Rochester Economic Development Corporation

11/05/2025

Tap into a stronger network.

Your network is your greatest resource — and GEWROC 2025 is where those connections come to life. Join more than 100 entrepreneurs, changemakers, and business supporters throughout the week for a four-day celebration of innovation, collaboration, and growth.

Learn strategies to fund, grow, and sustain your business, gain visibility, and connect with the people and resources that will help you take your next step.

Don’t just build your business — build your network.

Explore the schedule & register today: https://hubs.ly/Q03RD1rZ0

Thank you to our Sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor: Citizens Bank
Entrepreneur Champion: The Enterprise Center at PathStone
Community Builder: Community Bank, N.A.

11/05/2025

Got an idea? Let’s build together.

Join us for Global Entrepreneurship Week Rochester (GEWROC 2025) —
November 18–21, 2025 — and turn your vision into action.

Get the tools, connections, and inspiration you need to start, grow, and sustain your business. Because in Rochester’s entrepreneurial community, no one builds alone.

Explore the schedule & register today: https://hubs.ly/Q03RF_qx0

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor: Citizens Bank



In Partnership
City of Rochester, NY
The Commissary
Connected Communities: EMMA & Beechwood
The Enterprise Center at PathStone
Greater Rochester Black Business Alliance Inc
Ibero-American Action League, Inc.
Finger Lakes Small Business Development Center
Rochester Economic Development Corporation
Rochester Public Library
Stella Co
Third Eye Network
Venture Jobs Foundation

11/05/2025

Where ideas ignite and builders unite.

Join us for Global Entrepreneurship Week Rochester — four powerful days of inspiration, innovation, and community, happening November 18–21, 2025.

Connect with more than 100 entrepreneurs, changemakers, and business supporters throughout the week for four days of collaboration, growth, and business supporters through panels, workshops, and networking designed to help you start, grow, and sustain your business.
Because the best ideas spark brighter — when we build together.

Explore the schedule & register today: https://hubs.ly/Q03RG7LS0



Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor: Citizens

In Partnership
The Enterprise Center at PathStone
Ibero-American Action League, Inc.
Finger Lakes Small Business Development Center
Rochester Economic Development Corporation
City of Rochester, NY
Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County NY
Third Eye Network
Venture Jobs Foundation

11/05/2025

Connect with ecosystem leaders and discover coordinated opportunities.

At GEWROC 2025, you’ll have the chance to collaborate directly with Rochester’s entrepreneurial leaders — from funders and innovators to ecosystem builders and peers.

Over four days, explore pathways for growth through sessions on startup development, business expansion, entrepreneur wellness, and succession planning. Gain access to resources and insights that help you overcome barriers like funding, market entry, and regulation.

Together, we’re building something stronger.

Explore the schedule & register today: https://hubs.ly/Q03RG5cl0

Thank you to our Sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor: Citizens
Entrepreneur Champion: The Enterprise Center at PathStone
Community Builder: Community Bank, N.A.

05/27/2025

🚀 Looking for the perfect office space without breaking the bank? Our flexible office spaces are designed for small businesses and solopreneurs who want a prime location without the hefty price tag. Whether you need a desk for a day or a suite for a year, we've got you covered! 🌟 Contact us and let’s make it happen!
Call: 585-921-0500

05/19/2025

📢 Time is running out! Deadline to apply for ROC the Pitch is May, 31st 🔥 Entrepreneurs and students, here's your chance to pitch your big idea and compete for $30,000 in prizes!
Apply now 👉 https://hubs.ly/Q03ln-mq0

05/13/2025

📢 National Small Business Week 2025 Recap
From May 4–10, 2025, we proudly celebrated National Small Business Week with a full slate of engaging, educational, and community-driven events. With the support of our partners and the enthusiastic participation of our community, we hosted 9 impactful events that brought together approximately 172 attendees, including small business owners, entrepreneurs, support organizations, and residents committed to local growth.

From funding panels to marketing workshops, and vibrant community gatherings, we showcased the strength and resilience of Rochester's small business ecosystem.
But our commitment doesn't end here. We show up 365 days a year to support our small businesses because when they thrive, we all thrive.

🌟Let's continue to build a community where small businesses grow and neighbors support neighbors. 💛

Brockport Small Business Development Center
The Commissary
The Enterprise Center at PathStone
Greater Rochester Black Business Alliance, Inc.
Ibero-American Action League, Inc.
Third Eye Network
Venture Jobs Foundation

05/09/2025

Join us on May 10th for Small Business Marketplace and show your love for our amazing small businesses!

