Women Entrepreneurs New York City (WE NYC) is on a mission to stimulate the economy and assist women throughout the city’s five boroughs over the next three years, targeting those who live in underserved communities. The initiative will offer free business courses and financing assistance to women entrepreneurs and small business owners. New York City will learn more unique opportunities and challenges woman-owned businesses often encounter and design innovative programs and strategies to help women start, operate, and grow a business.
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Some of the services offered include loan negotiation workshops, connections to capital, pro-bono legal assistance, and navigating government resources, according to Fast Company. WE NYC is the result of a partnership between New York City’s Department of Small Business and Citi, “which is providing more than $425,000 for programs designed to help New York City Housing Authority residents interested in launching their own businesses.”
Goldman Sach’s 10,000 Small Business Program is also contributing, as the company will educate women on accessing capital. Grameen America is offering business-building services, while LaGuardia Community College is teaching intensive classes on entrepreneurship in efforts to prepare the participants for marketplace success.
Research by New York Women’s Foundation and Citi reveals that 25% of the four million women and girls living in NYC are “economically vulnerable,” which is why Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen says such a program focuses on underserved communities.
Sixteen leaders—including Andrea Jung, CEO of Grameen; Shelly Lazarus, chairwoman emeritus of Ogilvy & Mather; and Debora Spar, president of Barnard College—from public, private, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors assist with the program’s strategic direction.
Courses take place at seven hubs throughout the boroughs and are offered in multiple languages.
The Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit hosted by Nationwide is set for May 13—16, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Expect innovative sessions, high-powered speakers, and an early peek at the products, trends, and services you’ll need to stay ahead of the curve. To register and find out more, visit www.blackenterprise.com/es/. Join us at the Entrepreneurs Summit, Where Innovation and Capital Meet.