Voice of Business Blog

Greater Rochester Chamber champions your growth by serving as a single, trusted source for local, regional, and statewide funding opportunities. Below is a curated snapshot of current grants and programs designed to empower entrepreneurs, community leaders, and nonprofits:

• Empire State Development Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) offers access to state-level grants and incentives (capital projects, infrastructure, planning, workforce development) through July 31, 2025, at 4 PM ET—apply via the NY CFA Portal. 
• WeROC grant from PathStone’s Enterprise Center provides up to $20,000 plus training for socially and economically disadvantaged business owners—details and the application are available here. 
• Monroe County MicroAdvantage Loan Program gives entrepreneurs $10,000–$50,000 in low-interest microloans (4–5%) with priority for MWBE and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses; apply through Monroe County’s online portal 
• Kiva Rochester microloans offer 0% interest loans up to $15,000 for startup and early-stage city-based businesses—get started at the City of Rochester’s website under Business Loans & Grants. 
• City of Rochester Neighborhood Commercial Assistance Grants give eligible startups up to $5,000, and existing neighborhood businesses up to $8,000 for storefront improvements, signage, computers, and more—applications available on the City’s grants page. 
• United Way’s Creating Synergy for a Stronger Future Grant provides capacity-building support for nonprofits’ organizational health, vitality, and sustainability. Details and eligibility are here.
  

These opportunities span a range of funding needs—whether you're looking for $20K in training and grants, $50K in microloan capital, or multi-million-dollar infrastructure funding via CFA.

What To Do Next

1. Identify which funding fits your stage and structure—grant vs. loan, small business vs. infrastructure.
2. Note application packs: CFA ends July 31, microloan portal open now, other cycles vary.
3. Apply directly via the links above.
4. Reach out to Greater Rochester Chamber for help or partner introductions.
5. Layer your funding—combine loans, grants, training, and utilities for a stronger foundation.
   

Greater Rochester Chamber keeps it all in one place, offering direct application links and support so you can skip the research and focus on building. We’re here to back your ambition—whether you’re building infrastructure, launching a social mission, or scaling a business. If you’re ready for sector-specific guidance or planning outreach strategies, we’re ready when you are.