Let's Get Local Rochester!

🎉 Discover something special for everyone with our fantastic lineup of vendors, including:

🏠 Hart Homes LLC
🖼️ Memorable Silhouettes & Collectibles
🥘 Ma'ama Tee's Cookin' & Catering
🌍 Footprint Enterprises, LLC
🍽️ Tavaj Presents LLC/Ma’ama Tee’s Cookin & Catering LLC
🎨High End New York
☕ Equal Grounds Community Cafe
✈️ WynD Love Travel
🕯️ Allure Luxe Candles
👗 FashionFitted

Visit: https://hubs.ly/Q03lTSsC0 for all the vendors listing!

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to support local talent and find unique treasures!

05/08/2025

Thank you Rochester Beacon for lifting up Rochester's Small Businesses!
https://hubs.ly/Q03lBjxk0

Local events for National Small Business Week kick off amid a volatile economic environment.

05/08/2025

Hello Rochester! We have had a great week celebrating ! There are still several awesome events you can attend for FREE!

Start Smart: Protecting Your Business & Understanding Your Customers
May 8, 2025| 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Register Here: https://hubs.ly/Q03lB3FQ0

Small Business Operations Workshop
May 9, 2025 | 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Register Here: https://hubs.ly/Q03lB4cn0

International Plaza 2025 Launch
May 9, 2025 | 11:30 AM -1:00 PM
A community event celebrating the opening of IBERO’s International Plaza, showcasing vendors, live radio from PODER, cultural programming, and small business engagement.
https://hubs.ly/Q03lB2Y10

Power Hour Before Happy Hour & Fireside Chat
May 9, 2025 | 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM | The Toast Factory
Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q03lB3GM0

The Local Exchange: Small Business Marketplace
May 10, 2025 | 11 AM – 3 PM | Collab on Lake Ave - 275 Lake Ave, Rochester, NY 14608
A curated vendor fair spotlighting local small business. Open to the public, it creates opportunities for businesses to showcase and sell their products, expand their customer base, and connect with new audiences.

Visit: https://hubs.ly/Q03lzXtS0

05/07/2025

💸 Money Moves: Funders Talk + Resource Walk – Recap

This powerful session brought together some of Rochester’s most impactful funders and entrepreneurial support leaders to demystify funding and connect entrepreneurs with the tools, space, and support they need to grow.

Panelists included:
Ken Marienau – Venture Jobs Foundation
Maisha Beard-Johnson – City of Rochester, Office of Financial Empowerment, Kiva Rochester Crowdfunded Loans
Melissa Jordan – M&T Bank
Yahaira Zapata – The Enterprise Center at PathStoneCenter
Moderator: Lindsay Ward – Brockport Small Business Development Center
Anthony (Akil) Manning - Rochester Economic Development Corporation
Hosted by Rochester Economic Development Corporation (ROCEDC)
Watch some of the panel's live discussion here: https://hubs.ly/Q03lwmC-0

📍 We wrapped up with an inspiring tour, exploring ROCEDC's
brand-new hub for entrepreneurs and small businesses seeking budget-friendly and adaptable office spaces.

💭 What Funders Want to See More Of:
Entrepreneurs from marginalized communities
Young innovators and aspiring business owners
People who’ve been told "no" but are still dreaming big
Collaborative teams building businesses together

🚧 Common Barriers Funders Notice:
Incomplete or unclear business plans
Struggles with credit or financial documentation
Lack of a clear pivot mindset or big-picture planning
Entrepreneurs unsure of how to tell their story or present their vision on paper

✅ What Success Often Looks Like:
Thriving through new services or expansion
Strong cash flow management
A deep sense of pride and accountability
Ongoing check-ins and staying "on the rails"

💬 And above all, they stressed the power of relationships—especially with your banker, accountant, and core support team.

🔥 Pro Tip: Know the 5 C’s of Credit (Character, Capacity, Capital, Conditions, and Collateral) and build real connections. Relationships are just as important as numbers.

Thanks to our funders, panelists, and attendees for an energizing, informative session!

05/06/2025

Mid-day slump? Not today. ☕
Powered up with an iced mocha from Equal Grounds Community Cafe because great coffee and good vibes go hand in hand.

Even better? They also showcase and sell products from local small businesses. So every sip and every purchase supports our community. 🙌🏽💼

Support local, sip strong, and keep building! 💪🏽✨

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