Partners + Napier Launches New Initiative in Service of Small Business Owners of Color

Since we opened our doors in 2004, the Rochester community has been good to us. Our roots run deep, but they could be deeper. And in the wake of national conversations on race and equality, we realized we can better serve the community we call home. We needed to step up and be a better neighbor.

We’ve always said that business is personal — and for us, it really is — but now it’s time to take deliberate action in service of that sentiment.

We’ve teamed up with Rochester Area Community Foundation to extend its NeighborGood Grants program, which has distributed more than $800,000 since 1992 to help stabilize, strengthen, and enrich Rochester neighborhoods.

Now, we’re proud to build on the Community Foundation’s impact at Partners + Napier, by assisting small business owners of color with select brand design and marketing support services.

This new pro bono initiative offers a selection of creative services to Rochester-based small business owners of color. Our intent is to help amplify these businesses and brands, help combat economic and opportunity gaps, and build a stronger, more closely knit community.

At no cost to participants, this initiative’s offerings include:

This initiative is one of several steps we’re taking both inside and outside our agency to stand against racial injustice and inequity, and actively support our neighbors of color. Through this program, we hope to form lasting partnerships that build a better, stronger, and more inclusive Rochester.

If you are interested in learning more about NeighborGood Design and would like to participate, please visit this link. We’ve set up a quick application to help us better understand the needs and vision of prospective clients, with Frequently Asked Questions for your reference. Please feel free to reach out to us directly at neighborgood@partnersandnapier.com.

If you are part of a neighborhood association, block club, or other community or business association in the city of Rochester, and are interested in grant opportunities through the Community Foundation, please visit this link.