Registration is now open for the Upstate NY MWBE Conference 2026, a three day gathering focused on connection, strategy, and real contract opportunity for minority and women owned businesses across Upstate New York.

Hosted by the City of Rochester, the conference takes place March 30 through April 1, 2026 at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center. The program brings together MWBE firms, government agencies, contractors, and resource partners from the Finger Lakes, Western New York, Central New York, and Southern Tier for training, networking, and direct access to business development resources.

Participants can expect hands on workshops, industry specific training tracks, 1 to 1 certification and bid matching sessions, panel discussions, and an MWBE Expo designed to connect businesses with funding, technical assistance, and upcoming project opportunities.

Gladys Brangman, Founder and CEO of Business Leaders of Colors, was recognized with a New York State Senate Commendation Award during Black History Month. While the honor highlights her leadership, it also reflects the collective work of BLOC members who continue building connections, sharing resources, and expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs across the region.

When you walk into Altitude Ithaca, you immediately feel the difference. From the welcoming smiles at the door to the relaxed, open-floor layout, this dispensary isn’t just another stop for cannabis, it’s a community experience built on pride, authenticity, and local love.

BLOC Connections Gathering - Thursday, Oct 23, 4:30–6:00 PM at Northstar Public House (202 E Falls St, Ithaca).
A seasonal networking mixer for local entrepreneurs and professionals, open to members and non-members. Connect, collaborate, and support each other’s work this fall.

Learn how to launch, manage, and market your own online store using Shopify, a free webinar for small business owners ready to grow through e-commerce.

Learn how to build a simple, effective social media strategy that boosts awareness, engagement, and sales, free webinar for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Learn how to combine the power of email and social media to grow your audience, boost engagement, and turn followers into loyal customers, free webinar for small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Learn how AI can streamline your marketing, save time, and help your small business grow, free webinar for entrepreneurs and BLOC members.

Discover how to get the most out of your BLOC membership, meet new member Matthew Simone of Homesteady Health with timely insights on flu shots and healthcare costs, and take home a quick planning tip from BLOC founder Gladys Brangman. This edition highlights the connections, resources, and growth opportunities that make BLOC more than just a network.

Juneteenth reminds us what happens when systems don’t center us. In 2025, AI is learning from biased data, and unless we intervene, it will repeat the same patterns. This article explores how Black entrepreneurs can lead the shift.

Pride is more than celebration, it's a call to action. This piece explores how BLOC’s work in economic justice and queer liberation are deeply connected, and why support has to go beyond the flag.

Gladys Brangman wins 2025 Key Person of the Year for founding BLOC and reshaping Ithaca’s business landscape through equity and leadership.

Fueling Growth: Access to Capital for your Small Business - The Empire State Development Southern Tier Regional Office invites you to Meet the Lenders and learn how to access capital for your business.

Free Online Marketing Trainings for Entrepreneurs

Want to grow your business with smarter marketing? Business Leaders of Colors (BLOC) is offering a free online training series covering AI in marketing, email strategies, social media growth, and audience engagement. Led by industry expert Erik Bunaes, these sessions provide actionable insights to help entrepreneurs and small business owners attract more customers and increase sales. Don't miss out—sign up today!

Eight years of breaking barriers, building legacies, and redefining success. BLOC is a movement. From empowering entrepreneurs to creating lasting impact, we’re celebrating strength, balance, and infinite possibilities. As we mark this milestone, we honor the past, embrace the present, and look ahead to a future where access is not a privilege, but a right. Join us as we continue writing history, because BLOC is not just BLOC, BLOC is YOU.

Changing Hearts One Positive Note At A Time

“The objective of cleaning is not just to clean, but to feel happiness living within that environment.”— Marie Kondo

Marshall C McMurray of MCM Realty