Financial Assistance for Businesses

In addition to the City-sponsored resources listed below, businesses can also learn about Federal and State resources here.

Emergency Business Retention Grants

The City launched a new grant product that may be utilized towards working capital to pay business expenses to continue operations and retain employees. Average grant awards are $2,000. Working capital expenses may include: Payroll, insurance, utility expenses, inventory and other similarly related short-term debt and operating expenses necessary to continue operations. The City had approved over 180 grants as of the end of May. Find the application here.

Kiva Rochester Crowdfunded Microloan Program

The Kiva Rochester crowdfunding program has expanded its access to interest-free loans to help local small businesses weather the economic downturn triggered by the COVID-19 outbreak. Kiva has increased the maximum loan amount to 15,000 (from $10,000); waived certain financial requirements to expand eligibility; and instituted a new six-month grace period on the first loan repayment. The Kiva Rochester program has funded 7 loans totaling $64,500 since March 15. Learn how to apply for a Kiva loan at www.cityofrochester.gov/kiva

90 Day Loan Deferrals

Businesses that have current loans with the City of Rochester and/or the Rochester Economic Development Corporation (REDCO) are eligible for a 90-day deferral of loan payments.

Looking for more financial resources?

Click here to visit our financial resources page for more information on resources provided by the State and Federal government.

NOTE: Monroe County Department of Human Services remains open and accepting applications for public assistance programs. Thanks to special COVID-19 protocols, residents interested in signing up for SNAP, WIC, cash assistance, or other public assistance programs can now apply safely and conveniently on the web and by phone.

For more information from Monroe County DHS, click here.

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