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Applications for the Open + Online program are now OPEN! Click here to learn more & apply.
Our Impact on Small Businesses
Learn how the Small Business Resource Network assisted these businesses across the five boroughs by connecting them to resources and offering personalized support that helped them to grow and thrive.
Brooklyn
Chevelle Dixon, owner of Pan-African Solutions Consulting, was interested in updating her business website, but the person she worked with previously had become unreachable, leaving her completely without website access. An SBRN Specialist shared information about our Open + Online program and encouraged her to apply in order to get an entirely new website. Within a few weeks, her new website was created, it's much better looking than her last site, easy for her to manage, and she's received numerous compliments on it from current and prospective clients.
Brooklyn Burgers & Beer in Park Slope was severely impacted by flood waters in September 2023. With assistance from the SBRN team at the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, the business received a donation of $2,500 from Brooklyn Methodist Hospital - New York-Presbyterian. Additionally, the manager of the restaurant was interested in taking courses offered by the Business Solutions Center. Our team shared a list of upcoming courses with registration links so that he may further his education and run the business more effectively.
Queens
La Bomboniera Marylu in Astoria is a neighborhood favorite for party supplies and decorations. The owner fell behind on rent during the pandemic due to slow business and caring for sick family members. With the assistance of the SBRN, they were able to secure a $20,000 grant which helped to pay all their back-owed rent and keep the store open. When flood waters from Tropical Storm Ida caused the loss of nearly $10,000 in goods and equipment, their SBRN Specialist assisted them once again with applying for additional FEMA funding.
Juliana Rivera is the founder, CEO, and creative mind behind MadeFresh Organic, an organic juice company based in Rosedale. Our work with Juliana through the SBRN allowed her to participate in the Citi Field Business Expo and Queens Day in Albany, which led directly to the acquisition of new corporate contracts with NYU Langone and the American Cancer Society. Since working with the Small Business Resource Network, she has seen an increase in sales, has new product visibility, diversified revenue streams and overall huge business growth.
Manhattan
OurtBox Cafe is a coffee shop and community space that reached out the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce seeking marketing assistance. The Small Business Resource Network has access to an opportunity with LinkNYC, the freestanding digital signage structures placed across the city. Our team connected OurtBox Cafe with the LinkNYC resource, and they were able to secure a digital advertising spot at no cost. Ourtbox Cafe will be featured on LinkNYC signage during the month of February, as part of a promotion for cafes and bakeries.
“My Harlem-based store has been in operation for more than 30 years. I was struggling with my outdated website and didn't know what to do next until the Small Business Resource Network came by. I just received my brand-new website through the Open + Online program and cannot wait to speak with the business strategy consultant you connected me with about the next chapter for my business! Honey, you guys are stars!”
- Evetta Petty, Owner of Harlem's Heaven Hats
Staten Island
The owners of Valid Vibes had been selling their merchandise out of a mall marketplace, and were looking for ways to expand. The SBRN team connected them with the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program, and they completed digital trainings and courses to gain more business acumen. We also connected them with the Business Solutions Center to begin the process of gaining MWBE certification, to allow for new vending opportunities. Additionally, the owners went on to become mentors for the S.I. Chamber's Young Entrepreneurs program.
Vincent's Barber Shop has operated in the Stapleton area of Staten Island for over 20 years. After closing for several months of the pandemic, the owner, Emilio, reopened to find himself in need of business assistance. The SBRN team helped Emilio apply for and obtain a $10,000 grant from LISC. He tried to apply for ESD funding in 2021, but did not meet the eligibility requirements. When the grant requirements were lifted in 2022, our team reached back out to Emilio, and he was able to successfully apply and ultimately received over $10,000 in ESD funding.
Vincent's Barber Shop
Bronx
Chocobar Cortes traces its roots back to Puerto Rico, specializing in chocolate-infused dishes. Although he had some previous industry experience, the owner, Carlos, still faced challenges accessing resources. With the help of the SBRN, Carlos has applied for numerous grants, MWBE certification, and an exclusive program which places paid interns in local food service establishments. The SBRN team helped Carlos integrate into the greater Bronx business community, and Chocobar Cortes has become a trusted business and community stakeholder.
NEAT Dry Clean & Tailoring is located on the East Tremont business corridor in the Bronx. The owner, Luis, was interested in applying for the ESD Pandemic Recovery Grant. Our Small Business Resource Network team helped Luis prepare the necessary documents for his application. During the review phase of the application, Luis reached out to our Business Support Specialist for more guidance on how to move his application forward. A few weeks later, Luis was learned he had been awarded $5,000 in funding allowing him to further grow his business.
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