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The NYUL Small Business SOLUTIONS Center 2026 Program Guide The 2026 New York Urban League Small Business SOLUTIONS Center Business Guide marks a significant milestone—five years of building entrepreneurs, ecosystems, and real opportunity. This is more than a guide; it’s a gateway into a growing, living community where business owners don’t just learn from experts, they learn with and from each other. In 2026, SBSC doubles down on what works: more inperson, hands-on programming, deeper peer exchange, and spaces where ideas are tested, challenged, and strengthened in real time. From Cohort 7 of Black Business Matters to the 4th annual Pitch Black Competition, this year reflects our commitment to moving entrepreneurs from concept to confidence and from planning to execution. We’re also looking ahead. Based on the overwhelming response to 2nd Act, we are curating our third installment of NYUL x TD Bank specialty programming launching in early 2027. The momentum is unmistakable. This guide invites you into what’s next, where strategy meets community, and where your next chapter begins.

2021

About US

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.

MARKETING PROPOSAL

The NYUL Small Business SOLUTIONS Center

2021

The Small Business SOLUTIONS Center (SBSC) is where ideas turn into action. We champion entrepreneurship across Greater New York City and beyond, rooted in community, powered by a global mindset. We don’t just connect entrepreneurs to resources; we help build the ecosystems that allow businesses to launch, scale, and last. Through one-to-one consulting, technical assistance, hands-on workshops, and signature events, NYUL SBSC meets entrepreneurs at every stage of the journey. If you’re building a business or ready to bet on yourself, stay connected and plug into our dynamic programming.

Programs Winter 2026

January January 13, 2026 In-Person New York, NY

2nd Act: Where Grown Folks Build Empires. Ready for Your 2nd Act? Who says reinvention has an age limit? "2nd Act," presented in partnership with TD Bank, is the ultimate forum for aspiring entrepreneurs over 40 who are ready to make their next chapter their boldest yet. Whether you're retiring from corporate, returning to the workforce, or finally chasing the dream you've shelved for too long, this is your time. Hear from fearless founders who made the leap, redefined success, and built thriving businesses on their terms. They've turned decades of life and work experience into entrepreneurial gold, proving that clarity, confidence, and courage often show up after 40. This dynamic gathering is equal parts inspiration and information, with real talk from those who've been where you are and built what you're dreaming of. Expect connection, community, and candid conversations about what it really takes to pivot with purpose. 2nd Act isn't just about starting a business, it's about stepping fully into your power, on your own terms, with a network that champions your vision.

Programs Winter 2026

February February 23, 2026 Part One February 25, 2026 Part Two

Fashionably NYUL - The Business of Style We are reserving your front-row seat to NYUL Fashion Week. This February, while New York Fashion Week (February 11–16) sets the global stage, NYUL Fashion Week: Fashionably NYUL-The Business of Style offers a parallel experience focused on the designers and business systems behind Black fashion. This two-part virtual series brings together New York–based designers, boutique founders, and fashion industry experts for an inside look at how Black fashion brands are built, scaled, and sustained. Part One: Fashionably NYUL-The Designers, The Brands, The Journey Monday, February 23, 2026 | 6:30 PM | Virtual An opening conversation with Black fashion leaders on building brands that resonate culturally and operate as disciplined businesses from concept to collection, visibility to revenue. Part Two: Fashionably NYUL-From Design to Delivery Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | 6:30 PM | Virtual A behind-the-scenes look at fashion production and supply chains, covering sourcing, manufacturing, pricing, fulfillment, and growth, the systems that turn vision into a viable enterprise. NYUL Fashion Week is where style meets strategy. This is not about chasing trends; it’s about ensuring Black designers own the styles, narratives, and businesses that define the culture. Your front-row seat is waiting.

