Elevating Enterprise

About Elevating Enterprise

Land bigger contracts and level up your small business with Elevating Enterprise—the podcast that gives you a 100K-foot view of success and the elevator access to get there. Each episode gives you insider access to industry gatekeepers, prime contractors, and policymakers who share actionable insights on how to tap into State and Federal SME (small, medium enterprise) funding and contracting opportunities. No fluff, no vague success stories—just real strategies and the critical first moves to help you scale smarter and faster. Unlike other business podcasts, Elevating Enterprise doesn’t just inspire—you’ll walk away with a game plan to make the leap from small business to major player. Ready to make your next move? Follow the podcast and let’s get to work—because success isn’t overnight, it’s strategic. New episodes every other Thursday! About the Hosts: Jazzy T, 25-yr communications expert and founder of JazzCast Pros, a B2B media publisher in Rochester, NY. Business manager and Creator Partnerships at WXXI Studios. Instagram JazzCast Pros (@jazzytonair) LinkedIn Jazz Williams RJ Williams, a 30-yr entrepreneur, business strategist and expert in securing government contracts from Michigan to New York State. Ruben Williams | LinkedIn Want to be a guest on the show? Email us at podcasts@JazzCastPros.com Want to Sponsor a Season or Advertise your support services? Visit www.JazzCastPros.com/Advertise

Publisher

Jazzy T + RJ Williams

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

31 Mar 2025

Latest episode

10 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

24 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   10 Sept 2026

   Inside the I-Corridor: Joe Stefko on New York’s Semiconductor Economy

   Ep.23 “One in four semiconductor chips that are produced in the United States are going to be manufactured within 350 miles of where we’re sitting.” For this installment of Inside the I-Corridor, Jazzy T and RJ Williams sit down with Joe Stefko, President & CEO of OneROC and Regional Innovation Officer for the New York Smart I-Corridor, to get the big-picture view of how Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse are becoming a globally competitive hub for semiconductors, microelectronics and advanced manufacturing. Joe brings a unique perspective to the conversation. Before leading OneROC, he worked on the front lines of Buffalo's fiscal recovery. Now he's helping Greater Rochester, and the broader I-Corridor, think regionally about its next major economic transformation. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Sponsor: The Enterprise Center at Pathstone NY SMART I-CorridorLearn about supply chain, commercialization, workforce development and business opportunities across the corridor.https://nysmarticorridor.com/ Supply Chain Activation Network (SCAN)Connect with resources for businesses interested in entering or expanding within the semiconductor and microelectronics supply chain.https://nysmarticorridor.com/supply-chain/ Commercialization & Collaboration Center (C3)Access university research, specialized facilities, prototyping, technical expertise and commercialization support.https://nysmarticorridor.com/innovation/ STEP UP — Workforce DevelopmentExplore workforce training, talent development and employer resources supporting the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries.https://nysmarticorridor.com/talent/ OneROCLearn more about Greater Rochester's regional economic alliance and its work supporting economic growth and collaboration.https://www.oneroc.com/ Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE)Connect with Rochester-area economic development and semiconductor supply-chain resources.https://rochesterbiz.com/ NextCorpsEntrepreneurship, manufacturing, technology commercialization and business-growth resources for companies in the Greater Rochester region. https://nextcorps.org/ Monroe Community College — Optical Systems TechnologyLearn about MCC's precision optics education and workforce-training opportunities.https://www.monroecc.edu/depts/eomctech/programs/optical-systems-technology/ NY SMART I-Corridor Opportunity Exchange — October 8, 2026Meet I-Corridor partners and learn how your business can access funding, technical assistance, workforce solutions, commercialization support and supply-chain opportunities. Register:https://my.greaterrochesterchamber.com/calendar/details/rochester-trends-ny-smart-i-corridor-opportunity-exchange-1683031 KEY TAKEAWAYS • The opportunity is bigger than Micron. Semiconductor growth is creating demand throughout a much larger regional ecosystem. • You don't have to manufacture chips to participate. Construction, skilled trades, transportation, logistics, landscaping, technology and professional services are among the opportunities emerging throughout the supply chain. • Small businesses have an entry point. I-Corridor programs can help companies assess their capabilities, strengthen areas such as cybersecurity and connect with buyers and technical assistance. • Workforce development is a major piece of the strategy. Many semiconductor technician positions won't require a four-year degree, creating new pathways into well-paying careers. • Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse aren't approaching this as competitors anymore. The three markets are combining their strengths to compete nationally—and globally. Chapters: 00:00 What Is the New York Smart I-Corridor? 00:58 Meet OneROC CEO Joe Stefko 02:08 How Joe Stefko Helped Buffalo Recover From Fiscal Crisis 07:28 Why Rochester, Buffalo & Syracuse Are Finally Working Together 10:09 New York Smart I-Corridor & the CHIPS and Science Act Explained 12:53 How Upstate New York Won Federal Tech Hub Funding 15:11 How Startups & Entrepreneurs Can Access I-Corridor Resources 18:27 What's Happened Since the NY Smart I-Corridor Summit? 19:32 Semiconductor Supply Chain Opportunities for NY Businesses 22:09 Propel NY: Helping Businesses Enter the Semiconductor Industry 23:37 How Your Business Can Get Into the I-Corridor Supply Chain 25:09 Construction, Logistics & Business Opportunities Available Now 28:37 How Businesses Should Prepare for Semiconductor Contracts 30:20 How to Access I-Corridor Funding & Technical Assistance 32:15 How the Tech Hub Could Transform Rochester's Economy 34:14 Semiconductor Jobs That Don't Require a College Degree 36:18 Making Sure Local Communities Aren't Left Behind 37:21 Workforce Development & Training Opportunities 40:14 STEP UP & New York's $200M ON-RAMP Investment 42:36 What Is OneROC? 46:08 Upcoming I-Corridor Opportunities for Businesses 47:11 How to Get Connected Inside the I-Corridor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2. 

