Join us for the 2025 Rochester Start Up Summit kick off event at the Golisano Institute for Business and Entrepreneurship. The Start Up Summit is an event designed to inspire, motivate, provide insights, offer resources, and create networking opportunities within the Rochester Start Up and Entrepreneur community. The event will feature many successful business leaders in a panel discussion format, break out rooms and featured speakers. Vendor opportunities are also available for companies who provide services or resources to the local Start Up community, or in our Start Up Alley! The event is presented by Flower City Union, FSE Agency and Mammano Ventures, with support from the Golisano Institute for Business and Entrepreneurship.
Net proceeds to benefit the Golisano Institute for Business and Entreprenuership. Light apetizers, refreshments, beer and wine tastings during the event.
Schedule
3-4:00 PM PM: Arrival/Networking/Visiting Sponsors, opening remarks
4 PM-4:50 PM: Panel Discussion “Resources for Rochester Start Up Companies” featuring Michael Thaney: Start Up Grind, Richard Glaser: RocGrowth Candid, Melanie Russo: Rochster Chamber, David Grome: Greater Rochester Enterprise, Holly Barret: Next Corps Rochester, Moderated by John Mordaci Golisano Institute for Business and Entreprenuership
5-5:45 PM: Breakout Sessions:
Capital Raise, Fundraising and Pitching: featuring David Brown Impellent Ventures, Gregory Van Laeken RIT Venture Fund, Flossie Hall: FHall Consulting, Yahaira Zapata: the Enterprise Center at Pathstone
AI and Innovation for Start Up's: featuring Graham Anthony Golisano Institute for Business and Entreprenuership, Carolyn Spencer Co- Pivot
Start Up Sales and Marketing: featuring Tim Mason Mason Marketing, Olivia Goldstien Upstate Venture Connect, Rebecca Leclair: Rebecca Leclair Communications, Rumella Cameron, Conversance Business Solutions.
Power of Sports Marketing for Start Up's: featuring CJ Scroger Rochester Red Wings, Casey Catlin Flower City Union, Rochester Amerks and Knighthawks, moderated by Mark Washo Freedom Sports and Entertainment
6pm: Featured discussion with Rochester entreprenuer Aaron Newman founder of CloudCheckr
6:45-7:45 PM: Networking mixer and happy hour
More speakers and panelists added soon, check back often as speakers are subject to change, thank you!