2024 NYUL Small Business SOLUTIONS Center Guide

AboutUS

For over 100 years, the New York Urban League has worked hard to help New Yorkers live the lives they deserve to lead.

From putting our youth on the path to a fruitful educational career to landing living wage jobs with good benefits or business sustainability, it’s the New York Urban League’s role to strengthen underserved communities, ensuring everybody has a seat at the table.

TheNYUL SmallBusiness SOLUTIONSCenter

Our Small Business SOLUTIONS Center (SBSC) is committed to cultivating entrepreneurship in greater New York City and beyond. Our philosophy is centered on anchoring locally and thinking globally.

In addition to connecting entrepreneurs to resources required for success, we are also focused on promoting entrepreneurial ecosystems.

The NYUL SBSC provides technical assistance, one-toone business consulting, workshops, and events. If you are a business owner or ready to become an entrepreneur, stay connected to learn more about our dynamic programming

Programs

Winter 2024

January

Rev Up for Business

January 16, 2024 Virtual 90 min

SBA Ready Set GO! Basics of business startup

Rev Up for Business Series Part 1 - READY

In this session, we cover the key steps to getting your business off the ground, including the types of financing options available and the basic requirements for borrowing money. Attendees are also introduced to local resources available to assist them in starting and growing a small business.

January 16, 2024 Virtual 90 min

Rev Up for Business Series Part 2 - SET

Session two expands on possible funding sources discussed in the READY module , which is paired with what lenders look for in a loan applicant (the “Five C’s of Credit”). We also review what a credit score is and why it matters. Additional topics include, what’s included in a loan application, including the importance of a Business Plan and cash flow projections and assumptions; this session closes with how to avoid predatory lending practices

January 16, 2024 Virtual 90 min

Rev Up for Business Series Part 3 - GO!

Session three is designed to place emerging business owners in GO mode. We dive into ten topics to set you up for your entrepreneurship journey.

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Programs

Winter 2024

February

Fashionably NYUL

February 17, 2024 Virtual Workshop

Fashionably NYUL

Black In Fashion: From Sketch to Product

The global fashion ecosystem is estimated at $2.5 trillion. Black consumers are on track to contribute up to $70 billion by 2030. Yet, designers of color represent one percent of the designers at major department stores.

Historically, Black designers and production personnel have impacted fashion but have been hidden in the shadows.

The New York Urban League Small Business SOLUTIONS Center and guest host Lenese Griffin, CEO of LC Apparel Consulting, invite you to BLACK IN FASHION.

Experience the exciting world of fashion and retail by crafting design aesthetics, selecting textiles, and shaping customer profiles. Master pricing and sales strategies and oversee pattern and sample development, tech pack development, and grade rules. Bring it all together with captivating line sheets and lead retail partner distribution

WHO: Emerging and Established Apparel, Accessory, Footwear and Handbag Designers

Programs

Winter 2024

February

Fashionably NYUL

February 26, 2024 Virtual Workshop 90 minutes

Fashionably NYUL

The World Is Yours: Fashioning an eCommerce Site

According to Statista com, the fashion industry has undeniably penetrated the lives of the global populace, and with retail e-commerce sales reaching trillions of U.S. dollars worldwide, it is no surprise that the fashion e-commerce market continues to grow each year as well In 2023, the global fashion e-commerce market is forecast to reach a value of over 820 billion U S dollars By 2027, it could reach just over 1.2 trillion U.S. dollars.

Our guest host, Michael James, Brand Strategist and Founder of Frederick Benjamin Grooming, will guide participants through eCommerce best practices, including platforms, building, merchandising, copywriting, photography, and analytics. We review nailing down these topics to compete on a global stage.

WHO: eCommerce purveyors of apparel, consumer goods, and food

February 27, 2024 Virtual 90 Minutes

Are you in SHIP SHAPE? Shipping do's and don'ts for your business.

Get ready for an insightful presentation on shipping with UPS Executive, Robert Williams! We'll explore various shipping methods, delve into pricing strategies, and uncover the latest shipping technology. Whether you ' re a business owner or a shipping enthusiast, this presentation is your gateway to mastering the art and science of efficient shipping with UPS Don't miss out on the knowledge that will revolutionize your shipping game!

