OLEAN — The Olean Business Development Corporation (OBDC) has announced the selection of eight businesses for the sixth cohort of its signature program, the Laine
Business Accelerator, continuing the entrepreneurial legacy of Erick Laine, former CEO of Cutco Corporation.
The 2026 cohort brings together eight businesses representing a diverse range of industries from across the region. Each participating business will receive $5,000 in
seed funding and take part in a multi-week program of education, mentorship, peer collaboration, and strategic business development.
“We continue to be excited by the growth of the entrepreneurial community and ecosystem in the greater Olean region,” said Bob Forness, president and executive
director of OBDC. “This year’s eight-member cohort represents another strong group of business owners, and we look forward to working with them as they identify
opportunities to strengthen and grow their businesses.”
Since its inception, the Laine Business Accelerator has supported thirty-eight businesses and provided $200,000 in seed funding to help participating companiesgrow. LBA alumni have translated that investment into measurable economic impact, collectively creating more than one hundred jobs, expanding into eleven previously vacant commercial spaces, and experiencing, on average, 2.5 times revenue growth since participating in the program.
With the addition of the eight businesses selected for 2026, the LBA will have supported 47 businesses and invested a total of $245,000 directly into the growth of the
region’s entrepreneurial community.
The program extends well beyond financial support. Participants learn from experienced business leaders as well as entrepreneurial and academic leaders from OBDC’scollaboration partners at Jamestown Community College and St. Bonaventure University. Programming is designed to help established business owners strengthen
their companies, address barriers to growth and develop strategies for their next stage.
“Perhaps one of the most valuable benefits these business owners receive is thecamaraderie that comes from being part of the cohort,” Forness said. “Entrepreneurship
can sometimes be isolating. Through the LBA, owners have the opportunity to share ideas, challenges, and successes with a group of people who understand what they are experiencing. They learn from one another, lean on one another and, importantly, those relationships continue beyond the end of the program through our growing network of LBA alumni.”
The eight businesses selected for the 2026 Laine Business Accelerator are:
Baer’s Auto Parts, Bellhurst Farm, LLC, InfoSecurity Blueprint, LLC; Mindful State Therapy Services, PLLC;
Moss Construction, LLC; Regroup Health and Wellness, LLC; and Twin Valley Physical Therapy.
“We’re extremely proud of what our LBA alumni have accomplished,” Forness said.
“The impact goes well beyond the seed funding we provide. These businesses are growing their revenues, creating jobs, occupying commercial spaces, and contributing to the vitality of our communities. Just as importantly, they are building relationships with
one another and becoming part of a stronger entrepreneurial network throughout theregion. That is exactly the kind of ecosystem we envisioned when the LBA was created.”
The 2026 program will culminate with the annual Laine Business Accelerator Showcase on Nov. 17 at JCC’s Cutco Theater, when members of the cohort will have an opportunity to share the origin story of their businesses, their LBA program experiences, and plans for continued growth with the community.
The Laine Business Accelerator was established through the Erick Laine Entrepreneurship Fund to honor Laine’s legacy of business leadership and entrepreneurship in the greater Olean area. The program is administered by Olean
Business Development Corporation in collaboration with regional business and educational partners.
For more information about the Laine Business Accelerator and the 2026 cohort, visit
lainebusinessaccelerator.com.
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