Rochester launches new initiative to boost neighborhood business growth, seeking Street Liaisons to connect small businesses with resources and drive investment across key commercial corridors

Rochester, New York – The City of Rochester is making a strong push to bolster its neighborhood business corridors by launching a new initiative aimed at fostering local economic growth. To achieve this, the city is seeking qualified organizations to serve as Street Liaisons—dedicated partners who will connect small businesses with vital resources and promote investment along key commercial corridors.

This effort, spearheaded by the City’s Business Development Division, aims to strengthen relationships between local businesses and municipal services. Street Liaisons will play a hands-on role, helping entrepreneurs navigate financial resources, technical assistance programs, and other forms of support designed to encourage stability and expansion.

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The program is set to cover all four quadrants of Rochester, targeting high-traffic areas that serve as economic and cultural hubs. In the Northwest, the initiative will focus on Lyell Avenue, Dewey Avenue, Lake Avenue, and West Ridge Road. The Northeast quadrant will include Joseph Avenue, Portland Avenue, Hudson Avenue, North Clinton Avenue (where Spanish-speaking ability is preferred), and the Public Market area.

The Southwest/Downtown section will address business needs along West Main Street, Chili Avenue, Jefferson Avenue, South Plymouth Avenue, Brooks Avenue, Thurston Road, Arnett Boulevard, and Genesee Street. Meanwhile, in the Southeast, Street Liaisons will work along South Clinton Avenue, South Avenue, Monroe Avenue, Goodman Plaza, and East Main Street.

Funding for the program will come from the Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Professional Service Agreement funds, ensuring that selected liaisons have the financial backing to provide meaningful assistance. If additional funding sources are secured, they will be incorporated into each respective Street Liaison agreement.

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By working directly with the city’s Neighborhood Service Centers, these liaisons will serve as a critical bridge between small business owners and government support systems. Their responsibilities will range from conducting outreach efforts and identifying economic development opportunities to assisting businesses in applying for grants, securing permits, and accessing workforce training programs.

The City of Rochester has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to identify organizations capable of taking on these roles. Interested parties must submit three hard-copy responses detailing their qualifications by Friday, April 11, 2025, at 1 p.m. Submissions should be sent to Thaddeus Schofield, Director of Strategic Business Development, at Rochester City Hall, 30 Church Street, Room 005A, Rochester, NY 14614.

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This initiative underscores Rochester’s commitment to strengthening its local economy by empowering businesses with the resources they need to thrive. By embedding Street Liaisons within these commercial corridors, the city hopes to cultivate a stronger, more resilient business environment—one that attracts new investments while supporting the success of long-standing community establishments.

Learn more: Street Liaision Program