Turning an idea into a thriving company takes more than determination—it takes guidance, resources, and a strong community. NextCorps operates the region’s largest and longest-running business incubator, supporting more than 70 startups in downtown Rochester with the space, mentorship, and connections they need to accelerate growth and achieve lasting success.
“NextCorps is at the heart of Rochester’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Jim Senall, President of NextCorps. “What sets our incubator apart is the combination of state-of-the-art facilities with deep regional connections. Startups get access to labs, mentors, and investors, while also being plugged into Rochester’s broader innovation community. That blend is rare, and it’s why so many companies choose to grow here.”
Our startups don’t just grow—they fuel the local economy. They hire locally, partner with regional businesses, and often remain rooted in Rochester because of the networks they build. Research from the Kauffman Foundation highlights why this is so important: while many new businesses stay small, it is the high-growth startups that account for a significant share of new jobs. By helping early-stage companies gain traction, we’re fueling individual businesses alongside the region’s overall economic vitality.
What founders gain inside the incubator
The biggest advantage of incubation is access to experience. Our Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs) guide founders through fundraising, team-building, and early-stage decision-making, helping them avoid common pitfalls.
“The entrepreneurs often tell us the mentorship and guidance they receive from the EIRs is one of the biggest benefits of membership,” said Matt Foley, Managing Director of Incubation Services. “These EIRs have ‘been there, done that’ and can guide the founders at every stage of the journey.”
Guidance in the incubator leads to tangible results. Some startups pivot after customer discovery and validation, while others uncover new markets or unlock revenue streams that lead to acquisitions.
“We urge people to apply at the earliest stage possible,” Foley added. “The earlier we can guide a startup’s trajectory, the higher the likelihood of long-term success.”
Beyond mentorship, founders gain 24/7 access to NextCorps’ 40,000-square-foot downtown facility (with a $10 million expansion underway) and a community of nearly 70 entrepreneurs who hold each other accountable, collaborate, and innovate together.
One standout example is KAVYAR, the world’s leading network for fashion and beauty creatives. A longtime NextCorps incubation client, KAVYAR has built a global platform from Rochester—a rare feat in an industry dominated by New York City and Los Angeles.
“The mentorship and guidance from the Entrepreneurs-in-Residence has been invaluable in guiding our growth. Pairing that with access to resources and a community of other founders has made all the difference,” said Sean Morris, co-founder and CEO.
He added, “Being based in Rochester while working in the fashion industry has given us a unique advantage. The facilities and resources at NextCorps have helped us scale while staying rooted here, and in turn, we’ve been able to help put Rochester on the map in the fashion industry.”
Making incubation accessible
To broaden access, NextCorps has partnered with M&T Bank to offer 10 scholarships, reducing the cost of incubation to just $25 per month for qualifying founders. This makes mentorship, expertise, and community available to entrepreneurs who might otherwise miss out.
If you’re ready to move your idea forward, apply now for membership or the startup scholarship program before November 7.
