A Startup Competition Like No Other

It's a world-renowned example of business incubation and economic development, bringing new businesses to Buffalo every year: 43North is a global startup competition in which the winners relocate to Buffalo for investment capital, incubator space, expert mentorship, and ten years of freedom from state taxes. The competition's financing comes from NYPA, but it's not a giveaway—43North gets 5% of every winning company.

Eight companies are selected as 43North winners each year—from among thousands of applicants. The first prize is a $1 million in capital; the second-place company gets $600,000, and the other six winners get $500,000 each.