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Business Support

Whether you’ve got a great business idea or you’ve been in business for years – and everything in between – the City of Rochester provides a variety of support services to help you reach your goals: 

  • The Revitalize Rochester Fund – ​The Rochester Economic Development Corporation (REDCO) has opened up an application process for potential entrepreneurs to join a partnership to expand business opportunities in the city’s Commercial Corridors through the $13 million Revitalize Rochester Fund (RRF). The RRF will provide grants and loans to entrepreneurs seeking to start or expand businesses in targeted city commercial corridors. In addition to financing for working capital, the fund will provide emerging entrepreneurs with consultation services and the latest analysis of market conditions in particular neighborhoods.

    • To learn more about the Revitalize Rochester Fund or to apply for a grant, call 585-428-6579 or click here. 

  • The Mayor's Office of Community Wealth Building – dedicated to coaching businesses across the life cycle stages (start-ups, established businesses, retiring businesses, etc.) while facilitating business eco-systems

  • The Business Development Division – a great resource for grants, loans, and technical assistance. Featuring a new grant opportunity for businesses to receive up to $5,000 to develop or upgrade capacity for e-commerce.  

  • Flower City Winter Sidewalks – an exciting program that supports restaurants that want to provide outdoor dining using temporary structures during the winter months.

  • Curbside Pickup Zones – making curbside pickup more convenient by converting on-street parking spaces in front of restaurants into 15-minute parking zones. Subject to review and approval.

  • The Central Library Business Development Center – offers free assistance to businesses of all sizes. They provide sample business plans, market research reports, information on patents, trademarks, and copyright, and help identify potential customers and competitors. Free monthly workshops explain the basic concepts behind starting and running a business.

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