you as you navigate business challenges and execute strategic initiatives. Gain additional insights from expert speakers and an annual retreat.

View Program View The Mastery Forum Program

Class Connections

Already a CEL graduate? Class Connections is a monthly, two-hour facilitated session that provides a confidential forum for you to discuss challenges and opportunities with trusted peers. At the end of each session, you commit to one strategic action item and are held accountable to accomplish it.

View Program View The Class Connections Program

Key Persons Leadership Development

An interactive forum for emerging leaders employed in small business, Key Persons Leadership Development helps you develop crucial tools to become a confident leader and think with an ownership mentality. Topics include leadership styles, communication strategies, financial acumen and time management tactics.

View Program View The Key Persons Connections Program

Mastering Your Financial Reports

Become better equipped with the knowledge you need to lead your business to financial success and long-term stability with the Mastering your Financial Reports program.

View Program View The Mastering Your Financial Reports Program

Inquire

Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership
School of Management
University at Buffalo
UB Downtown Gateway
77 Goodell St., Suite 201
Buffalo, NY 14203

Tel: 716-885-5715
Fax: 716-845-6999
mgt-cel@buffalo.edu

Meet our Team