August 2017

If you’re self-employed, working on a side hustle, or just interested in networking around Rochester, you’ve likely heard about RocGrowth. Given their different events, though, it might unclear just what the organization is all about.

Who is RocGrowth?

RocGrowth is all about growing businesses in the Rochester area. It was created by the Finger Lakes Business Accelerator Cooperative and is coordinated by High Tech Rochester. Its programming aims to connect local change makers and encourage collaboration between entrepreneurial support organizations. If it’s successful, RocGrowth will make it easier for local startups to find the right resources to help them grow their companies.

RocGrowth Candids

RocGrowth Candids is a long-running series that invites the community to the Downstairs Cabaret Theatre every other month for a peek into the mind of a successful local entrepreneur. Speakers share their personal stories and the lessons they’ve learned while building successful businesses here in Rochester. The format includes an open interview, as well as an audience Q&A with the featured guest. There’s plenty of time before and after the presentations for networking. Each event is free, but attendance is limited to the first 100 RSVPs — so register early and often.

RocGrowth Coffee

Compared to other Rochester networking events, RocGrowth Coffee is networking, caffeinated. The model brings together local innovators, entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists, then speeds things up with a few rapid-fire presentations, each of which includes an explicit “ask” to the community. Problem-solving, brainstorming, and resource-sharing take place live. The goal is to facilitate USEFUL collisions by sharing inspiring stories, empowering the new generation of entrepreneurs in Rochester. There is, of course, plenty of unstructured networking time. Just like RocGrowth Candids, attendance for RocGrowth Coffee is limited to the first 100 RSVPs. The event is free.