Updated Guide June 2024

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.

1 Define your product or service

2.Understand your competition advantage

3.Create your marketing strategy

4.Calculate your startup costs

5 Choose your business legal structure

6 Meet your business legal structure requirements

7.Prepare yourself financially

8.Develop your strategic plan

9 Sustain your business

10. Seek professional financial assistance

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,

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. MARKETING PROPOSAL

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

Marketing May - Small Business Month

May 06, 2024 VIRTUAL

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

Register Here

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.

Register Here

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

Register Here

Programs Spring 2024

Marketing May - Small Business Month

Shine Bright & Market Right: A Sunny

Day Guide To Organizing Your Marketing

Struggling with marketing organization? Let's take control of the chaos! This workshopisperfectforsmallbusinesseslookingtostreamlineandoptimizetheir marketing activities. Discover the steps needed to create a great marketing structureandprocessbeforeyoudiveintopromotionssoyoucanensurethatthe campaignsyourolloutaresuccessful!We'llfigureoutrolesandtimelines,share the resources you'll need, and discuss the challenges that pop up before promotionevenbegins.Sogetready–we'vegotworktodo,andit'sgoingtobe FUN!

JoinNicoleMcGarrell,FounderofSunnyDayMarketing,inthisworkshopandlearn thesecretstogettingyourbusiness'smarketingprocessinplace!

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

Register Here

Programs

Summer 2024

June

June 26, 2024 In-Person

Juneteenth - STANDING ON BUSINESS

Join us for a special Juneteenth celebration dedicated to the small business community. It's always the right time to stand on business, and we provide the tools to keep your business thriving

The evening will begin with a guest speaker who will share the significance of Juneteenth. Following this, our partners at TD Bank will present an essential session on fraud prevention Did you know that in 2022, 65% of organizations were targets of payment fraud? These attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated. You can learn how to protect your business from becoming a statistic.

We will also host a panel of supplier diversity experts to guide you on integrating your business into the corporate supply chain. The panel will cover how to prepare your business credentials, the vetting process, and best practices to maintain your position as a supply chain provider

Of course, a celebration would be incomplete without light bites and beverages served with a side of networking.

Juneteenth - STANDING ON BUSINESS sponsored by TD Bank hosted by The Gentleman’s Factory

Programs

Summer 2024

July

Christmas in July Bootcamp Sponsored by UPS

In Person and Virtual Multiple Dates

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

NYC GARMENT DISTRICT TOUR

July 12, 2024 In-Person

S h i p p i n g w i t h U P S

TBD In-Person

Ideal for new designers and those interested in domestic production Includes a production manual, templates, and instructions. Learn to bring designs to life, source fabric, create patterns, and find trimming, hardware, and labels. Visit manufacturers, pattern makers, and fabric suppliers Understand production, manage costs, and build vendor relationships

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!

Programs

Summer 2024

July

In Person and Virtual Multiple Dates

Learn with professionals who will guide you through the website audit, including design and usability assessment for intuitive navigation and responsive design, technical performance analysis, SEO improvements, accessibility compliance checks, security review, and analytics for user behavior understanding.

Creatinganoptimale-commercewebsitedesign anduserexperienceiscrucialforincreasingsales Thisworkshopcoversbestpractices,including usinghigh-definitionproductphotos,highlighting popularsubcategories,offeringquickproduct previews,creatingalogicalcontenttaxonomy, designingcompactmenus,simplifyingcheckout, anddisplayingproductreviews.Thesestrategies aimtoconvertcasualbrowsersintoloyal customers.

Wewillalsoexplorebuildingasuccessful Amazonstorebyapplyingbestpracticeswithan eyeonprofit.

HostedbyKadidjaDosso CEO&FounderDossoBeauty

Programs

Summer 2024

August

Black Business Month

July 15, 2024

Pitch Black

Cover Your Bases at the Pitch Clinic

They say a "squeaky" wheel gets the grease. Join our guest speaker, Squeaky Moore, as 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 have 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.

Pitch Black

The Competition

Howmuchmoneycanyoumakein4minutes?

Asubstantialfour-minutepitchcanlandfivefiguresinyourbankaccount

TheSmallBusinessSOLUTIONSCenterishostingapitchcompetitionsponsored byUPS,TDBank,andtheUPFoundation

Seethecriteriatoparticipatebelow:

BusinessModelSolvesAProblem Business<3years

BlackOwned(majorityownership) Receivedlessthan$125Kinfunding CompanyPrincipalmustliveinManhattan,Bronx,StatenIsland,Queens,or Brooklyn

Submityour1-pageexecutivesummarytoenter.

Register Here

Programs

Summer 2024

August

August

20, 2024 In-Person

Meet Your Match

Lastyear,weelevatedthebusinessowners'professionalspeeddatingexperience tonewheights—literally!Businessownersconnectedandforgedmeaningful bondsagainstthestunningbackdropofthemidtownskylineWhilethe exceptionalvenuewillbethesame,thegamewillnot

Intrueentrepreneurialspirit,we’recommittedtooutshinelastyear’seventGet readyforanexcitingnewformatthatblendsfunandcompetitionseamlesslyinto thebusinessnetworkingscenePlus,therewillbeexclusiveopportunitiesto explorefundingoptionsfromtraditionalandnon-traditionalsources.

Joinusanddiscoverthesurpriseswehaveinstoreforyouthisyear!

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

Business Month Register Here

Black

Programs

Fall 2024

September

Black to Business

Monday, September 23, 2024 - Monday, December 9, 2024

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.

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

October 20, 2024 In Person

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 women entrepreneurs at this business meets wellness event

We're going all out by teaming up with women-owned businesses to pamper you, level up your business game, and more at this day-long event.

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

The First Half Edition November

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.

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

1 COHORT 10 LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS

Feb 21 - April 24

Application Due: Jan 16

2-3 VOLUNTEERS FOR EACH ENTREPRENEUR

1-2 DELIVERABLES

June 5 - August 7

Application Due: April 29

8 WEEKS

2 5 HOURS/WEEK

October 9 - December 11

Application Due: August 26

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