Local
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October 30, 2025
Bradford Publishing Company
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CATTalyst COllective to kick off New partnership dedicated to driving economic development in Cattaraugus County
Business owners, entrepreneurs and anyone interested in economic development are invited to the CATTalyst COllective Kickoff Event — happening Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Holimont in Ellicottville.
The event marks the official launch of the CATTalyst COllective, a new collaborative partnership dedicated to driving entrepreneurship-led economic development across Cattaraugus County.
“Olean Business Development Corporation is proud to be involved in this partnership and is eager to share the good news of this kick-off with all of its partners,” said Bob Forness, president and executive director of OBD.
The CATTalyst Collective is made up of a group of leaders representing a cross-section of business, education and economic development organizations throughout the county. This group has worked together informally to strengthen the local business environment — con-
necting entrepreneurs with resources, creating support systems and championing small business success.
Now, united under one name and vision, the CATTalyst COllective formalizes that collaboration into a countywide initiative that aims to:
• Support local entrepreneurs through coordinated programs and mentorship.
• Strengthen business development infrastructure by aligning regional resources.
• Encourage innovation and investment that fuels long-term economic growth.
• Promote inclusivity by ensuring opportunities reach all corners of our community.
“Join us for an evening of connection and inspiration as we share our vision for the future of entrepreneurship in Cattaraugus County,” Forness said.
During the event, attendees will:
• Meet members of the CATTalyst COllective and learn about its mission.
• Discover how the Entrepreneurship-Led Economic Development Strategy is helping shape a stronger, more resilient local economy.
• Be among the first to hear about three new
programs launching to support small business creation, growth and innovation.
• Network with community partners, entrepreneurs and business leaders who are driving change in our region.
Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served. There will be opportunities to connect, collaborate and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that makes our community thrive.
“This event represents more than just a launch — it’s the beginning of a new chapter for collaboration and community growth in Cattaraugus County,” Forness said. “Whether you’re a business owner, community leader or someone passionate about economic development, your participation will help shape the path forward.
“We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate the start of this exciting journey and share what’s ahead for the CATTalyst COllective.”
Forness urged community members to follow CATTalyst COllective on its social media accounts — Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn —
where you can find how to reserve your spot.
OBC is a not-for-profit dedicated to the development of the entrepreneurial community in the Greater Olean area.
Its team helps small businesses and start-up entrepreneurs navigate the area’s resource pool, helping them grow their business.
In place for for than eight years, OBC has served 150 companies and has deployed dozens of programs. It also operates the Laine Business Accelerator — in partnership with St. Bonaventure University Entrepreneurship Center and SUNY Jamestown Community College’s Cattaraugus County Campus in Olean — a step-by-step program designed to help small business owners unlock growth in their businesses.
To date, the program has helped 30 businesses (its latest cohort of business owners is winding down participation in the program this fall), providing $160,000 in seed money and helping to fill seven previously vacant storefronts in the area.
Bob Forness
SBA plans 12th annual National Veterans Small Business Week
Veteran entrepreneurs to be recognized Nov. 3-7
The U.S. Small Business Administration will celebrate the 12th consecutive year of National Veterans Small Business Week from Nov. 3-7.
The week honors America’s 1.6 million veteran-owned small businesses and the commitment to excellence, quality, and strength that defines veteran entrepreneurship across all sectors, including manufacturing. The theme of this year’s NVSBW is “Honoring Veteran-Owned, American Made.”
“As the daughter of a veteran small business owner, I know firsthand that these heroes are some of most selfless and capable job creators in America,” said Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “Veteran entrepreneurs create jobs, drive innovation, and lead our nation’s critical industries — especially those that keep our defense and manufacturing infrastructure strong.
“During National Veterans Small Business Week, the Trump Administration and the SBA unite with our partners nationwide to honor their service, recognize their successes, expand access to resources, and strengthen the networks that offer tools for veterans, service members, and military spouses.”
Throughout the week,
the SBA, its resource partners, and local stakeholders will host in-person and virtual events on key topics including manufacturing, capital access, and government contracting. The week will also promote targeted resources and training opportunities to support long-term success. Events are being added daily to sba.gov/ nvsbw.
Veteran-owned small businesses are vital engines of the U.S. economy, generating $1 trillion in annual sales, $179 billion in payroll, and employing approximately three million workers. These entrepreneurs — along with service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses — bring unmatched discipline, resourcefulness, and dedication to the marketplace. The SBA supports the military-connected small business community through:
• Counseling and training delivered nation-
wide by SBA District Offices and partners.