   26 Aug 2026

   Inside the I-Corridor: Where Skilled Trade Workers Fit in the Semiconductor Boom

   Want a piece of New York’s growing semiconductor industry? Let's go Inside the I-Corridor with fabrication consultant Griffin McGuire of SetPoint Advisors to unpack some of the biggest takeaways from the two-day NY Smart I-Corridor Summit and what they mean for the Upstate New York workforce. Griffin serves as a vice chairperson at the American Welding Society (AWS), Niagara Frontier section, where he focuses on welding standards and skilled trades advocacy. Episode Takeaways: 🔹 The semiconductor opportunity goes far beyond chips. Construction, fabrication, logistics, raw materials, suppliers and skilled trades will all be needed as the ecosystem grows. 🔹 There’s a gap between research and the shop floor. Upstate has world-class research, but manufacturers need help understanding how their existing capabilities can translate into semiconductor opportunities. 🔹 Our workforce has to evolve, too. Griffin explains how the American Welding Society (AWS) connects students with employers and gives experienced welders pathways to advance into roles like welding inspection as the physical demands of the trade become harder. 🔹 Getting into the supply chain requires preparation. Businesses will need to understand the standards, certifications and capabilities major semiconductor companies expect from suppliers. The opportunity is coming. The question is: where do you fit? Resources: Connect with Griffin McGuire / SetPoint Advisors:SetPoint Advisors Follow the American Welding Society – Niagara Frontier Section for events, student opportunities and industry networking:AWS Niagara Frontier Section Griffin McGuire serves as a vice chairperson at the American Welding Society (AWS), Niagara Frontier section, where he focuses on welding standards and skilled trades advocacy. He is a seasoned fabrication consultant and exotic materials expert who bridges the gap between engineering, materials science, and manufacturing. He boasts an extensive background in traditional manufacturing environments, starting his career as a welder and ascending to an associate welding inspector. Griffin is the founder of SetPoint Advisors, a consulting firm that specializes in assisting with the logistical challenges of semiconductor fabrication. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3. 

   5 Aug 2026

   Inside the I-Corridor: Preparing Tomorrow's Workforce Today | RIT Certified

   Ep. 21 Go inside the NY York Smart I-Corridor and get ready to take advantage of the CHIPS Act and the $100 Billion investment in Upstate New York's emerging semiconductor economy. Welcome to Elevating Enterprise's new podcast series Inside the I-Corridor series. Hosts Jazzy T and RJ Williams visit RIT Certified's newly renovated space to explore the workforce development strategies powering the next generation of modern manufacturing employees for Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse. Director Rosalie Clemens and Associate Director AJ LiVecchi explain why the I-Corridor isn't about one company or one city, it's about building an entire regional ecosystem where every organization has a role to play. Resource Links: Suscribe to Inside the I-Corridor Newsletter on LinkedIn Website: https://certified.rit.edu/ Register for the Teacher's Cohort Circuiting Success here https://certified.rit.edu/circuitingsuccess Email AJ LiVecchi: ajlcert@rit.edu Episode Key Points: ✅ The I-Corridor is an economic development strategy—not simply a Micron project. ✅ Workforce development isn't something that happens to companies. It's something companies actively build. ✅ Existing employees often need targeted upskilling—not another four-year degree. ✅ AI is rapidly changing professional development, knowledge transfer and advanced manufacturing. ✅ Rochester's competitive advantage comes from strengthening its existing expertise in optics, photonics and precision manufacturing—not competing directly with Syracuse. ✅ Businesses that invest in learning today will be best positioned when the region's semiconductor ecosystem reaches full scale. Chapters: 00:00 Why Everyone Is Talking About the I-Corridor 00:58 Meet RIT Certified 01:47 What RIT Certified Actually Does 04:06 What Is the New York Smart I-Corridor? 06:43 Preparing Today's Workforce for Tomorrow's Jobs 07:57 Semiconductor Career Accelerator Explained 10:57 The Skills Summit & AI Workforce Strategy 14:06 AI, Virtual Chips & Manufacturing Training 15:36 Using AI to Capture Knowledge Before Employees Retire 20:43 Rochester's Photonics Advantage 22:18 Why Companies Must Own Workforce Development 23:57 Why Professional Development Improves Retention 26:36 Cybersecurity, AI & National Security 29:35 Solving Real Business Problems with Custom Training 31:54 Why Automated Assembly Is the Next Big Opportunity 34:02 What Rochester Can Learn from Arizona's Tech Boom 35:45 Why Rochester Shouldn't Try to Be Syracuse 39:43 Preparing Teachers for Semiconductor Careers 43:41 Why Every Business Should Prepare for the I-Corridor Now 44:38 Three Big Takeaways for Business Leaders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who has been a guest on Elevating Enterprise

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Ryan Wimpy
• Matthew Burrell
• Melissa Jordan
• Kendrick Foxx

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 18 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

23

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

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Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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