National Grid is sponsoring a new Buffalo Niagara Partnership program that supports Western New York-area small businesses. 

Through National Grid's sponsorship of BNP Pro Free, partnership membership fees are covered for small businesses that can benefit from the resources, networking and support that the partnership offers. Eligible companies include those with five or fewer employees, as well as locally owned and operated restaurants of all sizes.

At an April 29 event to announce the new program, National Grid Regional Director Ken Kujawa, at top, said that supporting the program is a natural fit for the company, as BNP Pro Free aligns with the efforts of Project C and its workforce development pillar.           

"Small businesses power our economy, driving innovation and creating jobs," Kujawa said. "National Grid has been a long-time supporter of local entrepreneurship and workforce development programs, and this new partnership will undoubtedly serve as a powerful resource for our region's vital network of small business professionals and ultimately, strengthen our community."   

About National Grid

National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy future — transforming our networks with more reliable and resilient energy solutions to meet state climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.