March

Programs Spring 2026

March 15, 2026 In-Person Workshop

The Starting Line: Serious Thinking for Serious Ideas

People have business ideas all the time—but few take the time to fully think them through. As a result, many never explore the full opportunity sitting right in front of them. In other cases, people move forward quickly and start a business without ever fully fleshing out the underlying model. The Starting Line is an in-person workshop designed for people who are thinking about starting a business and for those who have already started but want to pause, reassess, or reorganize what they’ve built. This session focuses on slowing down long enough to ask the right questions—about the business itself. Participants in the annual Black Business Matters incubator often spend significant time refining their business model. That work is essential—and it’s exactly why this workshop is ideal for anyone considering applying in the fall, as well as for those who want to strengthen the foundation of a business already in motion. In this session, we will: Build a skeletal business model Clarify what the product or service actually is Identify realistic revenue streams Surface gaps that need to be addressed before moving forward You will leave the session well-positioned to take the next step, whether that’s continuing to develop your idea independently or applying to the Black Business Matters incubator in the fall. This workshop is designed to give you a meaningful head start on the foundational work required for whatever path you choose next. You won’t leave with everything figured out, but you will leave with a clearer understanding of your idea or business, a stronger sense of direction, and the confidence to move forward with intention.

MARKETING PROPOSAL

Programs Spring 2026

March

March 30, 2026 In-Person

Welcome to 3rd Space Sessions by NYUL SBSC x BXEDC Bronx Draft House 884 Gerard Ave, Bronx, New York 5:30 PM

Built in the Borough: Where Business Meets Happy Hour Pssst… we’re mixing up something special — again.

In 2025, the New York Urban League Small Business SOLUTIONS Center launched 3rd Space Sessions, bringing business conversations out of conference rooms and into neighborhood bars and restaurants. We kicked it off in Biggie’s borough and closed 2025 in Harlem, proving that some of the realest business talk happens over cocktails, not clipboards. Now, we’re opening the 2026 3rd Space Sessions in the Boogie Down Bronx, and we’re doing it in collaboration with the Bronx Economic Development Corporation and hosted by the Bronx Draft House because this borough knows how to build. Built in the Borough is a place-based conversation about what it really means to build, grow, and stay rooted. This session explores how entrepreneurs scale revenue, create stability, and maintain ownership without leaving the communities that shaped them. Set during happy hour, 3rd Space Sessions are equal parts insight, access, and vibe. No panels for the sake of panels. No fluffy motivation. Just candid conversation with people who’ve done the work - and are still doing it. Whether you’re building, rebuilding, or figuring out your next move, this is your third space: not work, not home, but a room full of people who get it. Come for the conversation. Stay for the connections. Leave with perspective, possibility, and a reason to come back.

Programs Spring 2026

April April 20, 2026

Virtual

Nonprofit Like a Boss: Because Purpose Needs a Plan Who said doing good means thinking small? Whether you're running a community initiative or leading a national movement, your nonprofit deserves the same business rigor as any for-profit company. April is Financial Literacy Month, a reminder that impact without financial fluency is fragile. Mission-driven work requires more than heart; it demands strategy, structure, and a clear understanding of how money moves. If your organization is going to sustain and scale, financial clarity isn't optional; it’s foundational. Nonprofit Like a Boss is for leaders ready to stop "winging it" and start building organizations with backbone. We’ll break down what it really takes to run a nonprofit like a true enterprise, from operations and infrastructure to stronger financial systems. You'll develop financial fluency, strengthen your professional acumen, and build the kind of structure that attracts funding and talent and supports long-term sustainability. Facilitated by Ryan Williams, a financial consultant and coach with a decade of social impact experience, this session brings practical insight into financial strategy, infrastructure, and sustainability. He works with leaders to move from scarcity to abundance, strengthening how they think, operate, and grow. From managing systems to scaling impact with intention, this workshop is your wake-up call: purpose alone isn't enough. It's time to run your nonprofit like the business it absolutely is.

Programs Spring 2026

May

Marketing May - Small Business Month May 04, 2026 Location Disclosed to Selected Participants

THE BRAND LAB 2.0 The Glow-Up Your Brand Deserves. Introduced in 2025, The Brand Lab was created to help small business owners bring clarity to how they show up in the market. In 2026, we’re taking it further with Brand Lab 2.0, an in-person, immersive experience for serious business owners who understand that a brand isn’t decoration; it is the message. Through guided exercises and live support from brand and design professionals, participants work through the core elements needed to construct a practical Brand Brief, including brand strategy, voice, and visual direction, covering colors, fonts, logo guidance, and immediate marketing applications such as website and Instagram copy. The work happens in real time, with instruction and feedback in the room. Participants leave with the foundational elements to construct their Brand Brief and a clear roadmap to strengthen their marketing, reducing guesswork, avoiding costly branding mistakes, and creating consistency across how their business is presented. Delivered in a single day, Brand Lab 2.0 offers a high-impact, cost-efficient path to becoming marketing-ready. Due to the hands-on nature of the experience and intentionally limited seating, participation is competitive. Interested business owners will be asked to submit a short statement explaining why their business should be selected. Submissions are due by April 19, 2026, and selected participants will be notified by April 23, 2026. The event location will be disclosed only to confirmed candidates.

