May 9th, 2025

MCIDC incentive program offers rebate for qualifying purchases that help retain or add jobs

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Monroe County Executive Adam Bello today announced the “Equip Monroe” program, which will provide incentives to local businesses who make major equipment purchases that help retain jobs.

The program offers a one-time rebate of up to $5,000 for equipment purchases. Payment will be made one year after approval with proof of job retention. An additional bonus is available if at least on full time equivalent job is created within 12 months, although temporary and seasonal employees are not applicable. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate that the purchase of the equipment will enable them to grow their business.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, but in this time of economic uncertainty and escalating costs, they’re facing more pressure than ever,” said County Executive Bello. “The Equip Monroe program is designed to help ease that burden by supporting major equipment purchases that preserve and create local jobs. By investing in our small business community, we’re helping employers stay competitive, grow sustainably, and drive our regional economy forward.”

“The Equip Monroe program reflects MCIDC’s mission to provide flexible, impactful support to Monroe County employers,” said Hanif Abdul-Wahid, Board President of the Monroe County Industrial Development Corporation (MCIDC). “By helping small businesses offset the cost of critical equipment purchases, we’re enabling them to grow and create jobs—even in the face of economic uncertainty. This program is especially meaningful for entrepreneurs who may not have access to traditional capital, giving them a much-needed boost to invest in their future and contribute to a stronger, more inclusive local economy.”

All equipment purchased must be used exclusively in Monroe County, and the rebate amount is based on whether the equipment purchased is made from a local vendor, which is defined as a business located within the nine-county region that includes Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties.

The program is not available to retail, professional service firms, or not-for-profit businesses, and the qualifying organization must meet the Small Business Administration’s definition of a small business. There is a lifetime cap of $25,000 in rebates per business.

The announcement of the Equip Monroe program was made at XLI Manufacturing in Chili, an advanced manufacturing company which is one of the first local business to apply and be approved for the rebate program.

“In today’s rapidly evolving marketplace, technology is critical to our success. Through the support of Monroe County and the Equip Monroe program, we are able to invest in leading technologies that drive customer growth and innovation,” said Chad Carta, president of XLI Manufacturing. “We thank the County for their focus on partnering with companies that are investing in the Rochester community through equipment and skilled labor.”