Business Loans, Services and Grants

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City of Rochester and Partners Offer Business Development Assistance 

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The City of Rochester and its partners in job creation and retention support businesses with these programs:

Business Assistance Programs

Learn about the low-interest loan and grant opportunities available for the purchase of equipment, materials, supplies and more, or to purchase, build or renovate property. Whatever your business need, we are certain to have a program to fill it. 

The City offers the following programs to assist businesses which are creating new investment and creating jobs for City residents. The business must be located within the City in a commercial building or re-locating within the City. Home-based and non-profit businesses are ineligible.   

Healthy Foods Grant NOFA - NEW*

This program is currently not accepting additional proposals. All proposals received prior to May 19th at 4:00 pm are currently being reviewed. Applicants will be notified if accepted into the program when the review has been completed.   

 If you have any questions, please send them to Business.Development@CityofRochester.Gov.  

Targeted Business Revitalization Grant Program 

Provides grants to assist businesses who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic to grow, create and retain jobs within the city of Rochester.  Potential assistance includes working capital and soft costs such as payroll, inventory, utilities, insurance, and other similar soft costs.   Please contact the City of Rochester's Business Development Division to learn how to apply at 428-6912.

Business Development Financial Assistance Program

Provides low-interest loans and grants for expansion projects. Eligible projects include purchase of machinery/equipment, construction and/or renovation of real estate, and working capital. Loans will generally not exceed $250,000. Interest rates are fixed at either 1% or 3% depending on collateral provided. Loan terms are typically 5 years for machinery/equipment/working capital and 10 years for real estate. All loans must be secured and personally guaranteed by owners of 20% or more of the business.    Please contact the City of Rochester's Business Development Division to learn how to apply at 428-6912.

Neighborhood Commercial Assistance Program 

Provides small business grants for eligible retail and neighborhood service businesses which need capital for items such as advertising, furniture/fixtures/equipment, exterior signage, computers, architectural services, and security equipment (alarm systems, exterior lighting, security cameras). Start-up/New businesses (in business for up to 12 months) are eligible for up to $5,000. Existing businesses (in business for 12 months or more) are eligible for up to $8,000. All grants are reimbursement grants which requires reimbursement after the business expenditure has been made. Appropriate cost documentation is required.  

Request for 90-day Loan Payment Deferral 

Businesses that have current loans with the City of Rochester may request a 90-day deferral of loan payments. 

Kiva Rochester Crowdfunded Microloan Program

Kiva's mission is to provide capital for entrepreneurs who may have difficulty securing loans from traditional lending institutions. The program, involving a partnership with Kiva and the City, provides 0% interest/no fee/36-month microloans to small businesses which may be startup or early stage businesses which require capital for growth. Loans are partially crowd-funded utilizing KIVA’s online platform. Borrowers can receive loans from $1,000 to $15,000 for eligible business expenses such as purchase of tools, equipment, office equipment, and working capital. Applications can be made online and paperwork requirements are minimal. Learn more   at cityofrochester.gov/kiva/ >>.

Questions?

Let the City of Rochester help you navigate the programs and find the best fit for your situation.

Please submit an online request for assistance/information, or feel free to contact our office in person or via phone.

Online Request for Assistance Form 

Department of Neighborhood and Business Development
30 Church Street, Room 005A
Rochester, NY 14614
(585)428-6912