SYEP INTERN
RDRC has re-hired our SYEP intern, Jaheim Morris, a 19-yearold Rockaway resident, who first interned with Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation (RDRC) through the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) in 2024. Jaheim immigrated to New York from Jamaica, W.I. when he was younger. His talents include specializing in software and community engagement. He graduated from Queens Preparatory Academy high school in Springfield Gardens, Queens and recently completed his first year at the University at Albany. His current goal is to support and uplift the Far Rockaway community by contributing to its prosperity and long-term success.
Currently Jaheim is supporting RDRC’s efforts to create local business directories. In turn, RDRC intends to support Jaheim’s academic, social, emotional and career goals.
SEQBI - WEEK 2
SEQBI Fellows, Instructors and SBDC Advisors, met online to delve into the 2nd week of coursework. Fellows received the course o erview o a highly effective business softw business plan dev accoun ed in their first Ca supports learning and collabor
WHAT ’S YOUR FAV ROCKAWAY
FOOD SPOT?
JFK Redevelopment: Community Advisory Council & Diversity in Contracting
The Port Authority has committed to robust community outreach and strong participation by local and diverse businesses.
As part of its community outreach strategy, the Port Authority formed the composed of local elected officials, community boards, business and academic institutions, civic and nonprofit organizations, and faith leaders. The council meets publicly multiple times each year to report out on construction progress, community development initiatives, upcoming events and opportunities for local residents, students, businesses, and more.
On diversity in contracting, the Port Authority has adopted a nation-leading 30% M/WBE participation goal To monitor compliance on the JFK Redevelopment Program, the agency has retained third-party consultants from the local community The consultants review participation data to ensure its accuracy and reliability They also generate public reports that are posted to the program website monthly
-JFKR Community Advisory Council
Helpful Links / Click or Scan for More:
To: From: Memo: Date:
Airline Partners & Interested Stakeholders
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Avoiding Summer 2025 Traffic at JFK
June 26, 2025
As we prepare for a record-breaking summer at JFK, we’re asking for your help in sharing important travel tips with passengers.
Construction is at its peak as we build a brand-new, world-class JFK, with the first new gates opening next year In the meantime, roadways are being rebuilt and driving to JFK this summer will be challenging Travelers may face major congestion on the airport if they choose to arrive by car
Plan Ahead with Construction.JFKAirport.com
We strongly recommend travelers visit Construction.JFKAirport.com before their trip By entering their flight and transportation details, they’ll receive a customized list of construction impacts tailored to their specific travel plans, including parking changes, pick-up areas, and terminal access updates.
Take the Train: Half-Price AirTrain JFK Fare
From June 30 through Labor Day, the fare from Jamaica and Howard Beach stations is reduced by 50% to $4.25. It’s the fastest, most reliable way to reach the terminals and avoid traffic.
•Jamaica Station is just 20 minutes from Grand Central Madison, Penn Station, or Atlantic Terminal via LIRR
•Both stations are accessible via A/E/J/Z subway lines
•AirTrain accepts tap-and-go contactless fare payment methods and MetroCard at both the Jamaica and Howard Beach stations, the two off-airport stations that require payment.
If Driving or Being Dropped Off
•Avoid heavy congestion on terminal frontages and use the free wait lot at the AirTrain JFK’s on-airport Lefferts Blvd station. It can be used by family, friends, and for-hire vehicles
•If you must drive, pre-book parking at JFKAirport.com to guarantee a spot and save money. Without a reservation, you may not be able to find a spot.
•Travelers should arrive at least 3 hours before departure if driving
As we continue the airport’s $19 billion transformation during what’s expected to be another record-setting summer travel season, we’re asking travelers to leave the car at home and take public transit whenever possible.
Thanks for your patience. A new JFK is just around the corner!
Airport Concession DisadvantagedBusiness Enterprise Fund
Empire State Development (ESD) utilizing the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) has partnered with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to create the $50 million Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Fund (ACDBE Fund) providing support to certifiedACDBE businesses seeking concession opportunities at the John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and the LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
How does the ACDBE Fund work?
