Monroe County Planning and Development Department

05/29/2026

Calling all innovative small businesses!

The SBA’s Patriot Pitch Competition is searching for entrepreneurs who are shaping the future through innovation, growth, and impact in their communities.

Finalists will pitch LIVE in Washington, DC for a chance to compete for a share of a $1 million prize pool.

Applications are due June 10 at 11:59 PM ET.

If your business is ready to showcase its vision, innovation, and American ingenuity — now is the time.

Learn more + apply: https://preview.sba.gov/freedom-250/

05/22/2026

Last night, members of our Planning and Development Team team participated in the JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge! 🏃‍♂️
It was a great evening of teamwork and community. Thank you to everyone who participated and supported the event!

05/21/2026

The Public Review Draft of Plan Forward – A Comprehensive Plan for Monroe County is now available for public review, marking the County’s first comprehensive plan update in more than 40 years.

Residents, business owners, and community partners are encouraged to review the draft and provide feedback to help shape the future of Monroe County. The public comment period is open through June 18, 2026.

Join us at an upcoming public meeting to learn more and provide input directly to the project team.

In-Person Meeting
Wednesday, June 3 | 6:00–7:30 PM
MCC Brighton Campus – R. Thomas Flynn Campus Center

Virtual Public Information Meeting
Wednesday, June 10 | 12:00–1:00 PM
Virtual (registration required)

Learn more and register here:
https://www.monroecounty.gov/planforward-events

05/13/2026

COMIDA is proud to support Monroe County’s America 250 celebration in partnership with Visit Rochester! We’re honored to help make this historic community celebration possible for our community.
Learn more: https://www.america250rochester.com/

05/08/2026

🎉 As Small Business Week comes to a close, we want to thank the entrepreneurs, innovators, and local business owners who help make Monroe County thrive every day.
From startups to storefronts, your hard work drives our community forward, and we’re proud to support your growth through Monroe County Economic Development programs.
Let’s grow together. 🌱
Learn more: monroecountybusiness.org | 585-753-2000

The primary goal of the Monroe County Economic Development is to promote, encourage, attract and develop job opportunities and economically sound commerce throughout Monroe County. This is accomplished by providing a range of incentives delivered with exemplary customer service.

05/07/2026

We are so proud of Shannon Halligan for her recognition as Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Buffalo District, especially because of our work helping Shannon realize her vision for Halligan Creative Arts Therapy through a microloan and our 504 program. The Monroe County Economic Development team nominated Shannon for this distinguished honor and we’re delighted to celebrate her success. We are grateful to every entrepreneur and small business owner taking risks, bringing bold ideas to life, and investing in our neighborhoods and communities throughout Monroe County as we mark in 2026!

05/07/2026

Helping local small businesses grow. 🌱

05/06/2026

🎉 Monroe County proudly celebrated Small Business Week by recognizing local entrepreneurs making an impact across our community. Congratulations to Shannon Halligan (Halligan Creative Arts Therapy), Jon Weaver (CatPrint), and Ray Holtz (Nairy Mechanical)! 👏

05/06/2026

05/05/2026

Check out our upcoming workshops for small businesses. https://bit.ly/4w8voQd