If you are starting or expanding your business, you will find the following resources helpful:
SCORE: Provides mentors who are successful business owners and business executives ready to assist in all the stages of owning, operating, or growing business in the Rochester NY area. Online and in-person workshops are available as well as a website filled with helpful resources to use.
Wayne County Economic Development: Provides a range of services, programs and events to encourage economic growth across the county.
SBA (Small Business Association): Provides help with SBA services including funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery. They can also connect you to partner organizations, lenders, and other community groups that help small businesses succeed.
SBDC at SUNY Brockport: Provides counseling for a wide range of management and technical assistance such as: business plan development, small business start-ups, loan information assistance, organizational structures, workshops and seminars. Counseling sessions include “free and confidential services with professional SBDC business advisors that undergo rigorous professional certification to keep their business knowledge and counseling skills sharp and current.”
Census Data: Use this official government site to gather local, state and national statistics to use when developing business strategy.
IRS: Use this official site to find resources for small businesses with assets under $10 million.
Money Smart for Small Business: Provides an introduction to topics related to starting and managing a business. It was developed jointly by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
US Department of Labor Employee Benefit Security Administration: Provides small business owners with information they will need to provide employee benefits, such as a 401(k) plan or health insurance, to their employees.
US Patent and Trademark Office: For those interested in acquiring a patent or trademark.
Carlson Center for Intellectual Property: This local resource that is part of the Rochester Public Library helps visitors learn about patents, trademarks and copyrights, and how to protect each kind of intellectual property. Staff guide visitors through the steps of securing each, from searching to applying and make connections with experts in each field.
Small Business Resource Center: This local resource is found at the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County has a unique collection of books and other materials on starting and running a small business. Topics covered include: entrepreneurship, start-up, financing, business plans, specific kinds of businesses, marketing and more. Business Research Specialists can assist you with finding industry and market information, sample business plans, demographics and other statistics for the Greater Rochester area and beyond.
Your Public Library: Visit your own public library to find books, databases and other resources to aid you in your small business launch or growth. Also receive personalized assistance in your research from a librarian.
Library of Congress: Although this official site was compiled especially for justice-involved individuals interested in creating a small business, it is helpful to anyone who may want to pursue entrepreneurship.
Business Loans: Research many types of federal loans for your business and learn how to apply through programs of the Small Business Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture and other agencies.
Government Grants: Explore the official access point for grants administered by government agencies.
Minority Business Development Agency: The U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is the only federal agency solely dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of minority business enterprises.
Office of Women’s Business Ownership: Provide business training and counseling, access to credit and capital, and marketing opportunities, including federal contracts.
Veterans Business Outreach Center: provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling, and resource partner referrals to service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, military spouses, and family members interested in starting or growing a small business. SBA has 28 organizations participating in this cooperative agreement and serving as VBOCs.