• •
The fund provides $50 million in loan capital to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and credit enhancements to banks to support certified ACDBEs already awarded or currently seeking airport concession opportunities at JFL or LGA. Program lenders use this capital along with matching capital from other resources to offer small business loans Loans range from $500,000 up to $5,000,000.
Competitive interest rates, terms and fees are determined by the individual program lenders Lenders are responsible for applications and credit decisions
What can the loan funds be used for?
•
Typical uses of fundsareworking capital, acquisition of machinery and equipment and leasehold improvements at a NYC Airport business location
How to apply?
Confirm your ACDBE certification at https://panynj.diversitysoftware.com/
ACDBEs will need to provide proof of certification, a business plan, their financial need, and the contract or concession opportunity they are pursuing.
Contact one of the following participating lenders for application details:
Greater Jamaica Development Corp.(www.gjdc.org)
Lendistry(www lendistry com)
TruFundFinancialServices (www.trufund.org)
Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone (UMEZ) (www umez org)
About State Small Business Credit Initiative
TheState SmallBusiness Credit Initiative (SSBCI) is a federally funded program managed by the U S Department of Treasury SSBCI provides funds to support programs for small businesses with the goal of providing opportunities and improving chances for success in the post-pandemic economy. Learn more about NYS SSBCI programs at esd.ny.gov/ssbci.
Ride App Pickup Relocations Terminal 4 TERMINALS 5&7
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. daily
Take free shuttle bus to Lot 66
24 hours a day/7 days a week Take AirTrain to Howard Beach (free exit to Ride App Pick Up lot)
Through the upcoming summer travel season, the airport will face the dual challenge of higher volumes of air travelers combined with the peak of construction activities for the $19 billion redevelopment of JFK.
Customers are strongly advised to use mass transit to and from the airport, such as MTA New York City Transit subway or buses, or MTA Long Island Rail Road with 20-minute trains from Grand Central Terminal or Penn Station to the AirTrain JFK station at Jamaica. For motorists, the Port Authority encourages the use of its free drop-off, pickup and waiting lot at the Lefferts Boulevard AirTrain JFK station, where passengers can easily connect to the free on-airport AirTrain for an eight-minute ride to airport terminals.
Visit Construction.JFKAirport.com for the latest updates and travel advisories before heading to the airport.
Queens Chamber of Commerce Events
July 24 - Sips & Stogies: An Exclusive Cigar
Networking Event
July 31 - Golf Nine & Dine
NYC Small Business Services Business Prep Risk Assessment & Grant
Over the next several weeks RDRC will working with the Office of Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers, SBS, REMA4US and Crescent Consulting to provide additional information and support for businesses interested in applying.
Business PREP helps small businesses prepare for emergencies and enhance the resiliency of their operations, assets, and physical space. Program components include:
Emergency Preparedness Workshops and Webinars to educate on business continuity best practices.
Resiliency Online Resources including a Self-Assessment Tool to understand and help mitigate risks
Risk Assessments and Grants for commercial tenants and property owners operating out of a location at risk of flooding
NYC Small Business Services Business Prep Risk Assessment & Grant
Business PREP Risk Assessment & Grant Program (continued)
SBS will come to your business to:
Review your physical space, operations, and insurance coverage. Provide a custom report to prepare your business for future disruptions.
Applicants who receive an assessment may also be eligible for a grant of up to $5,000 to buy recommended equipment, such as flood barriers, generators, and fireproof storage containers to improve disaster resiliency.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
Located in an area at risk of flooding. Small business has been in operation for at least 1 year. Annual revenue does not exceed $30 million.
Did not previously receive any grant or benefit from the NYC Department of Small Business Services Business PREP Grant Program or the RISE: NYC program
All required licenses and permits are current.
TO APPLY CLICK HERE:
2024 BUSINESS GRANTS & MORE
SPECTRUM PAY IT FORWARD PROGRAM
Spectrum Reach's Pay It Forward program offers selected small businesses free advertising campaign worth up to $15,000, including live and streaming TV, a custom-produced 30-second commercial, expert marketing consultation services and mentoring
Deadline: 12/31/2025
ALL GRANTS - WOMENSNET | GRANTS FOR WOMEN IN BUSINESS | SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS (AMBERGRANTSFORWOMEN.COM)
The Amber Grant by WomensNet is providing $10,000 and $25,000 grants for female entrepreneurs to achieve their business dreams.