Programs Summer 2026

June

June 1, 2026 In-Person

Welcome to 3rd Space Sessions by NYUL SBSC PB Brasserie Steak House 60 West 125th Street, New York, NY 5:30 PM

Black & Blue Pssst… this one’s for the builders. Black & Blue spotlights trade professionals — contractors, plumbers, electricians, HVAC specialists, and skilled operators, who decided it was time to own the work, not just do the job. Set during happy hour in Harlem, this 3rd Space Session brings real business conversations off the job site and into the room. We’ll hear from trade professionals who turned technical expertise into thriving companies, and what it actually took to make that shift. No suits. No fluff. Just candid conversation about: Turning expertise into ownership Pricing projects and building sustainable businesses Hiring teams, managing cash flow, and protecting your reputation Breaking out of the cycle of always working and never scaling Whether you’re running jobs, building your own company, or thinking about what’s next, this is your third space: not the job, not the office, but a place to connect, learn, and see what ownership can look like. Come for the conversation. Stay for the connections. Leave ready to build something that works for you, not just because of you.

Programs Summer 2026

June

Juneteenth: history acknowledged, impact ongoing June 8, 2026 In Person Manhattan Location Disclosed to Registrants

TECH: the Messy Middle Real conversations about building, pivots, pressure, and navigating the founder journey. Everybody loves the breakthrough story. We’re talking about everything before it. TECH: The Messy Middle brings together emerging tech founders for an honest conversation about what it really looks like to build while still figuring things out. From growth challenges and pivots to uncertainty, traction, and funding pressure, the program explores the realities founders face between the idea and the breakthrough, with honest insights, shared experiences, and real-time lessons from people building in today’s tech ecosystem. The conversation reflects the changing face of tech entrepreneurship, highlighting founders from different backgrounds, industries, and lived experiences, including voices reshaping expectations around who builds, leads, and innovates in tech today. The experience also includes curated networking designed to spark authentic conversation and connection among founders, future founders, creatives, and builders navigating tech in real time. No startup theater. No fake hype. Just smart people, bold ideas, and the part of building in tech nobody puts on LinkedIn.

Programs Summer 2026

July July 2026 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 2026 holiday season. Join us as we guide you through all the necessary steps to make your holiday season a roaring success.

GET SOCIAL

July 14, 2026 Virtual

Social media isn’t about volume, it’s about clarity. This session helps you define your niche, translate your expertise and lived experience into content that lands, and build authority that people trust. Walk away with a smarter content approach that actually grows your audience and positions you for brand collaborations—without selling out.

NYC GARMENT DISTRICT TOUR Ideal for new designers and those interested in July 17, 2026 In-Person

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

Programs Summer 2025

July July 2026 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 2025 holiday season. Join us as we guide you through all the necessary steps to make your holiday season a roaring success.

GET SHIP SHAPE WITH UPS Get ready for an insightful presentation on shipping July 21, 2026 Virtual

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!

p tch black The Pitch Competition to Illuminate Your Business Idea.

Programs Summer 2026

July

Black Business Month Preview July 22, 2026

In Person Manhattan Location TBD

Pitch Black Cover Your Bases at the Pitch Clinic Whether or not you’re pitching in the New York Urban League PITCH BLACK Competition, anyone seeking help learning pitch techniques is welcome to join this high-impact session. They say a “squeaky” wheel gets the grease, so 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. Known as the “pitch guru,” Squeaky embarked on a journey to pitch 100 times and turned that experience into a powerful tool for entrepreneurs. Her clients, aged 7 to 60, include business owners, product developers, content creators, and influencers across various industries. With Squeaky’s creative coaching, clients have pitched to brands, investors, and TV executives and gone on to partner with major retailers like Walmart and Macy’s. They’ve also secured wins in pitch competitions and landed product features on platforms such as Queen Boss, HSN, and The Today Show.