WHO: eCommerce purveyors of apparel, consumer goods,

Programs

Spring 2024

March

March 18, 2024 Virtual Workshop 90 minutes

Is Your Business Seen and Heard?

WelcometotheLandofMarketingStrategyandMarketingPlan:

OurfirststepstackleunderstandingthedifferencebetweenaMarketingStrategyanda MarketingPlanandwhybotharenecessaryforyourbusinessregardlessofthesize.

Thinkofyourmarketingstrategyasyourcompass,guidingyoutowardyourbusiness goalswithoutgettinglostinthejungleofoptions Meanwhile,yourmarketingplanisan intricatemap,turningstrategicvisionintoactionablestepsandlayingoutyourjourney practically Together,theymakeyouamarketingexplorer,readytouncovertreasures andachievesuccess So,gearup,adventurers;it'stimetoembarkonthisthrillingjourney!

March 20, 2024 Virtual Workshop 90 minutes

PartTwo:BootsontheGround(Actually,itistimetobehands-on)

Inthesecondsession,wedivedeeperintotheterrain,focusingondefiningyour marketingstrategyandcraftingyourstep-by-stepmarketingplan.Participantswill receivehands-onmaterialstooutlinethejourneyfortheirproductorservicetobe seenandheard.Thissessioncoversessentialaspectslikemarketresearch,target marketidentification,positioningandbranding,aswellasexploringvarious marketingchannelsandtactics,allsummarizedneatlyinanannualcalendar

Asafunhomeworkassignment,participantswillbetaskedwithdevelopingaminimarketingplanbasedontheconceptslearned,puttingtheirnewfoundskillsinto practice.

April 8, 2024 Virtual Workshop 90 minutes

PartThree:WorkshopConclusionandActionPlanning

Inourfinalsession,participantswillpresenttheirmini-marketingplans, showcasingtheirgraspoftheconceptslearned.Thiswillbefollowedbyalively feedbacksessionanddiscussiononhowtoapplythesestrategieseffectivelyin real-worldscenarios Together,we'llchartthecourseforsuccess,ensuring everyonecanconfidentlyconquerthemarketinglandscape.

Programs Spring 2024

April

Financial Literacy Month

April 16, 2024 VIRTUAL

The “F” Word

Funding Sources: Bootstraping to FinTech

When small and mid-size business owners are asked what they need most, the resounding answer is money. Funding issues are all too common within the SMB community, especially as businesses continue to navigate the aftermath of the COVID-19 pause four years later

In our comprehensive workshop, we delve deep into the diverse landscape of funding sources, offering insights and strategies tailored to meet the unique needs of your business From exploring traditional bank loans to harnessing the power of innovative fintech platforms, we leave no stone unturned in our quest to equip you with the knowledge and resources necessary to secure vital capital.

Whether you ' re a startup looking for seed capital or an established business seeking to expand, our workshop provides practical guidance to help you access the funding you need to fuel growth and success.

Don't let financial constraints hold you back – seize this opportunity to explore various funding options and chart a course towards financial resilience and prosperity for your business.

Programs Spring 2024

April

Financial Literacy Month

April 22, 2024 VIRTUAL

The

Wisdom of Crowds

Crowdfunding: How to build a crowdfunding campaign

Areyouanaspiringentrepreneur,artist,orchange-makereagertobringyourideas to life? Join us for an immersive Crowdfunding Workshop designed to demystify theworldofonlinefundraisingandpropelyourprojectstosuccess!

This workshop offers invaluable insights into crafting compelling campaigns, navigating crowdfunding platforms, and engaging with backers From setting achievable goals to creating captivating content, you'll gain the strategic knowhowtostandoutinthecrowdedcrowdfundinglandscape.

Whether you ' re dreaming of launching a groundbreaking product, funding your artistic endeavors, or championing a cause close to your heart, this workshop equipsyouwiththetools,tactics,andconfidencetoturnyourvisionintoreality. Takeadvantageofthisopportunitytolearn,connect,andigniteyourcrowdfunding journey Reserve your spot today and take the first step towards making your dreamsacrowdfundingsuccessstory!

