Are you a Canadian company based in Southern Ontario, exploring opportunities to expand your footprint and grow your business? If so, you might want to cast your eyes just across the border in Buffalo, New York. Buffalo has emerged as a hotspot for cross-border expansion with a strategic location, a cost-effective environment, and a proven track record of supporting Canadian businesses. If you’ve yet to consider the Buffalo Niagara region, here are three main reasons that may convince you otherwise.
Reason 1: Gateway to the US Market
Buffalo’s strategic geographical location places Canadian businesses in a prime position to tap into the vast and dynamic U.S. market. This advantageous proximity to the East Coast and the Great Lakes region provides Canadian companies with unprecedented access to new customers, suppliers, and partners. More than 40% of the combined U.S. and Canadian population are located within 500 miles of Buffalo.
Proximity to Canada
Buffalo’s location across the border makes it a logical choice for businesses seeking to establish a presence in Canada and the United States. The Peace Bridge, which connects Buffalo to Fort Erie, Ontario, stands as a testament to the strong cross-border ties and accessibility that Buffalo offers. With additional Canada-US bridge access in Niagara Falls and Lewiston, it’s no surprise that Buffalo ranks high as a preferred location for Canadian businesses looking to expand into the U.S.
Transportation Hub
As a major transportation hub, Buffalo is well-connected to key markets. The city boasts two major airports, Buffalo Niagara International Airport and Niagara Falls International Airport, ensuring seamless travel for business executives and visitors alike. Moreover, its location on the New York State Thruway provides quick and efficient connections to cities such as New York City and Albany, making distribution and logistics a breeze.
Revitalized Downtown
Buffalo’s revitalized downtown is a testament to the city’s commitment to growth and innovation. This thriving urban core has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as a dynamic business ecosystem that caters to the evolving needs of modern enterprises. Beyond its business acumen, downtown Buffalo offers a rich cultural tapestry that adds depth and vibrancy to your business landscape. Cultural events, art galleries, theaters, and culinary delights, as well as its revitalized waterfront at Canalside infuse the area with a unique blend of work and leisure, making it an enticing location for both your workforce and clients.
Growing Tech Hub
Buffalo’s rise as a burgeoning tech hub further amplifies its appeal for Canadian companies seeking expansion. With a growing ecosystem of tech startups, incubators, and innovation centers, Buffalo offers fertile ground for technology-driven businesses to thrive. With nearly 78,000 students enrolled in the 18 colleges and universities in the Greater Buffalo Niagara Area, the city produces a steady stream of skilled tech graduates, ensuring a continuous pipeline of fresh talent for your tech-oriented endeavors. Many Canadian companies leverage Buffalo’s talent pool, infusing their businesses with innovation and creativity.
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Reason 2: Cost-Effective Environment and Economic Incentives
When considering a move across the border, one of the most compelling factors is the economic advantage that Buffalo, NY, presents. With its welcoming government and business community partners, such as cross border CanAm partners and local chambers of commerce, Buffalo offers an immensely cost-effective environment for businesses seeking growth.
Tax Incentives
Buffalo and Erie County offer numerous tax incentives that can significantly benefit businesses. One of the most common exemptions is a sales tax exemption on manufacturing equipment, which can significantly lower upfront costs for businesses in various sectors. Additionally, potential property tax abatement for new businesses further reduces the financial burden, allowing companies to allocate resources to more strategic areas of expansion. Uniland has decades of experience and close working relationships with local government partners to empower our clients to optimize relevant economic incentive opportunities.
Business Friendly Environment
In Buffalo, the term “business friendly” transcends a mere catchphrase – it’s a reality that resonates throughout the city’s business landscape. The local government’s commitment to facilitating seamless business operations contributes to Buffalo’s overall appeal for Canadian companies seeking expansion. From streamlined permit processes to readily available resources for navigating regulatory requirements, Buffalo ensures that setting up your office or industrial space is a smooth and efficient process.
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Competitive Lease Pricing
Many Canadian companies are surprised by the competitive pricing for office and industrial space in Buffalo. For example, Uniland has industrial properties in the towns of Lackawanna and Tonawanda where lease rates start in the $7 per square foot range. Offering easy access to Canadian bridges and major shipping routes, these locations are very cost-effective compared with Canadian industrial space, which is priced at $14 to $18 a foot in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Buffalo provides a great foothold for many companies throughout the Northeast, including those based in Southern Ontario, who are exploring economical sites for their distribution and light manufacturing operations.
Skilled Workforce
Access to a skilled and dedicated workforce is a pivotal component of any successful business endeavor. Buffalo’s strategic location in the Buffalo Niagara region places it in proximity to a pool of talent that is both diverse and skilled across various industries. This is particularly advantageous for Canadian companies that want to tap into a workforce that brings expertise, innovation, and a strong work ethic. Whether your business operates in manufacturing, technology, healthcare, or other sectors, Buffalo offers a pool of skilled professionals ready to contribute to your growth.
Legacy of Thriving Businesses
Buffalo’s history is peppered with examples of companies that started small but achieved remarkable success due to the city’s supportive environment, strategic location, and access to resources. By choosing Buffalo as your expansion destination, you’re stepping into a legacy of thriving businesses that have harnessed the advantages of this vibrant city to propel their growth.
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Reason 3: Uniland Support
Buffalo’s appeal to Canadian businesses is further enhanced by Uniland Development Company’s comprehensive range of services. As a leading real estate development firm, Uniland’s family of brands offers not only premium office and industrial space for lease but also access to essential amenities that can propel your business forward.
Holistic Approach
Uniland Development Company’s commitment to providing a holistic business environment means you’ll have access to other elements for scaling up and adjusting to town: hotels, meeting rooms, event spaces, and even apartments – a true one-stop solution for your expansion needs. This integrated approach can help streamline your operations and create a smoother transition into the U.S. market.
Making the Move
If you’re a Canadian company based in southern Ontario eyeing expansion opportunities, Buffalo, NY, holds immense promise. Its cost-effective environment, strategic geographical location, and Uniland’s unwavering support can provide you with a competitive edge as you step onto the broader stage of the U.S. market. As you consider your next move, keep in mind the words of wisdom from those who have already succeeded – Buffalo offers not just a gateway but a launchpad for Canadian businesses venturing into the world of cross-border economic development.
