About The Foundry

Mission Statement

The Foundry uses an inclusive approach to advancing individuals through hands-on learning, entrepreneurship, and exposure to possibilities.

Vision

Our community achieves economic self-sufficiency and self-empowerment through skill building, employment and/or entrepreneurship.

Education, Empowerment and Employment

Working with youth to explore various career paths, hands-on skill-building and new digital literacies involved in making is a priority for our organization. We facilitate youth opportunities through STEAM sessions in our shops and labs, job training partnerships, part time employment at the Foundry, job shadowing with Foundry entrepreneurs, and youth entrepreneurship programs.

Business Incubation

We believe that creating the opportunities and conditions necessary for self-sufficiency and economic stability promotes a healthier community. We accept budding entrepreneurs from throughout the city, but we’re especially excited to welcome low-income, minority, women-owned and neighborhood-based businesses into our mix! 

We assist with business incubation by providing affordable rental space, connections to mentoring, business classes or workshops, and connections to local support services.

Net+Positive

Net+Positive is the official name of our 501c3. EIN: 46-2666977

Net+Positive strives to foster ecologically, economically, and socially viable neighborhood systems in the City of Buffalo by promoting community arts; providing mentoring and training opportunities for low-income, unemployed or underemployed individuals—particularly people of color and women; and encouraging environmentally sensitive community development.

We believe that all individuals should have access to our programs regardless of their criminal history, drug use, personal challenges, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs, if they are committed to making a positive change in their own life.