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Strategies and Initiatives

Diversity in Business

The Diversity in Business initiative is a tactical objective of Workforce 2020, a community initiative addressing our present and future education and workforce needs. We have a rich and growing culture in age, experience, race and ethnicity and know that diversity within
the business community is a key factor to the
Rochester area’s long-term success.

The purpose of the Diversity in Business initiative is to promote activities and relationships, in both the public and private sectors, to increase business ownership, market, education and training opportunities for women and minority-owned businesses. As part of the initiative, we want to motivate not only the entrepreneur, but also engage the business community in dialogue on the impact of diversity in business.



Resources & Tools

Starting Your Business
Participants will gain a better understanding of the tools and concepts essential for developing a successful business plan.

- Writing a Business Plan (click here for Power Point presentation)

Financing Your Business
Participants will gain a better understanding of what a lender is looking for in a finance request and learn how to more effectively manage your business’s finances by putting all of those finances to work!

- Non-traditional Financing (click here for Power Point presentation)
- How to Finance a Small Business (click here for Power Point presentation)

Business Development
Participants will gain a better understanding of the power of the entrepreneurial spirit, strategies in developing a business and how to market your business in an unusual market.

- Business Development (click here for Power Point presentation)


SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) Toolkit by IBM
IBM's SME Toolkit is a FREE, one-stop online portal that offers businesses high value content and tools. The toolkit provides information on accounting, finance, business planning, human resources, legal and insurance, green business, marketing/sales, operations and technology. The SME toolkit provides the opportunity to build a web page, promote your business in the business directory and join forums to share insights and experiences.

IBM and the International Finance Corporation – private sector development arm of the World Bank – have partnered to launch the SME Toolikit for Asian, Black, Hispanic, native American and Women-owned businesses in the United States.

Visit www.us.smetoolkit.org to learn more and help your business grow.