Our Impact
Economic Development
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Since launching the Microloans program in 2009, WEDI has loaned nearly $2.2 million to 323 business owners and supported the startup or expansion of more than 1600 small businesses.
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Since 2012, Economic Development clients have created or retained more than 350 Full Time Equivalent jobs, all of which are filled by residents of Western New York.
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In 2024, WEDI provided 1320 total technical assistance hours to Western New York businesses.
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WEDI disbursed $263,175 in microloans exceeding its goal of $195,000 in 2024.
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Last year, WEDI served 349 Western New York small business owners.
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WEDI helped to create 43 jobs with its economic development clients in 2024.
Education
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For the 2023-2024 school year, 100% of ENERGY and FLY students moved to the next grade level. In our Launch program, 93% moved to the next grade level.
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During the 2024-2025 school year, all tested ENERGY and FLY students have improved literacy levels, with some reading significantly above grade level.
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In Launch's first year, 100% of students proceeded to the next grade level. Its first class graduated in 2022.
Since 2006, WEDI's proven programming has helped thousands of students and hundreds of entrepreneurs in Western New York to succeed in school and run thriving small businesses.
Success Stories
Christine Uwimbabazi/Prime Care Transportation
Christine Uwimbabazi came to WEDI in 2017 when she was launching her company Prime Care Transportation, which provides clients with reliable rides to and from doctor’s appointments, dialysis treatment, and hospital visits. With WEDI’s help, she grew to have 24 cars and 18 employees and was named WEDI's 2020 Entrepreneur of the Year...read more.
San Lin, Former ENERGY and FLY Student
When San Lin was starting fifth grade, his parents signed him up for WEDI’s ENERGY program in hopes that it would help with his English fluency. He eventually moved to FLY where his reading progressed by two grade levels, which boosted his confidence and helped him come out of his shell . San Lin is now a freshman at Hutchinson Technical High School where he is focusing on coding, drafting, and drawing...read more.
Nadin Yousef/Macrame By Nadeen: a graduate of WEDI's West Side Bazaar
When Nadin Yousef resettled in Buffalo in October 2014, her case worker noticed that Nadin had a talent for making macrame items and encouraged Nadin to start a business at WEDI's West Side Bazaar. The staff taught her how to talk with her customers and display her products for maximum appeal. In the near future, she plans to graduate from the West Side Bazaar and open a gift shop with classroom space...read more.