April 29, 2024 VIRTUAL

POP Your Profit

Driving profitability through pop-up events

This workshop is for business owners and side-preneurs participating in Pop-up shops, flea markets, street fairs, food markets, and events. We review how to identify opportunities that align with your brand, expense management, seasonality, and profit calculation. You can take this workshop before you invest in that space

Programs Spring 2024

May

Marketing May - Small Business

May 06, 2024 VIRTUAL

Month

Planning for Retirement for Small Business Owners

Entrepreneurs live at the mercy of their cash flow and how to keep afloat. The thought of retirement is too future-forward for owners who are focused on making today's payroll Join Ariana Stowe, fitness and finance expert, to show you how to make your hard work pay off.

As an entrepreneur, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day responsibilities of running a business. However, thinking about the future and planning for retirement is essential. You can learn how to navigate this process and make the most of your hard-earned money.

By implementing smart financial strategies and investing in yourself and your business, you can set yourself up for a comfortable retirement. Ariana can teach you how to balance the needs of your business with your personal financial goals so that you can achieve both

Programs Spring 2024

May

Marketing May - Small Business Month

May 07, 2024 VIRTUAL

Branding Your Business from Within!

Marketing May - Small Business Month

In this 90-minute workshop, Melissa Archie, Founder of The Collective Lifestyle Marketing Group, walks you through the introspection chapter of her brand development program, Brand YOU A Business Therapy Program It’s not just theory; we get to work! This process helps you to deeply clarify your differentiator as a business brand and find the distinction of your brand ethos. Before defining your perfect target audience and the messaging that best connects with them, it is an essential step You will find striking clarity in how you describe your brand to attract the ideal customers, clients, fans, or partners. By the time we finish, you will have a new set of brand statements and be well-prepared to apply them to your communications strategy

May 13, 2024 VIRTUAL

Archetypes: Universal Symbols of Brand Personality

Brand strategist and Founder of VCM Strategies, Vanessa Matthew, will bring clarity to your target market through visualization using archetypes

The Power of Understanding Your Audience

Archetypes: Universal Symbols of Brand Personality

o Discovering the 12 Brand Archetypes

Bringing Your Brand to Life with Colors, Fonts, and Values

Successful Brand Personalities Reflected Through People of the African Diaspora

Choosing the Right Archetype for Your Brand

Applying Your Brand Personality to Your Marketing

Programs Spring 2024

May

Marketing May - Small Business Month

May 15, 2024 VIRTUAL

Shine Bright & Market Right: A Sunny Day Guide To Organizing Your Marketing

Struggling with marketing organization? Let's take control of the chaos! This workshop is perfect for small businesses looking to streamline and optimize their marketing activities. Discover the steps needed to create a great marketing structure and process before you dive into promotions so you can ensure that the campaigns you roll out are successful! We'll figure out roles and timelines, share the resources you'll need, and discuss the challenges that pop up before promotion even begins. So get ready – we ' ve got work to do, and it's going to be FUN!

Join Nicole McGarrell, Founder of Sunny Day Marketing, in this workshop and learn the secrets to getting your business's marketing process in place!

May 20, 2024 VIRTUAL

Communication Cents with Kim Marshall

Kim Marshall, Founder and Director at Wilson Marshall PR + Special Events, will lead a 90-minute conversation and presentation about how public relations and social media support any business and how to prepare and budget to maintain communications services

Programs Summer 2024

June

It’s Half Time

June 10, 2024 VIRTUAL

Game Plan: The Half Time Edition

GAME PLAN: the workshop is a planning exercise that outlines and prioritizes goals for entrepreneurs and side-preneurs. The workshop helps participants set priorities and plan achievable goals to minimize financial risk and disappointment.

During the workshop, participants will learn how to identify their strengths and weaknesses and how to use this self-awareness to set realistic goals. They will also learn how to break down these goals into manageable tasks and how to track their progress over time Through group exercises and discussions, participants will gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of growing a business and will leave the workshop with a clear roadmap for success. Whether you are just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, the GAME PLAN workshop is an essential tool for any entrepreneur or side-preneur looking to succeed in today's competitive market.