August

Programs Summer 2026

Black Business Month August 10, 2026 In Person Civic Hall 124 East 14th Street, New York, NY

Pitch Black - The 4th Annual Pitch Competition How much money can you make in four minutes? (Do the math.) At Pitch Black, four minutes could change the future of your business or organization. The New York Urban League Small Business SOLUTIONS Center is back with the 4th annual Pitch Black pitch competition, sponsored by UPS, TD Bank, and the UP Foundation. We’re looking for bold businesses and nonprofits solving real problems in: Education - Housing - Economic Equity - Criminal Justice - Transportation -The Environment Young People & Youth Development No fluff. No endless slides. Just a sharp pitch, a real solution, and four minutes to make the room believe. Who Should Apply You’re eligible if: Your organization is solving a problem in one of the seven focus areas You’ve been operating for at least 1 year, but no more than 3 Your organization is Black-owned or Black-led You’ve raised less than $125K You live in or serve NYC’s five boroughs

We’re looking for founders and leaders who can explain: What’s broken. Why it matters. And why their solution matters now. Four minutes. Big energy. Real solutions. Pitch Black.

How to Apply Submit a one-page executive summary outlining: The problem Your solution Who you serve Why your work matters

Programs Summer 2026

August

Black Business Month August 18, 2026 In Person Manhattan Location Disclosed to Registrants

Meet Your Match The Hunger Games of Networking Meet Your Match isn’t networking. It’s strategy disguised as fun. Year one? We set up 100 business owners for rapid-fire, speed-networking connections. Year two? We flipped the script with electronic bingo, turning relationship-building into a full-on game. This year? Same iconic Midtown skyline. Entirely new playbook. In true entrepreneurial fashion, we’re not here to repeat—we’re here to evolve. Meet Your Match 2026 introduces a fresh, high-energy format designed to spark real conversations, unexpected alignments, and useful connections, the kind that don’t end with “let’s stay in touch,” but start with “let’s build.” Expect movement, momentum, and just enough competition to keep things interesting. And because access matters, the night also creates intentional pathways to explore funding, from traditional institutions to alternative capital sources, without the awkward pitch-fest energy. This is about proximity, not pressure. Come curious. Come ready. Come open to the match you didn’t know you needed. Because the right room can change your business, and this room is designed to do exactly that.

APPLICATION OPENS FEBRUARY 2026

Programs Summer 2026

August Black to Business August 03, 2026

Virtual

Black Business Matters Information Session

You've identified your business — now it's time to build the blueprint.

You may submit your application prior to the information session; however, attendance at the session or viewing the recording is mandatory. This orientation marks the official start of our 12-week Business Plan Writing Intensive, designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to turn their vision into a fully developed, execution-ready plan. If you are past the idea stage and prepared to commit to strategy, structure, and scalability, you’re in the right place. What to Expect in Orientation: Take the Grit Index by Idea Manufacturer to assess your entrepreneurial mindset and readiness for the road ahead. Hear from past cohort members about the wins, the challenges, and what helped them stick with the process. Get familiar with how we work: • Weekly virtual sessions (3 hours each) • 1-on-1 coaching with your instructor • Guest speakers with real-world insight • Optional group study sessions for collaboration and support Understand what's expected, and what you'll walk away with: a complete, well-structured business plan you can use to seek funding, validate your concept, or guide your launch. This program is built for doers. If you've already chosen your business and are ready to do the work, we're ready to guide you every step of the way. BBM begins on Monday, September 21, 2026.

Info Session Registration

BBM Application

September

Programs Fall 2026

Black to Business Monday, September 21, 2026 - Monday, December 7, 2026 Hybrid

Black Business Matters: Cohort 7 - DEADLINE August 21, 2026 This Year, We’re Raising the Bar. In 2026, we’re doing things differently. We’re opening the doors wider, accepting more than 25 applicants, but make no mistake: Only 25 will graduate. This is not a participation program. This is a proving ground. We are searching for 25 entrepreneurs who embody New York grit, founders who don’t flinch at pressure, who understand that business is discipline, not decoration, and who are ready to turn the meaning of entrepreneurship on its head. Black Business Matters isn’t just about writing a business plan. It’s about building the backbone behind the brilliance. Over the course of this intensive, you will: Stress-test your business model Strengthen your financial fluency Develop a fundable, strategic plan Present your vision to seasoned business professionals But first, you must earn your seat.

