Created for business owners and leaders of established organizations, Core empowers you to overcome business challenges, develop meaningful connections in the business community and gain back your personal time. Core meets weekly over the course of 10 months and focuses on strategic growth, financial acumen and building a stronger, more sustainable business.

You should apply to the Core program if you:

• Are the owner or a strategic decision-maker of an established business with significant annual revenues
• Wish to move beyond your current revenue plateau
• Strive to be more strategic and less encumbered by day-to-day issues
• Wish to control and direct the forces that shape your life
• Contribute to the community and the lives of others through your venture

We are now accepting applications for the Fall 2026 cohort. The Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership selects candidates for the fall program through August of each year.  Apply early as it is not unusual for the class to be filled before the deadline. 

A limited number of scholarships are available to accepted Core participants. More information on available scholarships can be found here.

Each year, we host monthly open houses from February through August, giving prospective participants a firsthand look at how the Core program helps entrepreneurs and strategic decision-makers focus on business growth, overcome challenges and build meaningful connections with other business owners in Western New York.

Our 2026 open houses have concluded. 2027 open house dates will be posted here as they become available.

To obtain program fees, request a brochure or learn more, contact the CEL at mgt-cel@buffalo.edu or 716-885-5715.