New program aims to bring jobs to underserved areas

Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) - A virtual conference Thursday offered insight and advice for Rochester business owners looking to grow their businesses.

Venture Jobs Foundation aims to launch a new program, called Anchor Jobs. The foundation will invest in businesses that agree to locate in an underserved area and employ residents from that area. The program will launch in 2022.

"Our mission is to help those entrepreneurs that come from neighborhoods that are underserved because our feeling is until we create jobs in these neighborhoods, we will never make a significant dent in the high level of poverty in Rochester," said Dennis DeLeo, president and director Venture Jobs Foundation.

Venture Jobs Foundation's Economic Empowerment Virtual Prosperity Conference is normally held in person, but was online this year due to the pandemic.

More information the foundation can be found on its website.