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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

TheNYUL SmallBusiness SOLUTIONSCenter 2025ProgramGuide

The 2025 New York Urban League Business Guide is more than a directory it’s a living resource designed to meet you where you are, whether you're thinking about starting a business or already running one. Inside, you'll find tools, workshops, and experiences that support every stage of the entrepreneurial journey.

While some dates are still being finalized, don’t hesitate to register early — space is limited and momentum waits for no one. This guide will be updated throughout the year with new opportunities, so bookmark this link and stay ready. Wherever you are in your path, we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.

Programs

Winter 2025

February

February 17, 2025 Session One Virtual Workshop

February 24, 2025 Session Two Virtual Workshop

Building the Brand

Peer to Peer Discussions About the Highs and Lows of Building a Business

Join us for BUILDING THE BRAND, a dynamic two-part virtual series where bold entrepreneurs pull back the curtain on the highs, lows, and unexpected twists of building a brand.

In these lively and unfiltered conversations, we’ll explore the joys of big wins, the struggles of growing pains, and the lessons learned along the way. Expect real talk, insider insights, and a few laughs as our speakers share what it truly takes to turn a vision into a thriving business

Whether you ’ re a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned founder, or just love a good success story, this series will leave you inspired, informed, and ready to tackle your own business journey with confidence

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn, connect, and grow with fellow entrepreneurs!

Programs

Spring 2025

March

March 17, 2025 Virtual Workshop 90 minutes

March 24, 2025 Virtual Workshop 90 minutes

Retail Math 101:

Making Cents of Every Sale!

Retail math can feel overwhelming markups, margins, COGS, break-even points. But if you ' re in consumer goods, manage a retail store, or eCommerce, knowing your numbers is the key to thriving, not just surviving

Good news! You don't need a finance degree to master it! Retail Math 101 breaks it down in a fun, simple, and totally non-intimidating way.

You'll learn how to:

- Price for profit without scaring off customers

- Decode markups, margins, and multipliers like a pro

- Avoid costly pricing mistakes

- Understand the real impact of discounts & promotions

- Forecast sales and inventory with confidence

No more guesswork. No more fear. Just smart, strategic numbers that work for YOU.

Make math your secret weapon for retail success!

Join Retail Math 101 today and start making cents of your sales!

This is a two-session workshop; it is mandatory to attend both sessions

Programs Spring 2025

April

Financial Literacy Month

April 7, 2025 VIRTUAL

The “F” Word

Funding Sources: Bootstrapping 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 2025

Financial Literacy Month

April 14, 2025 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 21, 2025 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 PROPOSAL

Programs Spring 2025

May

Marketing May - Small Business Month

May 12, 2025 VIRTUAL

IS YOUR PAID SOCIAL MEDIA MATH, MATHING?

Maximizing Social Media Dollars

As part of our Marketing May celebration, the New York Urban League Small Business SOLUTIONSCenterisspotlightingthepowerofdigitalconnection.

In this can’t-miss session on Social Media Marketing for Small Business, we’ll explore how today’s most influential platforms can help you grow your audience, tell your story, and turn clicks into customers especially when you know how to use the paid tools builtforsmallbusinesssuccess.

Join us for a dynamic session on Social Media Marketing for Small Business, designed to help you move beyond posting and start promoting with purpose This session focuses on how to use both organic content and paid advertising tools to expand your reach, driveengagement,andincreasesales

Led by Wunmi Duyile, an executive at one of the world’s leading social media platforms, thissessionwillguideyouthroughtheessentialstrategiesforsmallbusinesseslookingto makethemostofsocialmedia.You’lllearnhowto:

Engage Your Audience: Build real community and brand loyalty through consistent, meaningfulinteraction

Harness Paid Advertising: Navigate ad tools across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok,andSnapchatusingauction-basedsystemsthatletyoucontrolyourbudget

BoostBrandAwareness:Leverageshareablecontentandpaidpromotiontoexpandyour visibilityandgetdiscoveredbynewcustomers.

This high-impact session will be hosted by Gina B. Ramcharan, Director of the NYUL SmallBusinessSOLUTIONSCenterandChiefIdeaCuratoratIdeaManufacturer.

May

Marketing May - Small Business Month

May 19, 2025 VIRTUAL

June 3, 2025 VIRTUAL

THE BRAND LAB

Programs Spring 2025

The Glow-Up Your Brand Deserves.

The New York Urban League Small Business SOLUTIONS Center proudly celebrates Small Business Month with Marketing May a month-long spotlight on creative growth and visibility for entrepreneurs

As part of this celebration, you ' re invited to join “The Brand Lab” a 2-part immersive branding experience designed to help small business owners build a brand that’s not only visually compelling but also strategically aligned with their business goals.