• Access to capital, including SBA-backed loans to start, grow, or expand businesses, or and recover from disasters.
• Resource partners and partnership agreements with other federal agencies that help to increase resources for veteran entrepreneurs.
• Manufacturing resources to help veteran producers connect with American suppliers and expand operations.
• Government contracting resources that help veteran-owned businesses compete for federal contracts.
The SBA Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) works through SBA’s resource partner network, which includes Small Business Development Centers, the SCORE mentoring pro-
gram, Women’s Business Centers, and 31 Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC) located throughout the nation.
VBOCs are the leading partner in hosting the “Boots to Business (B2B),” “Boots to Business Reboot,” and “Military Spouse Pathway to Business” programs, which are courses on entrepreneurship offered on military installations and in local communities.
Since B2B’s inception in 2013, these programs have collectively trained and graduated more than 236,000 service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses. For more information on the resources available for veteran entrepreneurs, visit sba.gov/veterans.
SBA helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster.
It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Adam C. Raber 10775 Pigeon Valley Road Randolph, New York 14772 Mon. - Fri. 8:00 am - 6:00 pm • Sat. 8:00 am - 2:00 pm • No
Time to bring production back to the US — and the SBA can help
By Matt Coleman
American manufacturing is making a comeback — and the U.S. Small Business Administration is prepared to assist entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout this revitalization.
As SBA Regional Administrator for the Atlantic Region, I am working with SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler to strengthen American economic power and national security by empowering our small manufacturers. Our efforts support President Trump’s agenda to create good paying jobs, reinforce domestic supply chains, promote fair trade and revive the blue-collar boom of his first term.
We are fostering a small business climate unseen
in years, where “Made in America” is a meaningful concept driving local economies and creating quality jobs. The SBA Made in America Manufacturing Initiative supports the president’s broader vision for revitalizing U.S. manufacturing by improving access to capital, promoting workforce development, streamlining regulations and building dedicated infrastructure for small manufacturers.
How do we make Made in America a reality? We bring production back to the United States. Onshoring your production efforts has huge benefits — not only to our country, but to your bottom line. One of the biggest reasons firms move their production to United States soil is related to cost. Small businesses may save on expenses
related to transportation, materials and labor.
By onshoring your production, you decrease the potential challenges presented by supply chain issues. It is also easier to keep an eye on quality when production is moved to the U.S. The benefits to producing your product locally by far outweigh those from producing overseas — not only for your own bottom line, but for our nation’s economy as a whole.
The SBA has developed its free onshoring portal located at www.sba. gov/manufacturing that arms small businesses with the tools big business use every day, allowing small business owners to connect with verified domestic manufacturers, producers, and suppliers. The agency’s free hand-
book help entrepreneurs navigate the portal, and you have the ability to be listed as a domestic supplier further diversifying your customer base. This is a great starting place for any business looking to bring their production to the U.S. and be listed as a domestic supply source.
Beyond these resources, the SBA team and our resource partners stand by ready to assist from every state across the nation. Please remember to let SBA help you be 100% Made in America. Together, we can strengthen small business profitability, create more American jobs, and further strengthen our domestic economy.
(Matt Coleman is the SBA regional administrator for the Atlantic Region, including New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.)
Why supporting local small businesses matters
The holiday season is a time of year when shopping takes center stage. While online giants and big box retailers seem to be everywhere, offering an endless array of products with the convenience of low prices, small businesses provide a range of benefits that go far beyond the ease of a mouse click or mountains of merchandise.
Shopping local retailers is more than just a transaction — it is crucial for maintaining the economic foundation of local communities. Let’s take a look at the many ways it pays to shop small businesses during the holidays and all year long.
• Strengthen the local economy: A large percentage of the money spent at small businesses stays in the commu-
nity. That’s because these businesses often are owned and operated by local residents who are invested in the community themselves. Various studies indicate that for every $100 spent at a small business, roughly $70 stays in the community.
• Enhanced customer service: Owners and employees of small businesses have a keen interest in keeping customers happy. They often do so by providing superior customer service. Tailoring recommendations, exhibiting a willingness to accommodate special requests, offering a more engaging shopping experience, and being more friendly and connected with regular
customers sets many small businesses apart.
