Finger Lakes SBDC launches procurement readiness program for local businesses

The Finger Lakes Small Business Development Center at SUNY Brockport has opened applications for a new eight-week program to help Genesee County and western Monroe County businesses compete for contracts with larger buyers. The initiative is meant to help local firms learn procurement rules, build supplier credentials and access regional purchasing opportunities.

Why it matters: - The Finger Lakes region’s large buyers spend millions of dollars a year on goods and services. - Many qualified local businesses miss those opportunities because they do not know the procurement process or how to become approved suppliers. - The new program is meant to help more small businesses compete for contracts and grow beyond their current customer base.

What happened: - The Finger Lakes Small Business Development Center at SUNY Brockport launched the Finger Lakes Procurement Initiative, or FLX PI. - Applications are open for the inaugural eight-week cohort. - The cohort begins Wednesday, September 16, 2026. - Applications will be accepted through Sunday, August 30, 2026. - The program targets established businesses in Genesee County and western Monroe County. - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation supports the initiative.

The details: - Participants will receive practical training, expert guidance and connections to procurement professionals. - The curriculum covers how procurement departments evaluate suppliers. - Businesses will learn how to strengthen capability statements. - The program includes guidance on supplier requirements and certifications. - Participants will learn how to identify procurement opportunities. - The training also focuses on building long-term customer relationships. - Businesses will meet directly with procurement professionals, industry experts and business advisors. - The initiative is open to manufacturers, construction firms, engineering companies, technology providers, logistics companies, professional service firms, agricultural businesses, food and beverage companies, maintenance providers, marketing agencies and other business service organizations. - Applicants must complete a short online application and then interview for program fit. - Accepted participants will be notified on a rolling basis through August 30. - A $40 program fee is due upon acceptance to reserve a place. - The program is designed to help businesses pursue opportunities with employers, healthcare systems, colleges and universities, manufacturers, municipalities and other large purchasers across the Finger Lakes region. - A more information and application page is available online.

Between the lines: - The initiative addresses a common barrier for smaller firms: access, not capability. - The program also gives local businesses a structured way to understand how large organizations buy, screen and approve suppliers. - The regional focus suggests an effort to keep more purchasing dollars closer to home.

What's next: - Interested businesses can apply now through August 30, 2026. - Accepted firms will join the first cohort starting September 16, 2026. - The Finger Lakes SBDC is expected to use the program to build a pipeline of procurement-ready suppliers in the region.

The bottom line: - The Finger Lakes Procurement Initiative aims to turn local business know-how into contract-ready credentials and open the door to more regional purchasing dollars.