Westminster Economic Development Initiative - WEDI

Vision WEDI’s vision is that all residents of Western New York can succeed and thrive in a culturally inclusive community. Mission WEDI strengthens communities through a continuum of educational and financial resources, removing systemic barriers to economic equity for all Western New Yorkers.

WEDI’s dual focus areas of Education and Economic Development work in tandem to tackle systemic inequities that affect Buffalo’s underserved residents, many of whom are people of color. By supporting youth to succeed in school and powering entrepreneurs to launch, sustain, and grow small businesses, WEDI is helping to create a more equitable Buffalo. WEDI is a CDFI with an educational component. WEDI's Education focus area supports English Language Learners (ELLs) to achieve literacy through four programs: ENERGY (elementary-aged students), FLY (middle schoolers), Launch (high schoolers), and Peer Support Groups. WEDI's Economic Development focus area provides multi-faceted support to aspiring and early career entrepreneurs through two programs: Microloans and the West Side Bazaar (a small business incubator and community gathering space).