County Executive Bello Joins With Mayor Evans To Proclaim Week Of May 3 “Small Business Week”

May 6th, 2026

Salutes local businesses that received Small Business Administration awards

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Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and Mayor Malik Evans proclaimed the week of May 3 to be Small Business Week in the City of Rochester and Monroe County. Small Business Week, also recognized annually by the U.S. Small Business Administration, provides an opportunity to highlight the transformative impact entrepreneurs and small business owners have on our local economy, culture and community.

"Small businesses are the engine of our local economy, and entrepreneurs seeking to achieve the American dream drive growth," said County Executive Bello. "Thank you to all of our small business owners for their hard work and dedication. I encourage our residents to shop local and support our small businesses. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient Monroe County."

"Small business owners are critical to the growth of our local economy," said Mayor Malik Evans. "We are pleased to recognize the dedication and outstanding contributions local entrepreneurs make by providing employment opportunities, energizing our neighborhoods, and fostering a stronger local economy through innovation and community resilience, creating a more robust Rochester."

This year, the Small Business Administration's Buffalo District (a district that includes Monroe County) received nominations for three Monroe County small business owners for regional awards. They were recognized at a ceremony Wednesday.

• Small Business Person of the Year: Shannon Halligan, Halligan Creative Arts Therapy
• Small Business of the Year: Jon Weaver, CatPrint
• Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year: Ray Holtz, Nairy Mechanical

"National Small Business Week celebrates the innovators and job creators who keep communities like Monroe County thriving. Under this Administration, the SBA is especially focused on supporting Main Street small businesses that serve their neighbors and strengthen towns and villages every day," said Matt Coleman, SBA Atlantic Regional Administrator. " The SBA proudly provides entrepreneurs with the resources they need to start, grow, and expand. Last year alone, we delivered over $60.3 million to 255 local small businesses, supporting 1,810 jobs."

Monroe County provides a variety of support for small businesses, primarily through the Monroe County Industrial Development Corporation (MCIDC) and COMIDA, which offer lowinterest loans, tax exemptions, and mortgage tax abatements for local projects. A standout resource is the Micro Advantage Loan Program, which provides gap financing between $10,000 and $50,000 to help local entrepreneurs cover equipment purchases or working capital.

Small business owners from Monroe County can meet with Economic Development staff to discuss their business's growth, expansion, and future equipment purchases, and find out what programs or other assistance is available to them. For more information, visit us on the web at https://www.monroecounty.gov/economic or call (585) 753-2000.