City of Rochester Seeks Street Liaisons to Support Business Development in Key Neighborhoods
The City of Rochester is inviting individuals and organizations to apply for Street Liaison positions in each of the city's four quadrants as part of a new initiative aimed at strengthening small business support in key commercial corridors.
Under the Street Liaison Program, liaisons will serve as a direct link between business owners and the City’s Business Development Team. Their primary responsibilities will include providing business owners with access to financial assistance programs, helping new businesses establish themselves, and facilitating connections to resources that support economic development.
The program will focus on targeted commercial corridors in the Northwest, Northeast, Southwest/Downtown, and Southeast quadrants, ensuring localized support where it is needed most. Some of the key business districts included are Lyell Avenue, Hudson Avenue, Jefferson Avenue, South Clinton Avenue, Monroe Avenue, and more.
Funded by the Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the initiative offers up to $25,000 per quadrant for selected liaisons, with contracts running from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
Roles and Responsibilities
Street Liaisons will:
Conduct regular outreach visits to businesses in their assigned quadrant.
Provide information on financial assistance programs and facilitate application processes.
Attend at least 80% of business association meetings to address concerns and provide updates.
Work closely with the City’s Neighborhood Service Center (NSC) Administrators to support business permitting and regulatory compliance.
Submit quarterly reports detailing outreach efforts, business leads, and meeting attendance.
Who Can Apply?
The City is looking for legally established organizations with a minimum of one year of experience in working with and assisting businesses. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to effectively support business growth and development in Rochester’s commercial districts.
Applicants must also provide proof of insurance, a detailed cost allocation plan, and demonstrate compliance with federal grant requirements.
How to Apply
Interested organizations must submit their qualifications by April 11, 2025, at 1:00 PM to:
Thaddeus Schofield, Director of Business DevelopmentCity of Rochester30 Church Street, Room 005ARochester, NY 14614
Decisions on selected liaisons will be announced by April 25, 2025.
For additional details or inquiries, applicants can contact Thaddeus Schofield at Thaddeus.Schofield@CityofRochester.Gov.
This initiative is part of Rochester’s ongoing commitment to fostering economic growth and strengthening neighborhood businesses across the city.
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