Technology
Buffalo Startups Launch Digital Literacy Workshops for Tech Jobs
Local incubators and meetup groups are rolling out new training sessions to build skills for founders and job seekers on the city's tech corridor.
How we reported this
TechBuffalo opened registration Monday for its summer digital literacy series, with 180 slots already filled for sessions that begin July 15 at the organization's space on Chippewa Street.
The push comes as Buffalo's startup community adds new venture-backed firms at a rate of roughly one every three weeks, according to filings with the Erie County Industrial Development Agency. Founders say gaps in basic coding, data privacy and platform tools slow hiring and product launches.
Workshops at Two Downtown Sites
The Innovation Center at 500 Seneca Street hosts weekly evening labs on spreadsheet automation and cloud security, while the Western New York Tech Meetup runs weekend clinics on the second floor of the Buffalo Public Library's downtown branch on Washington Street. Both programs opened enrollment last week and list spots through September.
Participants receive printed workbooks and access to a shared Slack channel monitored by mentors from local firms. One track focuses on no-code tools for early-stage companies, another on cybersecurity basics required by investors.
Numbers Behind the Push
A Buffalo Niagara Partnership survey released June 30 showed 1,450 people completed at least one digital skills course in the first half of 2026, up from 920 in the same period last year. Average session cost stands at $35, though TechBuffalo covers fees for anyone earning under $55,000. The group plans to add a third location in the Elmwood Village by early August.
Organizers advise checking the TechBuffalo website or calling the Innovation Center at 500 Seneca Street for remaining openings. Walk-in registration ends July 20.