Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship expands to Buffalo

BUFFALO — The Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship is opening a location in Buffalo and is expected to welcome its first students in the fall of 2026. The new campus center will be located in the former office building of The Buffalo News on Washington Street. It represents an expansion of the Golisano Institute’s footprint in Western New York. Ian Mortimer, president of Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship, shared the announcement Oct. 16 at the future campus center, emphasizing that the Buffalo location will deliver the same accelerated, non-traditional business education offered in Rochester — a model made possible by the Golisano Institute’s founder, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Tom Golisano. “At Golisano Institute, we remain committed to providing a highly focused set of business learning and experiences that students complete in just two years,” said Mortimer. “With our first class graduating this past August, we have evidence that the Institute’s approach yields business career success, and we’re excited to bring that same opportunity to students in Buffalo and across Western New York.” The Buffalo campus center will join the Institute’s Rochester–area flagship location in Brighton, which opened in 2023. Its two-year professional certificate program in business & entrepreneurship is designed to equip students of all ages with practical business skills and real-world experience, at a tuition cost of $8,900 per year. During the program, students will gain broader exposure to the business world through a variety of experiences, including multiple internships and through the Golisano Institute’s weekly “Speaking from Experience” series, which propels students to engage directly with some of today’s most successful business and entrepreneurial leaders. “I founded the Institute to make quality business education more accessible and grounded in what truly matters for success,” Golisano said. “Over the last two years, it’s been inspiring to watch our students in Rochester grow and gain economic opportunities. Buffalo is a city with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and by expanding here, we’re not only opening doors for more students but also helping regional businesses gain the skilled, motivated talent they need to thrive. If we further the business energy and opportunities across the entirety of Western New York, students and businesses will grow economic wealth.” Mortimer was joined by Golisano Institute leadership, faculty, and business leaders for the announcement, which also included a special commitment from businessman Terry Pegula, owner of both the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. Pegula announced that he will endow 10 scholarships for Golisano Institute, citing his belief in the Institute’s mission. “It fits into what I believe. I think our country needs more people like the people this Institute will be preparing,” Pegula said. Andrew Goldner, founder of venture-capital firm GrowthX, works with both Golisano Institute and the Buffalo entrepreneurial community. “The Golisano Institute’s expansion to Buffalo will link Western New York business opportunities in a new and distinctive way,” Goldner said in the Institute’s announcement. Golisano has ties to the Buffalo region — from his years as owner of the Buffalo pro sports teams to his recent $50 million donation to Oishei Children’s Hospital, which will be renamed in his honor. The Golisano Institute is accepting applications for the fall of 2026. Those who would like more information can visit Golisanoinstitute.org/Buffalo.