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Applicants Must Demonstrate: A business model that solves a real problem Black-owned (majority ownership) Clear commitment to launching or growing a business Company principal resides in Manhattan, Bronx, Staten Island, Queens, or Brooklyn This Is Not for Everyone. This is for the founder who: Doesn’t romanticize entrepreneurship Understands execution beats ideas Is ready to be coached, challenged, and sharpened Wants to leave with more than inspiration — but with infrastructure If you are serious about building something sustainable, scalable, and fundable —we want to see it. If you’re looking for easy, this isn’t it. If you’re looking for growth - apply. Spots will not be handed out. They will be earned. New York built you. Now build the business to match.

Programs Summer 2026

August Black to Business August 31, 2026

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 2026

September

NYUL PepsiCo Food Accelerator 15 Weeks - September - December Hybrid

Application DEADLINE August 27, 2026 YOU’VE GOT THE FOOD. LET’S BUILD THE BUSINESS. A great recipe can get people to the table. A great business keeps them coming back. The New York Urban League Small Business Solutions Center, with support from PepsiCo, is bringing together 20 emerging foodservice entrepreneurs ready to launch, grow, and build stronger businesses. Restaurants • Caterers • Food Trucks • Packaged Foods • Beverages Over 15 weeks, participants will tackle the business behind the food through weekly cohort sessions and individualized counseling. Strategy • Pricing • Costing • Cash Flow • Compliance • Supply Chain • Inventory • Marketing • Procurement • Capital AND YES, THERE’S SOMETHING EXTRA ON THE MENU. The accelerator culminates in Demo Day, featuring a live pitch, a tasting, and a professional judging panel. Two businesses will be selected to receive direct grant assistance. WHO SHOULD APPLY? Emerging or existing foodservice businesses operating for three years or less, looking to launch or scale, and ready to commit to weekly classes and 1:1 counseling from September through December 2026. Good food may be the secret ingredient. But it takes good business to scale it.

Programs Fall 2026

October

National Women's Small Business Month OCTOBER 27, 2026

BY INVITATION

She Works Hard for the Money This isn't just dinner; it's a power move. Some conversations require a different kind of room. In recognition of Women’s Business Month, the New York Urban League Small Business SOLUTIONS Center will convene 14 accomplished women business owners for an intimate, invitation-only dinner built around a single idea: bring smart women with different experiences and perspectives to one table and give them the space to wrestle with a problem worth solving. One table. One provocative topic. No panelists. No presentations. No rehearsed answers. Through a thoughtfully guided conversation, guests will examine an issue that continues to challenge women in business—what drives it, what sustains it, what we may be getting wrong, and what it might actually take to change it. The goal isn't consensus. It's candor. Curiosity. Contrasting perspectives. And the possibility that when the right women are in the room, the conversation can move beyond identifying the problem toward imagining something better. Fourteen seats. One conversation. Let’s see what happens when women put their heads together.

Programs Fall 2026

November 2027 Is Loading

November 10, 2026 VIRTUAL

MWBE - Certify & Amplify Think of MWBE (Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise) certification as your VIP pass into a marketplace filled with billions in contracting opportunities. Certification can open powerful new doors, whether you’re a minority-owned business (men and women) or a non-minority woman-owned business. And here’s the best part: New York State and New York City each offer certification, and securing both can multiply your access, visibility, and earning power. Join Jenny Low (Empire State Development, Executive Advisor, MWBE & Small Business) and David Coreas (NYC Department of Small Business Services, Executive Director, Outreach and M/WBE Recruitment) as they break it all down with insider tips, clear next steps, and answers to your biggest questions. By the end, you’ll know exactly which path (or both!) to take, and how to leverage certification to land contracts, partnerships, and growth you do not want to leave on the table. By the end of this session, you’ll know exactly which path (or both) makes sense for your business, and how to leverage certification to pursue contracts, partnerships, and growth you do not want to leave on the table.

