Description

*In-Person Event*

Greater Rochester Chamber, in partnership with COMIDA, MCIDC, and Monroe County, invites you to join us for a special recognition ceremony to support local Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) and announce the MWBE Micro Loan program on Wednesday, February 15 from 7:30am until 9:30am at the Floreano Riverside Convention Center.

Attendees of this event will…

• Learn about Monroe County’s efforts to promote and maintain self-sufficiency, entrepreneurship, and career advancement for diverse business owners
• Meet and network with Greater Rochester Chamber’s new MWBE members
• Understand how the Monroe County MWBE Certification Program differs from the NYS MWBE Certification program

Attention Certified MWBE Reps: This event is FREE to attend for one certified MWBE representative. Please reach out to Gena.Stein@GreaterRochesterChamber.com to reserve your complimentary seat, and if you wish to purchase tickets for your accompanying guests.

Cost for Greater Rochester Chamber members to attend this event: $35 per person. Proceeds from the ticket sales will help further DEI initiatives in our community.

About the Monroe County MWBE Certification Program:

The MWBE program was established in January 2021 as a recommendation from the Commission on Racial and Structural Equity (RASE) report in an effort to support diverse and equitable business in our region. Monroe County is committed to providing opportunities for underutilized businesses to grow, build capacity, and create generational wealth.

Since its inception in January 2021, Monroe County has certified 204 MWBEs.

About the MWBE Micro Loan Program:

Using American Rescue Plan dollars Monroe County will create a $5.8 million micro loan fund. This will make low-interest loans available typically in the $10,000-$50,000 range. This will be a sustainable fund that will allow for the continued support smaller or micro businesses. While the entire available funds will total $5.8 Million, a minimum of $800,000 will be earmarked specifically for MWBEs. 

*Please note that the last day to register is no later than end of day on Wednesday, February 8th.

Questions? Please contact Events Assistant, Gena Stein at Gena.Stein@GreaterRochesterChamber.com