Business in Downtown Rochester
So you’re thinking of starting or relocating a business in Rochester. Congratulations! When deciding where it will be, let us share why the 44 blocks of downtown Rochester should be in the running. Because let’s face it: it’s all about location, location, location. And downtown Rochester is one of the best, in our opinion!
Downtown Rochester business climate:
Growing population: from 2010 to 2020, downtown's population grew by 28.6 percent and the region grew by 12.9 percent. Olmsted County's population is 162,000, according to the U.S. Census.
Major employment hub: Mayo Clinic, the No. 1 hospital in the U.S. according to Newsweek and Statista Inc., is in the heart of downtown.
Strong tourism market: Medical tourism and convention business brings 3 million visitors annually, according to Experience Rochester.
Evolving connectivity: Rochester International Airport serves 310,000 annual passengers and Highway 52 connects Rochester to the region.
Support and incentives: Destination Medical Center offers advice, connections, and some grants and incentive support to new investments.
Learn more about the downtown resident population here or about the retail environment in downtown here.
Support from the Rochester Downtown Alliance:
The Rochester Downtown Alliance is here for you as you consider our community! We exemplify our value “We’re the Downtown Experts” by championing, supporting, and promoting the businesses, property owners, and cultural assets that compose downtown Rochester. We aim to create a downtown experience that is safe, clean, welcoming, and compelling for a range of audiences through a variety of programs like:
Clean and Safe Ambassador Program
Direct SSD support (grants, technical assistance, etc.)
Marketing and external communications
Internal communications to stakeholders
Public space management
Downtown advocacy
Placemaking and programs
All this adds up to one thriving place—downtown Rochester—to start your business. Ready to make the move? Contact us at 507-216-9882 or info@downtownrochestermn.com and we can help and/or direct you to the right people. Or visit other pages on our Business Resources here for advice and assistance for prospective and existing businesses.