Kennedy Announces $62,500 Federal Grant for Buffalo’s Westminster Economic Development Initiative

Grant Extends Microloans and Business Support for Refugee Entrepreneurs BUFFALO, N.Y. – Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) today announced a $62,500 federal grant from the Office of Refugee Resettlement for the Westminster Economic Development Initiative (WEDI), extending its Refugee Microenterprise Development project through September 2027. The award will fund the project’s upcoming year, continuing WEDI’s microloans and business-development support for refugees and other eligible newcomers who are starting and growing small businesses in Western New York. “Refugees and new Americans bring ambition, skill, and strong determination to build a better future for themselves and their family, and a small business is one of the best ways to help them put down roots here in Buffalo,” said Congressman Kennedy. “WEDI has spent years supporting these entrepreneurs with the capital and guidance they need to start a successful business. I’m thrilled to see this funding carry that work forward, and I know that WEDI will use it to make sure that Buffalo continues to live up to its reputation as the City of Good Neighbors.” “At WEDI, we see every day what can happen when talented, determined entrepreneurs have access to the right resources and capital,” said WEDI Interim Executive Director Courtney Yonce-Swain. “This funding from the Office of Refugee Resettlement has helped us support more than 100 businesses since 2022, giving refugee entrepreneurs greater opportunity to start, stabilize, and grow their businesses. We are incredibly grateful for this additional support and for the opportunity to continue investing in entrepreneurs who strengthen their families, their neighborhoods, and the Western New York economy" WEDI first received this award in 2022. Through March 31, 2026, the most recent reporting period, it has helped 105 businesses, including more than $94,000 in microloans for start-up, stabilization, and expansion. Founded in 2007, WEDI is a certified Community Development Financial Institution and also operates the West Side Bazaar, a small business incubator on Niagara Street. ###