Pitch Your Idea for a Downtown Rochester Event

Planning events is no easy feat. As the organizers of large events like SocialICE and Thursdays Downtown, we get it! That’s why we want to help other event organizers secure event funding through our Start-Up Event Grant.

Up to $3,000 will be up for grabs in a Shark Tank-style pitch competition January 14, 2020. Here are some of the grant criteria:

Open to new one-time events or event series or existing successful events in downtown Rochester that need support
Individuals, businesses, community groups, or organizations are welcome to apply for up to $3,000, which must be matched through financial or in-kind contributions

After an event proposal is submitted, applicants will pitch their ideas to RDA Downtown Cultural Initiative committee members Chris Fierst of Naura Anderson of Threshold Arts, Chris Fierst of Bar Buffalo/The Half Barrel, and William Forsman of Café Steam January 14, 2020. A public-vote component will also help determine which events will be awarded grant dollars. Stay tuned for more details about the pitch night as the date gets closer.

For all Start-Up Event Grant criteria and to begin the application process, visit this web page.