Program Overview
Grow Beyond Your Current Customers.
The Finger Lakes Procurement Initiative (FLX PI) is an eight-week procurement readiness program designed to help small businesses in Genesee County and western Monroe County become supplier-ready and learn how to scale and sell into larger corporations, government entities and institutions like universities and hospital systems.
Whether you're looking to diversify your customer base, increase revenue, or better understand how organizations purchase goods and services, this program will provide the knowledge, tools, and connections to help you compete with confidence.
Apply Today →Program Benefits
Why Participate?
Learn directly from procurement professionals and industry experts
Develop a stronger procurement strategy
Improve your ability to compete for larger contracts
Expand your professional network
Better understand how large organizations purchase goods and services
Leave with practical tools you can use immediately
Is This Program Right for You?
Built for Established Small Businesses Ready to Grow
This program is designed for established small businesses that are ready to grow by selling to larger organizations. Ideal participants include businesses in:
You do not need previous procurement experience to apply.
What You'll Learn
A Practical, Hands-On Curriculum
Throughout the eight-week program, participants will gain practical knowledge and hands-on guidance in topics including:
Understanding procurement and supplier diversity
Becoming procurement-ready
Developing a compelling Capability Statement
Certifications and supplier registrations
Finding procurement opportunities
Responding to RFPs and bids
Building relationships with procurement professionals
Marketing your business to buyers
Best practices for long-term supplier success
Each session combines expert instruction with practical exercises that participants can immediately apply to their business.
Application Process
How the Program Works
Apply
Complete the online application.Interview
Selected applicants participate in a brief interview.Accepted
Receive enrollment & payment information.8 Weekly Sessions
Complete eight interactive sessions.Procurement Ready
Compete for contracts with confidence.Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through August 30, 2026. Space is limited to ensure an interactive learning experience.
Program Schedule
Eight Weeks, One Wednesday at a Time
| Week | Topic |
|---|---|
| 1 | Procurement Foundations |
| 2 | Finding Procurement Opportunities |
| 3 | Marketing & Business Positioning |
| 4 | Pricing & Negotiation |
| 5 | Becoming Supplier Ready |
| 6 | Working with Corporate Buyers |
| 7 | Preparing for Procurement Success |
| 8 | Showcase & Celebration |
Speaker Bios & Profiles
Learn From Industry Experts
Gain practical insights from procurement professionals, business leaders, and subject matter experts who understand what it takes to become supplier-ready. Each session features experienced speakers sharing real-world strategies, best practices, and opportunities to connect.
Speaker Lineup Coming Soon
Additional speakers will be announced soon — check back for updates.
Why Procurement?
Many large employers, healthcare systems, manufacturers, educational institutions, and public agencies are actively seeking qualified local suppliers.
The challenge isn't simply finding opportunities—it's knowing how to position your business to compete successfully. The Finger Lakes Procurement Initiative helps bridge that gap by preparing businesses to confidently pursue new opportunities and build lasting customer relationships.
Supporters
Presented By & Supported By
The Finger Lakes Procurement Initiative is presented by the Finger Lakes Small Business Development Center at SUNY Brockport and is made possible through the generous support of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. The program is delivered in collaboration with regional economic development organizations, procurement professionals, and business leaders committed to strengthening the local business community.
Presented By
Supported By
Partner With Us
Help Strengthen the Local Supply Chain
The Finger Lakes Procurement Initiative connects procurement leaders, corporations, and community partners with small businesses that are investing in becoming supplier-ready.
Whether you're looking to expand your local supplier network, share procurement insights, or support regional economic growth, we'd love to work with you.
Ways to Get Involved
- ✓Speak to a program cohort
- ✓Connect with qualified local suppliers
- ✓Share procurement opportunities
- ✓Partner to strengthen the regional business community
Interested in partnering?
Contact the Finger Lakes SBDC to learn how your organization can get involved and help create more opportunities for local businesses.
Partner With Us →FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Established small businesses in Genesee County and western Monroe County that are ready to diversify their customer base and compete for contracts with bigger companies, corporations, and government agencies. Businesses in manufacturing, construction & skilled trades, professional services, IT, engineering, marketing, logistics, facility services, food & beverage, office services, and industrial supply are especially encouraged to apply.
No. This program is designed to build procurement readiness from the ground up, so no prior procurement experience is required.
The program fee is $40 per business for the full eight-week program.
Because the program is interactive and builds week to week, consistent attendance is strongly encouraged. If you know in advance that you'll need to miss a session, contact the program team to discuss your options.
Sessions are led by procurement professionals, business leaders, and subject matter experts from organizations across the region. The full speaker lineup will be announced soon.
Graduates leave with a completed capability statement, a stronger procurement strategy, and the practical tools and connections needed to confidently pursue and win contracts with larger organizations.
Ready to Grow Your Business?
Take the next step toward becoming procurement-ready and positioning your business for new opportunities. Applications close August 30, 2026.
Apply Today →Have questions? Email us at [email protected]
