We are a coalition of local business support organizations across the Rochester area for National Small Business Week 2025.There will be something for everyone, whether you're an established business owner, an entrepreneur looking for resources, or a community member wanting to support your local neighbors and friends' businesses.When you shop local and we support local, we are investing in our community. Our support and purchases help create local jobs, support schools, and fund local projects. Let’s make our hometown the best place to live.National Small Business Week Rochester is a joint initiative of the ROC Business Resource Partnership.
May 5, 2025
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Loft at ARTISANworks
ESO Clinic & Social: Building Network Capacity
Hosted by Third Eye Network
$15 Admission. Refreshments will be served.
This training and social event is only for entrepreneur support organizations.
May 6, 2025
All Day
Various Locations
ROC City Dine Around
A citywide restaurant week-style initiative highlighting local eateries. Community members are encouraged to support small, independently owned restaurants, with participating businesses promoted through NSBW channels.
May 6, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
at Sibley Square
Lunch Bytes: How to Market Your Business with Confidence
Hosted by Venture Jobs Foundation
A lunchtime micro-series where small business experts share bite-sized insights on topics like marketing, business strategy, and financial planning. Designed for accessible, midday learning.
May 6, 2025
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
at RIT Center for
Urban Entrepreneurship
Loan Readiness Training Series: Info Session
Hosted by ROCEDC & The Enterprise Center at PathStone
An in-person session introducing a multi-week training series focused on preparing small businesses for financing. The info session will cover topics, timelines, and how to enroll.
May 7, 2025
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
at Collab on Lake Ave
Money Moves: Funders Talk + Resource Walk
Hosted by The Enterprise Center at PathStone, ROCEDC, NYSBDC Brockport, Pursuit Lending, M&T Bank & City of Rochester (Kiva)
A panel discussion featuring local funders who will demystify funding processes and share resources, followed by a tour of a local entrepreneurship facility to connect entrepreneurs with space and support opportunities.
May 8, 2025
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
at the Business Insight Center
Start Smart: Protecting Your Business & Understanding Your Customers
Hosted by Rochester Public Library Business Insight Center
A hybrid workshop focused on helping entrepreneurs protect their ideas and understand their market. Topics include intellectual property, trademarks, and how to conduct effective market research.
May 9, 2025
Time TBA
at Collab on Lake Ave
Small Business Operations Workshop
Hosted by Greater Works Collaborative
A practical session focused on improving business operations for Small Businesses of various stages.
May 9, 2025
11:30 AM -1:00 PM
at International Plaza
International Plaza 2025 Launch
Hosted by IBERO
A community event celebrating the opening of IBERO’s International Plaza, showcasing vendors, live radio from PODER, cultural programming, and small business engagement.
May 9, 2025
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
at The Toast Factory
Power Hour Before Happy Hour & Fireside Chat
Hosted by Greater Rochester Black Business Alliance
An energetic, after-work gathering where small business owners and community members can network, pitch their services, and build visibility—followed by a relaxed social mixer.
May 10, 2025
11 AM – 3 PM
at Collab on Lake Ave
The Local Exchange: Small Business Marketplace
Hosted by the National Small Business Week Planning Committee
A curated vendor fair spotlighting local small business. Open to the public, it creates opportunities for businesses to showcase and sell their products, expand their customer base, and connect with new audiences.
NSBWROC
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