TBD VIRTUAL

How to Become a Link in the Corporate Supply Chain

Someone has to supply the team-building workshops, toilet paper and holiday gifts, and someone could be you. Join us for this panel discussion to learn what it takes to become a link in the corporate supply chain

Programs Summer 2024

July

Christmas in July

TBD Virtual

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

It's never too early to start planning for the holiday season! We're talking about crossing T's and dotting I's to get your business in tip-top shape for the 2024 holiday season. Join us as we guide you through all the necessary steps to make yourholidayseasonaroaringsuccess

Firstthingsfirst,let'sgivethosefinancesagoodonce-over We'llhelpyoureview budgets, cash flows, and expenses from the past years so you can make the necessaryadjustmentsfortheupcomingholidayseason.

Next, let's look at your branding and ensure it's aligned with your business goals and values We'll help you give your brand a fresh new look if needed, including logoupdates,websiterevamps,andothermarketingmaterials.

Now that your branding is on point, let's plan for your product and service offerings. We'll help you create special holiday promotions, determine inventory, and ensure you have the necessary resources and staff to handle the hustle and bustleoftheholidayseason.

No holiday season is complete without an awesome marketing plan. We'll help you create a comprehensive marketing strategy that includes social media, email marketing, and other promotional efforts to attract new customers and keep existingonesengaged.

Last but not least, sourcing is critical! We'll insist you make your supplier list and checkittwice,includingback-ups,justincaseyoumakeOprah’sfavorites.

Withourtasklistinhand,you'llbereadytorockthe2024holidayseasonlikeapro!

Programs Summer 2024

August

Black Business Month

TBD In-Person Pitch Black Cover Your Bases at the Pitch Clinic

They say a "squeaky" wheel gets the grease. Join our guest speaker, Squeaky Moore, when she shares the tips and tricks for nailing the "perfect" pitch.

Squeaky Moore is an award-winning director, writer, producer, and author of #100Pitches: Mistakes I’ve Made So You Don’t Have To, a film and television pitching guide for independent content creators. Squeaky is regarded as the “pitch guru ” after going on a journey to pitch

100 times. Her clients range in age from 7 to 60 and with businesses in various industries Her clients, successful business owners, product developers, content creators, and influencers, have used Squeaky’s creative coaching to pitch to brands, investors, and television execs in competitions. Her clients are partnering with brands like Walmart and Macy’s and winning pitch competitions. Her clients have also pitched their products on air on shows like Queen Boss, HSN, and The Today Show.

Programs

Summer 2024

August

Black Business Month

TBD In-Person

Pitch Black

The Competition

Howmuchmoneycanyoumakein3minutes?

Asubstantialthree-minutepitchcanlandfourfiguresinyourbankaccount

TheSmallBusinessSOLUTIONSCenterishostingapitchcompetitionsponsored bytheUPFoundation

Seethecriteriatoparticipatebelow:

BusinessModelSolvesAProblem

Business<3years

BlackOwned(majorityownership)

Receivedlessthan$125Kinfunding

CompanyPrincipalmustliveinManhattan,Bronx,StatenIsland,Queens,or Brooklyn

Submityour1-pageexecutivesummarytoenter.

Registration Closes TBD

Programs

Summer 2024

August

Black Business Month

TBD In-Person

Meet Your Match

It'sspeeddatingonabusinesslevel.Joinustofindthegraphicsdesignerofyour dreams,orperhapstheaccountantwhoknowshowtokeepyouintheblack,oran appdevelopertolevelupyourtechgame.

Ourspeednetworkingeventwillbeaneveningofbusinessmatchmaking,fun, drinks,andlightbites;allservedwithasideofbanking.

For black business owners, disadvantages are lurking around every corner Whether it’s lack of access to capital and resources, discrimination from potential investors or refusal of a target audience to support the business, it can be extremely tough to find your bearings in a business world dominated by people who don’t look like you However, instead of giving into the frustrations, channel your energies into a valuable skill that can change your outlook: network with other black business owners.

In and of itself, networking is crucial because your business contacts can connect you with new customers, investors and even new employees to join your team. But networking with fellow black entrepreneurs can exponentially increase the value of your existing network."