• Support the community: Small businesses serve the community through the products and services they offer, and many give back in other ways as well. Small, locally owned businesses often sponsor schools, sports teams and charities. This helps foster a sense of belonging in the community.
• Innovative offerings: Small businesses are not beholden to corporate policies or franchise restrictions, so they can more readily bring new life to existing ideas and trends. Small businesses can offer customers different options that larger retailers cannot match.
• Job creation: Small businesses employ a significant percentage of the workforce and frequently provide jobs that might not be available in larger corporate settings. The U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy says small businesses have generated 12.9 million net new jobs over the past 25 years, accounting for two out of every three jobs added to the U.S. economy. Keeping residents working helps strengthen local communities. There are numerous benefits to shopping at small businesses this Small Business Saturday and throughout the year. Such firms help to establish a more resilient, diverse and bustling local community.
Some hidden benefits to shopping local
The economic impact of shopping within one’s community is significant. Though estimates vary and are always open to fluctuation, a recent survey from American Express and the National Federation of Independent Business indicated roughy 67 cents out of every dollar spent at a small business remains in the community.
The economic impact of shopping local is plain to see, as many local business owners and employees live in the communities where their companies operate. But there are additional and perhaps less obvious benefits to buying close to home as well.
• Walkability: Community residents who aspire to keep their dollars within their own towns may not need to drive to do so. For example, residents may live within walking distance of local restaurants. A casual stroll to dinner out on the town can make for a more relaxing evening. But that’s not the only way walkability pays dividends. A 2023 survey from the National Association of Realtors® found that 78 percent of potential home buyers indicate they’d pay more for a home in a walkable community than one that required driving to access amenities like
shops and restaurants. By shopping local and supporting businesses within walking distance of their homes, homeowners can help to maintain their local economies and even drive up the value of local real estate.
• Time: Another notable but easily overlooked benefit to shopping local is the time savings. Businesses located within one’s community are likely a short walk or drive away from home, whereas getting to large chains may require significant travel. Residents can use the time they save by shopping local however they see
fit, and that’s a particularly notable benefit in a modern world where balancing personal and professional responsibilities is as difficult as ever.
• Health: Shopping local also can have a positive impact on consumers’ overall health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports there are many notable benefits to social connection, including increased feelings of belonging and being loved and even greater resistance to serious illness and disease. When shopping at locally owned small businesses, residents typically
interact with owners and staff in ways that are far less common than when shopping at chain stores. Those interactions help foster relationships between business owners, employees and customers, and that can benefit shoppers in many of the ways noted by the CDC. Patronizing locally owned small businesses has a well-documented positive impact on local economies. A closer look at shopping local reveals there are many lesser known but no less significant advantages to supporting small businesses in one’s community.
Surprising features of shopping local
A movement to “shop local” gained steam as more communities faced few options outside of big box stores. The shop local approach encourages consumers to patronize local businesses, and even those fully devoted to the cause might not realize how beneficial it can be. The following is a look at how communities and residents win when shopping local.
• Shopping local increases employment opportunities. Small businesses employ more workers in the United States than their larger counterparts, creating two out of every three new jobs, according to the Small Business Administration. In fact, small businesses account for 99.7 percent of all employer firms in the United States. Buying locally means employment levels are either going to be stable or there will be more opportunities for local residents to work in the community.
• Shopping local does not cost more money. Many people are under the assumption that buying locally is always more expensive. But this isn’t always the case. Local shops may offer a range of products from a particular region, which will reduce shipping costs, and that savings can be passed on to the consumer. Plus, small businesses may
offer special discounts and promotions more readily than nationwide chains, so consumers can get more value for their money.
• Shopping local helps to keep money in the community. Patronizing local stores creates a recirculation of money in the community. Dollars spent in town raise the overall level of economic activity, which helps pay salaries, and builds up the local tax base, says Michigan State University Center for Community and Economic Development.
• Shopping local can help the planet. Environmentalists were among the first people to promote local consumption, as buying local can cut down on transportation-related pollution.
• Shopping local stretches beyond seasonal events. Certainly there are a host of local merchants that do mich of their business during key times of the year or specialize in seasonal produce. However, many local businesses also offer products year-round, and these local merchants include artisans, designers, musicians, and clothing retailers.
There are many reasons to increase reliance on local shops and vendors, who benefit communities and residents in myriad ways.