Whether you ' re launching a new brand or refining an existing one, this hands-on workshop series will guide you through essential elements of brand development from color theory and logo design to brand voice, storytelling, positioning, and building a professional brand deck.

Led by Selim Khan, branding strategist and founder of Media Fusion Solutions, each 90minute session offers actionable insights, real-time exercises, and creative inspiration to elevate your brand and amplify your presence

The series is hosted by Gina B. Ramcharan, Director of the NYUL Small Business SOLUTIONS Center and Chief Idea Curator of Idea Manufacturer.

This is a learning immersive attendance at both sessions is mandatory

Programs Summer 2025

June

It’s Half Time

June 2, 2025 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

Programs

Summer 2025 June

June 2025 In-Person

333 Lounge Brooklyn NY June 24, 2025 6 PM

Welcome to 3rd Space Sessions by NYUL SBSC

Where Business Meets Happy Hour

Pssst… we ’ re mixing up something special.

3rd Space Sessions by the New York Urban League Small Business SOLUTIONS Center is a fresh take on the traditional business workshop served with a side of cocktails, connections, and candid conversation

Set in your favorite neighborhood bars and restaurants during happy hour, this event series brings together emerging and established entrepreneurs for highimpact sessions that are equal parts insight and inspiration. Each evening features a guest speaker unpacking real-world, real-time topics like:

Starting a Business After 45

Hot Seat: Fix My Biz in 10 Minutes

Entrepreneurship Is an Identity Sport

Bottled Dreams: Breaking into the Wine, Beer & Spirits Industry

Whether you ’ re still building or scaling, this is your third space: not work, not home, but a place to learn, connect, and vibe with people who get it.

Come for the topic. Stay for the people. Leave with an idea, a contact, or a new mindset.

July

July 2025 In-Person

Locations and Dates TBD

Programs Summer 2025

Welcome to 3rd Space Sessions by NYUL SBSC

Where Business Meets Happy Hour

Pssst… we ’ re mixing up something special.

Starting a Business After 45

Hot Seat: Fix My Biz in 10 Minutes

Entrepreneurship Is an Identity Sport

Bottled Dreams: Breaking into the Wine, Beer & Spirits Industry

Whether you ’ re still building or scaling, this is your third space: not work, not home, but a place to learn, connect, and vibe with people who get it

Come for the topic. Stay for the people. Leave with an idea, a contact, or a new mindset.

Programs

Summer 2025

July

July 2025 In-Person and 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.

NYC GARMENT DISTRICT TOUR

July 18, 2025 In-Person

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

July 22, 2025 Virtual

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 Fashion Professional Lenese Griffin will introduce you to manufacturers, pattern makers, and fabric suppliers. Understand production, manage costs, and build vendor relationships. LIMITED SEATS

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 2025

July

July 2025 Virtual

Locations and Dates TBD

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

eCommerce

July 14, 2025 Virtual

Creating an optimal e-commerce website design and user experience is crucial for increasing sales This workshop covers best practices, including using high-definition product photos, highlighting popular subcategories, offering quick product previews, creating a logical content taxonomy, designing compact menus, simplifying checkout, and displaying product reviews These strategies aim to convert casual browsers into loyal customers.

Programs

Summer 2025

July

Black Business Month Preview

July 21, 2025 Virtual

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.

Programs Summer 2025

August 11, 2025

Harlem School of the Arts

Howmuchmoneycanyoumakein4minutes?

Asubstantialfour-minutepitchcanlandfivefiguresinyourbankaccount

TheSmallBusinessSOLUTIONSCenterishostingapitchcompetitionsponsored byUPS,TDBank,andtheUPFoundation

Seethecriteriatoparticipatebelow:

BusinessModelSolvesAProblem

Business<3years

BlackOwned(majorityownership)

Receivedlessthan$125Kinfunding

CompanyPrincipalmustliveinManhattan,Bronx,StatenIsland,Queens,or Brooklyn

Submityour1-pageexecutivesummarytoenter.

