Connected Know

08/13/2026

A new Finger Lakes Small Business Development Center initiative with support from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is helping small businesses in learn how to compete for contracts with major employers, healthcare systems, universities, manufacturers and other large regional buyers.

For local businesses, the next major customer could be closer than they think.

New eight-week program targets a persistent growth opportunity for Western New York companies: learning how to sell to the region’s largest employers and institutions while scaling.BROCKPORT, N.Y. — Small businesses across Genesee County and western Monroe County will soon have a new pathway to ...

08/09/2026

AI is moving beyond the chatbot. In our latest Connected Know guest article, Adam Martocello, Founder of Lilac Automation, explores the shift from AI tools that answer questions to AI agents that can actually execute work and what that means for professional services firms.

08/05/2026

Connected Ideas Is Back In August & This Month's Community Partner is the Rochester Fringe Fest - Get Your Tickets Now: https://luma.com/v23g5aga

07/28/2026

Tickets For August's Connected Ideas Are Now Live - We will be welcoming ESL Rochester Fringe Festival as this month's community partner. RSVP On Luma.

Connected Ideas | August Edition Supporting TBD Join us for Connected Ideas, a new monthly event series hosted by Connected Know. Designed for Rochester's…

07/13/2026

Brown and White Ventures has announced an investment in Buffalo-based Bounce Imaging, supporting the company's next phase of growth as demand for its tactical imaging technology expands across defense and public safety.

Read how the investment reflects the strength of Western New York's defense and advanced manufacturing ecosystem.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. — Brown & White Ventures has invested in Buffalo-based Bounce Imaging, a developer of tactical imaging technology used by military, law enforcement, and first responders, as the company looks to expand manufacturing and accelerate the development of its next generation of situational...

07/09/2026

Connected Cocktails is now CONNECTED IDEAS - A monthly business social mixer. Get your tickets now for our July 21 event.

Connected Ideas | July Edition Supporting TechRochester Join us for the inaugural Connected Ideas, a new monthly event series hosted by Connected…

07/01/2026

Andluca has secured a strategic SAFE investment as it prepares for Series A, a move that pairs capital with global glass manufacturing capabilities and industry expertise to accelerate commercialization of its AI-driven smart glass platform.

Read the full update:

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester-based advanced materials company Andluca has secured a SAFE investment from an undisclosed strategic investor as the company prepares for its upcoming Series A fundraising round and expands commercialization of its intelligent glass technology.The investment, announced ...

06/23/2026

JUST IN: Rochester-based Moka Energy and CEO Tom Seymour, CPP have signed a major distribution deal with RAINFOREST DISTRIBUTION LTD.

The partnership launches July 1 and is expected to place Moka bars in 250 stores across the East Coast within the first 90 days.

The Rochester startup behind an edible coffee energy bar will launch in 250 stores through a new partnership with East Coast distributor Rainforest Distribution beginning July 1.ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester-based startup Moka Energy has signed a major distribution agreement with Rainforest Distribu...

06/19/2026

Just Announced - We are so excited Connected Cocktails is finally live.

This is a new monthly event series designed for Rochester's rising business leaders, founders, executives, investors, and innovators, Connected Cocktails brings together the people building the future of our region for an evening of meaningful conversation, new connections, and community.

​Each month, Connected Cocktails will spotlight a Rochester-area nonprofit or community organization doing meaningful work while bringing people together. The goal is to use this event series to highlight and support the organizations helping make Rochester a better place to live, work, and grow.

​July's Featured Organization: TechRochester

Your ticket includes light hors d'oeuvres, inspiring conversations, and an opportunity to support the Rochester community.

​A portion of every ticket sold will be donated to TechRochester to support its mission of strengthening and connecting the region's technology community.

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Connected Cocktails | July Edition Supporting TechRochester Join us for the inaugural Connected Cocktails, a new monthly event series hosted by Connected…

06/15/2026

With more than 140 festivals and major events held across the region each year, Rochester's festival economy drives visitor spending, supports local businesses, fills hotel rooms, and helps showcase the city to hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

As the 2026 Rochester International Jazz Festival gets underway, we took a closer look at the economic impact of some of Rochester's largest events.

Read the full article here

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — As more than 200,000 visitors prepare to descend on downtown Rochester for the 2026 Rochester International Jazz Festival, the event is expected to do more than fill concert venues. It will also generate millions of dollars in economic activity for local businesses, hotels, resta...