ROME, N.Y. – Two businesses are receiving $50,000 each in funding through Rome’s Business Assistance Fund, as part of the city’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative.

“The Business Assistance Fund not only assists existing small businesses in the DRI footprint with capital improvements, but also encourages new business growth and Round 2, Phase 1 has produced two new business tenants to our downtown,” said Rome Mayor Jacqueline Izzo.

Character Coffee is opening a Rome location at 236 W. Dominick St., next to the Capitol Theatre. The café will offer specialty drinks and food, as well as cohort rentals for artists, freelance workers and remote employees. Right now, Character Coffee has one location at 171 Genesee St. in Utica.

C & D Advertising will be relocating to 103 W. Court St. in Rome, in a building that is currently vacant. The business offers services in photography, videography and audio production.

For more information about DRI funding opportunities, call 315-339-7608, or email: menos@romecitygov.com.