- Jasper Balom Blackknoweledge.com

Programs Fall 2024

September

Black to Business

TBD Virtual

Black Business Matters: Cohort 5

Are you looking to write a comprehensive business plan? Join us in our Black Business Matters program, an intensive limited to 25 participants. Our selection committee will carefully review applications to find the most compelling candidates. The program includes twelve weekly three-hour sessions with an instructor During the first hour, we review homework and strategy, while the second hour features guest experts to discuss the weekly subject matter or open class discussion. The final hour will introduce new subject matter instruction. Additionally, each participant will receive 1-1 credit to meet with the instructor for more focused instruction. Lastly, two study group sessions are available for those who want to delve into marketing and finance topics.

TBD Virtual

POP Your Profit

This workshop is for business owners and side-preneurs participating in Pop-up shops, flea markets, street fairs, food markets, and events We review how to identify opportunities that align with your brand, expense management, seasonality, and profit calculation. You can take this workshop before you invest in that space.

Programs Fall 2024

October

National Women's Small Business Month

TBD Virtual She Works Hard for Her Money

Celebrating Women Business Owners 360

Donna Summer knew what she was talking about, and we ' re here to rock it! Ladies, it's high time we let our hair down and connect with fellow business owners at this wellness event We're going all out by teaming up with women-owned wellness businesses to pamper you for 1-2 hours Plus, we ' re keeping the girl power vibes flowing by inviting more women-owned businesses to showcase their goods, from candles and fragrances to spas, accessories, and healthy treats. Get ready to honor thyself!

Programs Fall 2024

November

The First Half Edition

TBD VIRTUAL

Game Plan: The Half Time Edition

GAME PLAN: the workshop is a planning exercise that outlines and prioritizes goals for entrepreneurs and side-preneurs. The workshop helps participants set priorities and plan achievable goals to minimize financial risk and disappointment

During the workshop, participants will learn how to identify their strengths and weaknesses and how to use this self-awareness to set realistic goals. They will also learn how to break down these goals into manageable tasks and how to track their progress over time. Through group exercises and discussions, participants will gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of growing a business and will leave the workshop with a clear roadmap for success. Whether you are just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, the GAME PLAN workshop is an essential tool for any entrepreneur or side-preneur looking to succeed in today's competitive market.

It’s about SOLUTIONS

Building and reinforcing the NYC SMB community

Partner Programs

Together, We Are Building An Entrepreneurial Ecosystem.

At the New York Urban League, we firmly believe in the power of community and collaboration to foster successful entrepreneurship. We recognize that building a thriving business requires support from various stakeholders and resources. That's why we actively promote and encourage partnerships with our peer organizations and allies. By working together, we can leverage our collective expertise, networks, and resources to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools, guidance, and opportunities they need to succeed. Through these partnerships, we aim to create a supportive ecosystem where individuals from diverse backgrounds can access the mentorship, training, and resources necessary to turn their entrepreneurial visions into reality. Together, we can empower aspiring entrepreneurs and strengthen our communities' economic vitality.

8-WEEK ENTREPRENEUR FLAGSHIP PROGRAM

GET FREE SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT

For the growth ready entrepreneur, NYPACE connects you with a team of pro bono impact-driven advisors, recruited from top firms, to address your specific business need with implementable solutions

"My volunteers helped me carve out time to work on my business which has resulted in upgrading and increasing my prices. When prospective clients reach out I can give them a quote within minutes It also has helped the business improve profitability because I know our margins on each sale "

- LaToya Smith, CEO Brass City Media

Read about more past projects at nypace.org/blog

PROGRAM MODEL

10 LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS

1 COHORT

2024 PROGRAM DATES

Feb 21 - April 24

Application Due: Jan 16

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?

2-3

VOLUNTEERS FOR EACH ENTREPRENEUR

June 5 - August 7

Application Due: April 29

8 WEEKS

2 5 HOURS/WEEK

October 9 - December 11

Application Due: August 26

ARE YOU READY?

You need support in one of these 4 areas:We accept applications on a rolling basis. Finance, Operations, Strategy, MarketInterested entrepreneurs can apply here: Analysiswww.nypace.org/entrepreneur-application

Have been in operation for 2+ years

Have at least $75,000 in annual sales, but no LEARN MORE?

more than $5M

Are minority-, woman-, LGBTQ+, and/or veteranowned

Are able to provide background business documents & able to commit 2-4 hours a week for the full 8 week program