News
Entrepreneurs benefit from new city program
Business editor, Rochester Democrat & Chronicle
(February 3, 2008) — Nicole Lauriano wants to open a funeral home for pets.
So on Thursday night she was one of 50 people who came to City Hall to learn about a pilot program aimed at helping entrepreneurs get started or get better at what they're already doing.
The Microenterprise Assistance Program is a joint effort of Rochester's economic development office and The Enterprise Center, an affiliate of Rural Opportunities Inc., which, despite its name, works in cities like Rochester as well as rural areas.
"This is the city of some of the greatest entrepreneurs ever," Mayor Robert Duffy said in announcing the program. "George Eastman, Chester Carlson, Jacob Bausch, Henry Lomb.
"Someone from this program might be the next Arunas Chesonis," Duffy said, invoking the name of the PAETEC founder and chief executive who delighted the mayor last year with his plan to build a new corporate headquarters downtown.
Not everyone who attended Thursday's informational session will get selected for the program, which starts March 5 and continues each Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. through May 21. Philip Banks, the city's deputy economic development commissioner, said he expects the class to have from 20 to 25 members.
"But people who don't make this go-round may very well get selected next time," Banks said.
The instructor will be Professor James Grillo of the State University College at Alfred, a veteran small business owner.
I have no idea if Lauriano will be one of those chosen, but, as both a dog and cat owner, I can understand her aspirations. She already is a funeral director, for humans, and wants to provide caring services for pets and the people who love them.
By the time the microenterprise classes wrap up, the participants will have at least a rough draft of a business plan. They also will be entitled to more help from the city and The Enterprise Center. The city, for example, works closely with neighborhood business associations and knows where there is available space for new businesses.
If all goes well, Rochester will have a bunch of new enterprises in a few months. May they all be successful.
To learn more
You can still apply for the program beginning March 5. Call the city economic development office at (585) 428-6965 or go online to www.roeci.org, the Web site of The Enterprise Center. The program costs $50.
Posted On: Monday, February 04th, 2008 @ 9:33 am by Web Administrator