Mayor Sean Ryan, BUDC and Present the 3rd Annual Black Business Expo
The Black Business Expo is set for Thursday, February 26th at Oakk Haus
Buffalo, New York – As part of Black History Month festivities in Buffalo, Mayor Sean Ryan and the City of Buffalo Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will highlight Buffalo’s Black owned business com munity at the 3rd Annual Black Business Expo, in partnership with the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation (BUDC), the Exchange at Beverly Gray Center and That Brown Bag. The event celebrates and promotes Black-owned businesses in Buffalo. The event will also include Black owned vendors and retailers, food from local restaurants, giveaways from BUDC’s Queen City Pop Up initiative, networking opportunities for minority owned business looking to obtain information on certification in a festive environment with music provided by WUFO Power 96.5 FM.
“As part of the City of Buffalo’s monthlong events celebrating Black History Month, we’re proud to work with the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation to spotlight the Black owned businesses that help drive our local economy and define the character of our city “Mayor Sean M. Ryan said. “Black entrepreneurs create jobs, build com munity wealth, and carry forward culture and creativity that make Buffalo strong. The Black Business Expo is an opportunity to celebrate that impact, connect businesses with real opportunities, and reaffirm our commitment to helping Black-owned businesses grow and succeed here in Buffalo.” The Black Business Expo will take place on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Oakk Haus, located at 414 Pearl Street in downtown Buffalo’s entertainment district.
“From restaurants, retail, arts, culture, education and technology and everything in between, the incredible contributions of Black entrepreneurs continue to advance our city and region. These contributions should not only be acknowledged but ampli fied. We invite everyone to join us at the upcoming Black Business Expo for a fun evening celebrating culture, meaningful connections and the unique offerings of our local Black owned business community,” said Brandye Merriweather, President of Buffalo Urban Development Corporation.
“Black History Month is about more than reflection; it’s about investing in the people building our future right now. Black-owned businesses create jobs, circulate dollars locally, and carry the culture of our neighborhoods, yet they’re too often under-resourced and overlooked. This partner ship between the City of Buffalo, Buffalo Urban Development Corporation, and The Exchange at Beverly Gray signals shared commitment, pairing visibility with real pathways to growth. When we celebrate Black business together, we’re not just honoring history, we’re strengthening Buffalo’s economic future.” said Derrick Parson, Executive Director of the Exchange at Beverly Gray.
For information on how to become a participating vendor at the Expo, contact: Brittney Montgomery, City of Buffalo Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator BMontgomery@buffa lony.gov or (716) 851-9664 or James Bernard, BUDC Project Manager Buffalo Urban Development Corporation at jbernard@buffalourbandevelop ment.com (716)856-6525 ext. 133.