November

Programs Fall 2026

November 17, 2026 In-Person 333 Lounge 333 Flatbush Avenue, Brookly, NY

Welcome to 3rd Space Sessions by NYUL SBSC Brooklyn Location TBD 6 PM

Beauty in Black

Pssst… we’re closing the year beautifully. Beauty in Black brings together founders, operators, and industry voices connected to the Black beauty economy, spanning hair, skincare, makeup, and fragrance, as well as the broader ecosystem that supports how beauty brands are built, grown, and sustained. Set during happy hour in Brooklyn, this 3rd Space Session blends culture, commerce, and candid conversation. This isn’t about trends; it’s about ownership, access, distribution, and building brands that last. Expect real conversation around: Building a beauty brand beyond the aesthetic Navigating manufacturing, sourcing, and growth decisions Preparing for partnerships and retail opportunities What the industry pays attention to as brands evolve Protecting your brand, your margins, and your vision No gatekeeping. No posturing. Just honest dialogue across perspectives and experiences. Whether you’re launching a brand, supporting the supply chain, or shaping the business side of beauty, this is your third space: not the lab, not the salon, not the studio, but a room designed for real exchange. Come for the conversation. REGISTER HERE Stay for the connections. Leave seeing beauty not just as an expression, but as an enterprise.

Programs Fall 2026

December Black to Business MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2026 BY INVITATION

Black Business Matters: Cohort 7 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.

Programs Winter 2027

January January 4, 2027

TD Bank

NYUL X TD Bank -Brother Where Art Thou? Capital. Capability. Capacity. Connection. Brother, Where Art Thou? is an evening designed to ignite entrepreneurship, strengthen businesses, and build something just as valuable as capital: real bonds and brotherhood among Black men in business. Created for emerging entrepreneurs and existing business owners, the evening moves beyond traditional networking to create space for honest conversation, valuable information, shared experience, and relationships that extend beyond the room. The evening explores three critical building blocks: CAPITAL — The money and resources to start and grow. CAPABILITY — The knowledge, skills, and strategy to compete. CAPACITY — The infrastructure and bandwidth to build bigger. And all three feed into something even more powerful: CONNECTION. Through a candid panel conversation and an interactive Hot Seat Round, participants will hear from men who have built, stumbled, pivoted, learned, and kept moving, and put their own business questions and challenges in the room. Because knowing what you need matters. Knowing who you can call can change everything. Come for the information. Build the connection. Leave with brothers in business.

k n a h T u o Y

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.

New York State MWBE Division Empire State Development's Division of Minority & Women's Business Development is responsible for overseeing New York State's MWBE Program. Our division reviews applications for New York State's MWBE certification, provides support to certified firms seeking business opportunities with state agencies and authorities, and projects with NYS funding. We also have a team that supports the agencies and authorities in achieving the State's goal of spending 30% of purchases of goods and services with MWBEs. When a business wants to apply for the MWBE certification, they have an option, but not required, to seek assistance from free business advisory services that provide advice to business owners on many aspects of running a business, including preparing their application for MWBE certification and providing guidance throughout the application review process. Below is our website, which has information about the MWBE certification process, eligibility criteria, required documents, etc., as well as the resources and support available to the MWBE community. Empire State Development's Division of Minority & Women's Business Division Minority & Women's Business Development | Empire State Development

Free Business Advisory Service Centers Entrepreneurship Assistance Centers (EACs) https://esd.ny.gov/entrepreneurship-assistance-centers-program Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) https://nysbdc.org/ Empire APEX Accelerator https://empireapex.com/mwbe Monroe County/Finger Lakes APEX Accelerator https://www.mcflapex.org/services LaGuardia APEX Accelerator https://www.laguardia.edu/ce/business-services/apex-accelerators/ New Jersey Institute of Technology APEX Accelerator (NJIT APEX) https://www.njit.edu/apex/ Bronx Chamber of Commerce https://www.bronxchamber.org/ La Fuerza CDC https://lafuerzacdc.org/pages/services Onondaga County One Stop Shop Program https://onondaga.gov/diversity/one-stop-shop-program/

Get In Touch Gina B. Ramcharan Director Small Business SOLUTIONS Center gramcharan@nyul.org www.nyul.org/sbsc