When it comes to launching and scaling a startup, sometimes the most important step is simply to just keep taking steps.
That's what several Inno Fire Awards winners told us. We asked them for advice for other founders preparing to start a business.
"Be persistent, don't give up, success doesn't happen overnight; use your network and resources; surround yourself with people you trust and who want to see you succeed," according to AireXpert.
Each year, Buffalo Inno recognizes local startups that are "on fire" based on factors like growth, potential and innovation in the Inno Fire Awards.
Read more about the 2024 Inno Fire Awards winners.
Here's what the other winners had to say.
AMPAworks: "Don't give up!"
Arbol: "Have faith in the process of creating and keep showing up every day."
Azuna: "Never worry about the 'how.' "
Ognomy Inc.: "Simply, just keep your eye on the prize. There is nothing easy about starting a company and seeing it through the vision. Every obstacle along the way has an alternative path, but just don't be shy about asking for directions. There are so many knowledgeable people in the start-up ecosystem, especially here in Western New York, that know a lot and sincerely want to see you succeed. There is an answer for everything."
Sparq: "Lead with transparency and compassion and your team will do everything in their power to meet your expectations. Elicit open and honest feedback from your employees and enact tangible change to show them that you are truly interested in fulfilling your obligations to them. At Sparq, we opened our business with a brick and mortar, but after 1 year of our colleagues making it clear that they prefer the work from home structure, we shut down that office. Our Buffalo colleagues consistently deliver high scores for trust and transparency and I believe this is the reason why."
TimberHut LLC: "You're going to be pushed to a breaking point where there are no immediate answers, no friends and no way out. Stop, take a breath, show gratitude. And keep going."
Verivend: "Don't give up and follow the path, even if it's not the one you planned on."
