The Downtown Innovation Zone website is the official online hub of downtown Rochester’s digital and technology ecosystem, bringing together every innovation and creative class company, unique workspace, business accelerator, incubator, and business development resource downtown. It is the result of a unique public/private partnership between the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation (RDDC), City of Rochester, High Tech Rochester, and RG&E. For questions relating to existing content on the site, becoming a content partner, technical issues or for more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Contact Info
- Phone: (585) 546-6920
- Email: info@rocDIZ.com
Funders
Rochester Downtown Development Corporation
RDDC is a private, not-for-profit, economic development entity focused on growing downtown Rochester. It is funded by more than 120 companies, institutions and real estate enterprises. Its role is to deliver a vibrant and economically strong downtown to strengthen our regional asset base. RDDC works with real estate investors; tracks investment levels, and the office and housing markets; and advocates for infrastructure improvements and policies that support downtown’s many interests.
RG&E
RG&E is a subsidiary of Avangrid, a $30 billion energy services and delivery company with nearly 5,000 employees in 24 states and Canada. RG&E has become a key economic development partner in our region, assisting more than 100 business expansion and redevelopment projects. RG&E believes in the economic development impact of the Downtown Innovation Zone, and has helped fund the development of the DIZ website to heighten its impact on the urban economy and regional entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Primary Partners
Rochester Downtown Development Corporation
RDDC is the primary entity managing the development of the Downtown Innovation Zone (DIZ).
City of Rochester
The City of Rochester was an early adopter in supporting the Downtown Innovation Zone (DIZ), providing significant advocacy support on the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council and at the state level for possible funding support, and for the potential of the DIZ to add real economic value to the city economy and to the region. The City administration and its Office of Innovation and Strategic Initiatives are also located in the DIZ.
High Tech Rochester (HTR)
HTR’s leadership brought the original Brookings study on the changing geography of innovation to RDDC and the City. In making the decision to move its headquarters and develop its Business Accelerator Cooperative downtown, HTR will create a hotbed of entrepreneurial activity in the heart of the DIZ. HTR’s concept is to create a complete startup ecosystem all under one roof, and plans to open the doors to its new digs on the 6th floor of the Sibley Building in early 2017.
RIT Center for Urban Entrepreneurship
Located in the historic 40 Franklin Street building, RIT’s recently launched CUE provides business and consulting services to urban entrepreneurs – those with an existing business or hoping to launch a new one. CUE can house up to 12 seed companies in their newly renovated office and incubator space. CUE leverages partnerships with RIT’s Simone Center for Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship and its Venture Creations business incubator, as well as other local organizations.
Supporters
Buckingham Properties
Buckingham Properties is the largest and most diverse real estate development and property management company in the Rochester area. Focusing on opportunistic development projects in the region, the company currently owns and manages more than sixty properties comprising over ten million square feet.
Broadstone Real Estate
A family tradition that goes back many decades, Broadstone Real Estate’s roots run deep when it comes to spotting a good value in an acquisition and serving valued tenants. We’re proud of our long-term relationships with tenants, built on providing comfortable environments, superior customer service, and value. Our experienced team works aggressively to exceed expectations for every single constituent.
Home Leasing
Rochester-based Home Leasing, LLC specializes in the development, construction and management of high-quality affordable, mixed income and market rate apartment communities engaged in their neighborhoods. Owned and operated by 3 generations of the Nelson Leenhouts Family. Home Leasing employs over 80 people who support and are committed to providing quality communities across New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Insero & Co. CPAs
Rochester-based Insero & Co. CPAs is one of the largest accounting and business advisory practices serving New York state. Insero provides attest, tax, and consulting services to individuals, government agencies, not-for-profit organizations, and businesses ranging from privately held family businesses to multi-national corporations. These clients represent many industries, including service, manufacturing, high-tech, education, social services, and real estate.
Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center
The Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center is the ideal meeting location for any size group. No matter how small or how large, we can customize our space to meet your needs. We provide one-stop-shopping for your food & beverage, audiovisual, and technology needs. Convenient location, flexible space, attached parking, and personalized service…the Riverside has it all!
Upstate Venture Association of New York (UVANY)
Upstate Venture Association of New York (UVANY) supports corporate growth in Upstate by enabling access to capital resources and service providers for regional entrepreneurs and companies. Through monthly forums and exclusive networking events, UVANY members have an opportunity to be part of a dynamic community of leading entrepreneurs, CEOs, investors, and other leaders from the Upstate deal community. For upcoming events and information on how to become a member, please visit www.uvany.org.
SWBR Architects
We have nearly 50 years of doing great design. During this time we’ve learned to listen; to focus on you and your business needs. As a result, we’ve built a reputation for designing environments of enduring value. We care about the environment, collaboration and efficiency. We know you do too. Let us help you design your awesome work space.