Word getting out about Pitch Hamburg as second cohort starts

Pitch Hamburg is finding its place in Western New York’s growing small business and startup support network. And word is getting out about the Southtowns suburban accelerator and incubator.

Its second cohort of five businesses includes two businesses from outside of the town and village of Hamburg, and a pair of them were recommended by leadership from another Buffalo startup resource.

The latest cohort also includes four women-owned businesses and, in a sign of the return of food and beverage service from the pandemic, three food-based businesses.

It means Pitch Hamburg is beginning to make its mark in the startup ecosystem. To have businesses come from outside Hamburg for the first time signifies a natural evolution for the program.

“It’s great to see the collaboration of the different business incubators and business services coming together and also helping each other out,” Pitch Hamburg Executive Director Annamaria Masucci said.

The cohort includes food-based companies Andy’s Tapas Oils & Sauces, Pudgy Potatoes and meal prep service Jess in the Kitchn – each of which started during the pandemic and have grown since. Also in the cohort are hair and beauty enhancements business TinasLocs and fitness and wellness service provider New Sky Coaching.

TinasLocs, founded by Tina Royal, is based in Buffalo, and Pudgy Potatoes, which was founded by Jeanetta Sullivan and offers over 25 stuffings and toppings on potatoes, comes from a ghost kitchen in Cheektowaga.

Of the Hamburg-based businesses, New Sky Coaching was founded by Jennifer Johnson; Andy’s Tapas Oils & Sauces was created by chef Andrew Ruszczyk; and Jess in the Kitchn was founded by Jess Betzig.

These businesses will gain access to a six-month mentorship program, receiving free operating space in the Hamburg-based incubator at 40 Main St., and the chance for a cut of $15,000 in grants during a…