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Center for Urban Entrepreneurship
Also known as: CUE
Rochester Institute of Technology · Rochester, NY
Downtown Rochester hub (40 Franklin Street) focused on supporting urban entrepreneurs and small business owners through customized trainings, funding connections, shared workspace, mentoring, consulting, and the flagship ROC the Pitch competition. Aims to reshape the regional economy and build wealth in the urban community. Part of the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Quick fit check
- Offers direct funding
- No equity required
- Currently active
- Verified by research
Key numbers
Funding range
$25,000 – $35,000
Cash Prize
Equity
None
Application
Annual
Regional
Last activity
2026-05-31
High confidence
Application and Timing
ROC the Pitch: annual cycle, applications due May, event August. Requires $25K minimum annual revenue for business track, Monroe County residency. Student track open to RIT/UR/SJF students.
Participants
Urban founders and small business owners in Monroe County / Finger Lakes region. RIT, University of Rochester, and St. John Fisher University students also eligible for student track of ROC the Pitch.
Funding and Equity
ROC the Pitch: $35K prize pool (2025), $25K (2026). M&T Bank sponsor. No equity taken. People's Choice award funded by ticket sales.
Recent Activity
- August 2025: 5th annual ROC the Pitch at Hyatt Regency Rochester.
- August 2025: Fox Rochester feature on 5th anniversary.
- 2024: Pull Up and ROC the Pitch micro-competition held as feeder.
- 2026: Applications open for 6th annual with May 31 deadline.
Known Startups or Winners
- EXP Studio (2025 grand prize, local business track) — affordable industry-standard resources and workspace.
- Challkbar (2025 student winner, St. John Fisher University) — rock climbing gym chalk product.
- Brad Flower / DUTCH Creatives Collaborative (testimonial).
Verification Gaps
- Pull Up and ROC the Pitch micro-competition details and prize levels.
- Full list of 2024 ROC the Pitch winners.
- Number of businesses served annually through non-competition programming.
- CUE operating budget.
Center for Urban Entrepreneurship
Additional research notesShow
News & articles
News articles and official sources documenting Center for Urban Entrepreneurship at Rochester Institute of Technology.
1 source