Programs

Summer 2025

August

Business Month

August 19, 2025 TBD TD Bank 1 Vanderbilt, NY, NY

Meet Your Match

Lastyear,weelevatedthebusinessowners'professionalspeeddatingexperience tonewheightsliterally!Businessownersconnectedandforgedmeaningful bondsagainstthestunningbackdropofthemidtownskylineWhilethe exceptionalvenuewillbethesame,thegamewillnot

Intrueentrepreneurialspirit,we’recommittedtooutshinelastyear’sevent.Get readyforanexcitingnewformatthatblendsfunandcompetitionseamlesslyinto thebusinessnetworkingscene.Plus,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

Black

Programs Summer 2025

August

Black to Business

August 04, 2025

Black Business Matters Information Session

You'veidentifiedyourbusiness—nowit'stimetobuildtheblueprint

This orientation marks the start of our 12-week Business Plan Writing Intensive, designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to turn their business vision into a fully developed, execution-ready plan. You're in the right place if you ' re past the idea stage and prepared to dive into strategy, structure, and scalability

WhattoExpectinOrientation:

TaketheGritIndexbyIdeaManufacturertoassessyourentrepreneurial mindsetandreadinessfortheroadahead

Hear from past cohort members about the wins, the challenges, and whathelpedthemstickwiththeprocess.

Getfamiliarwithhowwework:

•Weeklyvirtualsessions(3hourseach)

•1-on-1coachingwithyourinstructor

•Guestspeakerswithreal-worldinsight

•Optionalgroupstudysessionsforcollaborationandsupport

Understandwhat'sexpected andwhatyou'llwalkawaywith:acomplete, well-structured business plan you can use to seek funding, validate your concept,orguideyourlaunch.

This program is built for doers. If you ' ve already chosen your business and are readytodothework,we'rereadytoguideyoueverystepoftheway.

Programs

Summer 2025

August

Black to Business

August 25, 2025 & August 26, 2025

In-Person by Invitation

Black Business Matters Interview Sessions

You’ve got the idea now it’s time to show us the fire behind it

As part of the selection process for our Black Business Matters Business Plan Writing Intensive, finalists will be invited to a dynamic live interview and lightning pitch session This is your moment to shine in front of a panel of seasoned entrepreneurs and corporate executives who know what it takes to build, fund, and scale a business.

Each candidate will have 2 minutes to deliver a sharp, powerful pitch that captures their business vision, potential, and personal drive. Think of it as your first investor meeting concise, passionate, and packed with purpose. After your pitch, you’ll engage in a brief Q&A where the panel may dig a little deeper into your "why," your plan, and your readiness to do the work.

This isn’t just an interview. It’s your first step toward a transformation.

We’re looking for bold thinkers, serious builders, and entrepreneurs who are ready to lead with clarity, commitment, and focus and support one another in a cohort built on excellence and accountability Only 25 will make the cut

Bring your best. We can’t wait to meet you.

Programs

Fall 2025

September

Black to Business

Tuesday, September 23, 2025 - Monday, December 8, 2025

Virtual

Black Business Matters: Cohort 6

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

Tuesday, September 30, 2025 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.

October

National Women's Small Business Month

October 00, 2025 TBD

She Works Hard for Her Money

Celebrating Women Business Owners 360

Programs

Fall 2025

2026 Is Loading

November 4, 2025

VIRTUAL

Game Plan: 2026 is LOADING

Programs

Fall 2025 December

Black to Business

Tuesday, December 15, 2025 In-Person

Black Business Matters: Cohort 6

Closing Ceremony

You've done the work. Now it’s time to celebrate.

After twelve weeks of deep dives, expert insights, and powerful breakthroughs, our Black Business Matters cohort is ready to mark a milestone: the completion of a transformative business planning journey

Join us for a special closing ceremony as we honor the 25 exceptional entrepreneurs who committed themselves to building bold, intentional, and fundable business plans This is more than a graduation it’s a launchpad

Expect an inspiring evening filled with joy, connection, and celebration including recognition awards, heartfelt reflections from participants and instructors, and a few fun surprises to close things out in true Black Business Matters style

These founders came to plan—but they’re leaving ready to build.

Let’s send them off with the celebration they deserve.

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.

LEARN | CREATE | EMPOWER

At Harlem Needle Arts, we celebrate artistry, community, and the rich traditions of fiber arts

Our classes, Knitting, Quilting, Crochet, Felt Cowl, Bead Weaving, Bead and Wire Crochet, Botanical Print Scarf, and Felt Vessel, are designed for makers of all skill levels who want to bring their imagination to life, one stitch at a time

Whether you ’ re looking to learn a new technique, ease stress after a busy day, or find a creative outlet alongside growing your business, our workshops provide a warm space for relaxation, renewal, and innovation. Connect with other creatives, foster your artistic expression, and discover how making by hand can aid in growing both your passions and your enterprise

Harlem Needle Arts, honoring tradition, fostering creativity, and strengthening community... one thread at a time.

The class schedule is now available through Fall 2025.