Economic Development Resources

Non-Profit and governement ENTITIES

COMIDA (County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency) Partners with various local resources including the County of Monroe, Monroe County Industrial Development Corporation, and others to utilize the powers granted to it by New York State to offer programs and provide financial assistance to qualified projects.

Empire State Development Promotes a vigorous, inclusive and growing state economy, encourage business investment and job creation, and support diverse, local economies across New York State through the efficient use of loans, grants, tax credits, real estate development, marketing, and other forms of assistance. 

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Provides support services to member businesses throughout the region, and advocates at the state and federal level on issues that impact the business climate.

Greater Rochester Enterprise Non-profit economic development organization committed to attracting new capital investments, creating regional wealth, and new jobs throughout the Greater Rochester, NY region. 

Landmark Society of Western New York Non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the unique architectural heritage of our region and promoting preservation and planning practices that foster healthy, livable, and sustainable communities. They can connect developers with funding sources and technical advice for developers working with historic buildings or within historic districts.

Monroe County Economic Development Division Through private, state, federal, and county financial resources and technical assistance, the Economic Development Division supports business, developers, units of local government, and major county facilities in economic development activities.

Neighborhood and Business Development | City of Rochester Works to provide safe, healthy neighborhoods, create thriving commercial corridors, increase economic vitality in underserved areas, assist and develop industry, and create jobs for City of Rochester citizens.

OneROC Collaborative and coordinated capacity-building vehicle that's driving economic growth and opportunity by dedicating more resources, enhancing the reach and impact of current efforts, and positioning our region to compete more effectively for jobs, talent and investment.

ROCEDC Non-profit dedicated to the growth and vitality of the City of Rochester’s commercial enterprises. Provides insights on business strategy, multiple funding options, business education, sourcing of real estate, workforce development, and access to trusted partners to address critical business needs.

The Housing Council at PathStone Provides landlord education, foreclosure prevention, prepurchase counseling, emergency housing services, and fair housing education.

Visit Rochester Official tourism promotion agency for Monroe County.

GRANTS AND FUNDING Programs

Consolidated Funding Application New York State's Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) was created to support the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. The CFA allows applicants to access multiple state funding sources through one application, making the process quicker, easier, and more productive.

Downtown Revitalization Initiative New York State program that provides $10 million in matching grant funding for capital improvement projects that revitalize downtown areas, such as new developments, building rehabilitation, or public space enhancements. 

Excell Partners Venture Capital fund that invests in high-tech high-growth startups. Excell combines generating returns that rank in the top-quartile of its benchmarks, with supporting regional economic development by providing entrepreneurs with hands-on support as well as investment capital.

Ibero-American Action League The Ibero Business Center is a bilingual, community-based program that supports entrepreneurs—especially Latino, minority, women, and underserved small business owners—with tools to start and grow their businesses.

Neighborhood and Business Development | City of Rochester Offers grants, loans, commercial real estate support, and energy-efficiency rebates.

Office of Financial Empowerment | City of Rochester Offers accessible banking, personalized guidance, business support, and strategic partnerships.

Pursuit Small Business Loans Mission-driven lender offering SBA-backed and alternative loans, fast funding, and an emphasis on supporting underserved entrepreneurs.

Regional Revitalization Partnership Unique $300 million co-investment among the State of New York, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, and local philanthropies focused on commercial corridor revitalization, placemaking and workforce development across the cities of Rochester, Buffalo and Niagara Falls. At full implementation, RRP will drive $80 million into transformational projects in the City of Rochester.

Restore New York Provides municipalities with financial assistance for the revitalization of commercial and residential properties. The program encourages community development and neighborhood growth through the elimination and redevelopment of blighted structures.

Small Business Administration Hub for loan programs—granting access to capital, expert counseling—via SBA-supported partners, contracting program, and equity-focused initiatives, particularly for women business owners.

Small Business Council of Rochester (Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce affiliate) Provides networking events, member benefits, and award recognition.

Incubators and Business Accelerators

Center for Urban Entrepreneurship | RIT Hub for urban entrepreneurial programs and research, offering co-working, funding awards, and entrepreneurial support in the heart of downtown.

NextCorps  Provides a suite of services, including technology commercialization for early-stage opportunities, business incubation for high-growth potential startups, and growth services for existing manufacturing companies seeking to improve their top- and bottom-line performance.

The Commissary Food and beverage business incubator with entrepreneurial mentorship, shared kitchen and food and beverage production equipment, and community events.

The Enterprise Center at PathStone Provides tools and access to capital for business owners who have struggled due to systemic barriers.

Venture Jobs Foundation Non-profit initiative focused on supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners across the Finger Lakes region, including Rochester.

Counseling and Mentorship

SCORE Greater Rochester Greater Rochester Chapter offering free one-on-one counseling, mentoring, and workshops.

Small Business Development Center Brockport Providing advocacy, business advisement, and education and research for entrepreneurs and the small and medium enterprise community.

SUNY ATTAIN (Advanced Technology Training and Information Networking) Statewide initiative by the State University of New York (SUNY) designed to provide free computer literacy, academic prep, career-oriented training, and coaching to help you to train up and move up.

Urban League of Rochester The Urban League of Rochester's Entrepreneurship and Wealth Building Division supports minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses. They help entrepreneurs and small business owners launch and/or grow their businesses through classroom instruction and one-on-one technical assistance.

Data and Research

ACTRochester ACT Rochester’s purpose is to change the culture of community problem-solving and associated decision-making through the use of credible, independent, and timely data.

Business Insight Center | Rochester Public Library Market research, demographic data, patent/trademark assistance, veteran support, and grant tools.

Center for Governmental Research Drives positive changes in communities by providing governments, nonprofits, and philanthropic organizations with valuable, research-backed insight and consultation.

DataROC Open data portal for the City of Rochester. Features datasets, maps, apps, documents, and more to view or download.

Developers Guide Handbook Guide for navigating the city’s permit and code requirements during the development process.

Property Information Application Map-based system that provides access to property assessment, property tax, and water billing information.