City of Rochester welcomes a second group of local entrepreneurs into an expanded business training initiative

Rochester, New York – The City of Rochester has officially opened a new chapter in its ongoing effort to strengthen local businesses, welcoming a second group of entrepreneurs into its Prepare to Prosper Business Academy. This latest cohort brings together 20 established Black and Brown business owners who are ready to invest time, energy, and focus into growing their companies and deepening their impact across the city.

The program is led by the City of Rochester’s Office of Financial Empowerment and operates under the broader mission of the Mayor’s Office of Financial Empowerment. Its core goal is clear and direct: to help close Rochester’s racial wealth gap by equipping entrepreneurs with practical skills, reliable guidance, and meaningful professional connections. City officials say entrepreneurship remains one of the most powerful tools for building long-term economic stability in underserved communities.

Prepare to Prosper builds on the momentum of its inaugural cohort, which city leaders describe as a strong proof of concept. Graduates from the first group showed measurable progress in business growth, operational structure, and financial confidence, reinforcing the city’s belief that targeted support can deliver real results.

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“We saw firsthand how powerful this program can be for local entrepreneurs, which is why we’re proud to welcome a second cohort to Prepare to Prosper,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “By bringing business owners together with the knowledge, connections, and guidance they need, we’re helping Rochester entrepreneurs grow and strengthen our local economy.”

The academy spans eight months and is designed as an immersive experience rather than a one-time workshop. Participants receive hands-on instruction and coaching in essential business areas, including financial management, marketing strategies, and bookkeeping practices. City officials emphasize that the program focuses not only on short-term improvements, but also on building sustainable businesses that can adapt and thrive over time.

For many participants, the opportunity represents both professional development and personal growth. “I’m grateful for this opportunity to sharpen my business strategy, expand my impact, and continue to build a wellness brand that serves our community from the inside out,” said Ja’Corii Smith, owner and founder of Beautifully Nourished.

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Funding for Prepare to Prosper comes through Living Cities, a national collaborative of philanthropic foundations and financial institutions. The organization supports initiatives that promote equitable economic opportunity, with a focus on entrepreneurship and homeownership as pathways to wealth creation.

City leaders say the second cohort reflects Rochester’s continued commitment to inclusive economic development. As the program moves forward, officials hope it will not only strengthen individual businesses, but also contribute to a more resilient and diverse local economy—one entrepreneur at a time.