New campus center will expand accelerated, alternative business education program to motivated students across Western New York.
Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship is expanding its footprint in Western New York and opening a second location in Buffalo. The new campus center will be located in the former Buffalo News office building on Washington Street and is expected to welcome its first students in the fall of 2026. Ian Mortimer, President of Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship, shared the announcement today at the future campus center, emphasizing that the Buffalo location will deliver the same accelerated, non-traditional business education pioneered in Rochester—a model made possible by its founder, entrepreneur and philanthropist Tom Golisano.
“We remain committed to providing a highly focused set of business learning and experiences that students complete in just two years.”
— Dr. Ian Mortimer, President, Golisano Institute
“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 flagship location in Rochester, 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 institute’s weekly Speaking from Experience series, which propels students to engage directly with some of today’s most successful business and entrepreneurial leaders. The new campus center’s location offers convenient access for both students and nearby businesses.
In addition to the two-year business program, the Buffalo campus center will also offer a one-year Advanced Certificate in AI & business. This program is tailored to better equip current and future professionals with integrated artificial intelligence and business skills in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
“I founded the institute to make quality business education more accessible and grounded in what truly matters for success.”
— Tom Golisano, Founder, Golisano Institute
“I founded the institute to make quality business education more accessible and grounded in what truly matters for success,” said Tom Golisano, founder of Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader. “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 institute leadership, faculty, and business leaders for the announcement, which also included a special commitment from businessman Terry Pegula, owner of 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 and believes, “The Golisano Institute’s expansion to Buffalo will link Western New York business opportunities in a new and distinctive way.”
Public officials also voiced their support for the institute’s new location.
“Erie County is excited to welcome Golisano Institute for Business and Entrepreneurship to Buffalo,” said Mark C. Poloncarz, Erie County Executive. “Not only will this support our growing business and entrepreneur economy, but it will also provide an innovative educational opportunity for students of all kinds. Plus, Golisano Institute will bring additional vibrancy and activity into downtown Buffalo.”
Golisano has deep ties to the Buffalo region—from his years as owner of the Buffalo Sabres to his recent transformative $50 million gift to Oishei Children’s Hospital, which will be renamed in his honor. His longstanding commitment to Western New York makes Buffalo a natural next step for expanding Golisano Institute.
Applications for fall 2026 are now being accepted, and students from all educational backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply.
To learn more, visit golisanoinstitute.org/buffalo.
