Jefferson Avenue Revitalization Project
Thanks to funding secured by Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, the Urban League of Rochester's Business Development Center is targeting services in the Jefferson Avenue area in southwest Rochester.
The Urban League is helping Jefferson Avenue businesses stabilize and grow by providing workshops and counseling to the business owners and potential business owners. Workshop topics include business finances, QuickBooks software, business plan development, marketing strategies, and obtaining certifications and license. Workshops are held at Trinity Emmanuel Presbyterian Church on Jefferson Avenue. The program also offers one-on-one technical assistance to individuals who want to focus on a particular issue or topic.
Why focus on Jefferson Avenue?
Jefferson Avenue was once a thriving commercial district, but now it's riddled by vacant lots and empty storefronts. The neighborhood surrounding the avenue struggles with high rates of poverty, crime and unemployment.
However, things are looking up for Jefferson Avenue. Significant private and public investments encircle it:
- The Brooks Landing hotel and office complex and the improved Genesee Street;
- Providence Housing's Olean/Kennedy residential development on Plymouth Avenue;
- The City's streetscape improvements on West Main Street;
- The planned Bull's Head redevelopment project.
In addition, Congresswoman Louise Slaughter has secured $950,000 for the City of Rochester to begin road and streetscape improvements along Jefferson Avenue in 2010.
For more information on the Urban League's services for entrepreneurs in the Jefferson Avenue area, please contact Ebony Smith, Coordinator, Jefferson Avenue Revitalization Project, at or 585-325-6530 ext. 3064.
Click here for more information on the City of Rochester's work to revitalize the Jefferson Avenue corridor: http://www.cityofrochester.gov/jefferson/