To be eligible, applicants must be a women-owned business or a female entrepreneur. Further, Applicants must share their business or business idea and explain how they would use the grant money.
Deadline: Monthly
BUSINESS GRANT OPPORTUNITY
What is a Neighborhood Business Grant?
A Neighborhood Business Grant is a microgrant given out to New York small business owners by CitizensNYC. CitizensNYC awards microgrants of up to $5,000 for initiatives your small business undertakes to positively impact your community.
Who is eligible to apply for a Neighborhood Business Grant?
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for a Neighborhood Business Grant:
• • • • • Their business must be located in one of New York City’s five boroughs. Their business has been operating for at least two years. They must have 10 or fewer employees. They must be profit-generating. They must be able to provide proof of business, such as bank statements, tax documents and POS terminal statements.
As long as you meet the above criteria, we want to hear about your ideas for improving New York.
How do we evaluate applications?
We score applications based on a number of areas, including: Need, Relevance, Urgency, and Quality of Life Impact. For more details about our scoring criteria and what each of these areas means, you can reference our evaluation criteria at the bottom of this page. What is the timeline for applying for a Neighborhood Business Grant?
• • • Grants Open: May 5, 2025 Application Deadline: July 25, 2025 Grant Decisions Announced: September 2025
Applicants who are awarded grants through the first cycle are ineligible to apply again during the second cycle. Applicants for the first cycle who did not receive an award are welcome to submit an updated application for the second cycle. APPLY HERE
BUSINESS RESOURCES
2024 BUSINESS GRANTS & MORE
Pre-Seed and Seed Matching Fund Program
Program supports various industries including Tech, FinTech, Healthcare. Eligibility for companies with < $2M dilutive funding, focusing on expanding VC access in New York.
Preference for C-Corp structured companies with operations in NY. Companies must be registered in NY, in good standing, and secure matching funds.
Private capital raised in the same round can contribute to financing ratio. Investments in convertible debt or equity must match private capital terms.
NYC Department of Small Business Services offers a Customized Training Grant Program: Businesses select tailored training programs to address challenges.
SBS reimburses up to 60% of costs for various areas. Eligibility:
Grants range from $30,000 to $400,000.
NYC-based, operating for over a year, for-profit. Training involves a minimum of 10 employees. Costs paid upfront and reimbursed quarterly.
Employees can attend different sessions within a year.
Upon completion, businesses must offer wage increases. Businesses with <10 employees can apply as a consortium. Contact for details.
Risk Assessment and Grant Program (nyc.gov)
NYC offers a grant program providing up to $5,000 for resiliency measures like flood barriers. Eligibility includes being in a flood-risk area, operating for at least a year, revenue under $30 million, and no prior NYC SBS grants. All licenses and permits must be current for eligibility.
Funding Range: Up to $5,000
Workforce & Career Development
Basic Job Readiness Course for new and less experienced job seekers Financial Management Course focused on banking and saving, credit, loan products
Vocational Skills Training - Cisco IT Essentials, Certified Customer Service Training, Microsoft Office Certification (self-paced)
Small Business Assistance
Business Workshop Series focused on business formation, accounting & finance, business management, taxation and marketing
Business Management Training - Queens Streetwise MBA Program MWBE Certification Assistance
Business Networking
Youth Development
Job Readiness and Financial Literacy Training
Paid Summer and After-School Employment Programs
Youth Mentorship and Leadership Development
RDRC Youth Aviators Program
RDRC Youth Media Arts & Communications Program
College Placement Assistance, College Tour
IT Training/Coding
Neighborhood Preservation
HUD Certified First Time Homebuyer, Foreclosure and Credit Counseling
Public Space Management & Activation
Commercial Revitalization - Storefront Mural Arts, Facade
Improvement, District Marketing & Placemaking Services
