Western New York businesses are set to receive a major boost thanks to $1 million in new federal funding aimed at improving cross-border supply chain operations and economic growth in the region.
According to Congressman Tim Kennedy, the funding will support the University at Buffalo’s Center of Excellence for Cross-Border Supply Chains. The initiative is designed to help local companies better navigate the complexities of international trade—particularly with Canada, a critical partner for many regional manufacturers.
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Peter Ahrens, Executive Director of the Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance, says many businesses are already feeling the strain of cross-border challenges.
“Many of my members—their exports to Canada are down between 10 to 30 percent. It’s making a significant negative financial impact to their businesses,” Ahrens said.
Through the program, faculty from the University at Buffalo Center of Excellence for Cross-Border Supply Chains will work directly with regional firms. Their focus will include analyzing supply networks and evaluating costs tied to labor, energy, and tariffs—key factors influencing competitiveness in global markets.
Congressman Kennedy emphasized the long-term impact of the investment on the regional economy:
“It’s going to be a regional asset for our community, and it’s going to help these businesses to grow and to utilize the University at Buffalo—this higher education school of excellence right in the heart of our community—to enhance their growth as companies and to grow jobs and opportunities for the people of Western New York.”
Leaders at the University at Buffalo School of Management say the initiative will be especially beneficial for small and mid-sized businesses that often lack access to advanced data and analytics.
Dean Ananth Iyer explains, “The congressman mentioned a specific focus on small and medium-sized businesses and providing access to data and analysis that large companies have—that’s what public universities such as ours do.”
Ahrens added that fostering collaboration between manufacturers and cross-border partners is critical for long-term economic success.
“Anytime that you can get this conversation going and get people determined to work on ways to integrate Western New York community manufacturers into the supply chain while leveraging our friends to the north—or to the west in this case—it’s worth it.”
Local leaders see the funding as a meaningful step toward strengthening the region’s manufacturing base, improving international trade relationships, and creating new economic opportunities across Western New York.
