Global Entrepreneurship Week Brings Four Days of Innovation, Collaboration to Rochester

Rochester is joining a worldwide movement this week as Global Entrepreneurship Week Rochester 2025 (GEWROC) kicks off a four-day celebration aimed at empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening the region’s business ecosystem.

Running Nov. 18–21 at multiple locations across the city, GEWROC features more than a dozen partner organizations and over 40 speakers offering workshops, bus tours, wellness events, advisory sessions and networking opportunities. Organizers say the week is designed to give founders the tools, exposure and connections necessary to grow and sustain their businesses.

“It’s incredibly exciting for Rochester to join a global movement that’s all about turning ideas into impact,” said Ryan A. Williams, city-wide coordinator for GEWROC 2025 and an Economic Recovery Corps Fellow with Third Eye Network. “Entrepreneurship is about building stronger, more connected communities. GEWROC gives us the chance to celebrate local innovators, share global insights and strengthen the economic backbone of our region together.”

Williams, a Brooklyn-born strategist and nonprofit leader, supports entrepreneurial ecosystem development across Upstate New York. In Rochester, he also leads the coordination of National Small Business Week, bringing together entrepreneur support organizations to host free and low-cost workshops and events that increase visibility and revenue opportunities for local businesses.

A Week of Hands-On Support for Entrepreneurs

Each day of GEWROC focuses on a different stage of the entrepreneurial journey:

Tuesday, Nov. 18 – Start-Up & Early-Stage Business Day

Held at Connected Communities on North Goodman Street, the opening day targets new and aspiring founders. A highlight is the GEWROC Rochester Bus Tour, led by City Commissioner of Neighborhood and Business Development Dana Miller, showcasing local businesses and innovation hubs driving job creation and neighborhood investment.

Wednesday, Nov. 19 – Growth & Expansion Day

Entrepreneurs preparing to scale will gather at the ROC Economic Development Center on Lake Avenue. Programming includes a fireside chat with the Stellar Foundation featuring Anna Clune of Citizens Bank and Flossie Hall, along with guest speakers Mike and Allen Taylor, owners of Rochester-area Chick-fil-A franchises. Attendees will also hear the story behind Porto Roc Soxial Lounge, the city’s first Latinx social club and restaurant, where lunch will be served.

Thursday, Nov. 20 – Entrepreneurial Wellness Day

M&T Bank’s City Center offices will host workshops and an Entrepreneur Wellness Expo that offers mental health strategies, wellness products and support resources for small business owners balancing high stress with the demands of growth.

Friday, Nov. 21 – Exit & Succession Day

The week closes at NextCorps with programming for established business owners planning for long-term sustainability. Speed advisory sessions will provide 15-minute one-on-one consultations in legal issues, financial planning and succession strategies, followed by a networking happy hour.

GEWROC partners say collaboration is the key to supporting entrepreneurs.

“Business is a team sport,” said Ken Marienau of the Venture Jobs Foundation. “Global Entrepreneurship Week has gathered some of the best together in Rochester — all available for you to improve the strength of your business.”

Global Entrepreneurship Week is celebrated in more than 200 countries, activating millions of people annually with events that encourage innovation and business creation. Rochester’s participation connects the region’s entrepreneurs to global thought leaders while lifting up the local small business community.

The full schedule of events is available at GEWROC.com.