

SEQBI BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT


SEQBI COHORT 3 FELLOWS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE WEEKS 4 & 5
SEQBI COHORT 4 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
SEVERAL JFK OPPORTUNITIES





















SEQBI BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
SEQBI COHORT 3 FELLOWS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE WEEKS 4 & 5
SEQBI COHORT 4 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
SEVERAL JFK OPPORTUNITIES
RDRC is proud to highlight our SEQBI Cohort 3 Fellows’ businessFOCUS STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING.
With over 15 years of experience in structural design, FOCUS STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING offers design services for Residential, Commercial, Schools and Hospitality to build, upgrade, convert, renovate or expand any size building or structure.
If your are a Home Owner, Developer, Architect, Landscape Architect or MEP Engineer, Focus Structural Engineering offers competitive pricing and outstanding service. No job is too small and you can be sure that your design will get solid support.
SEQBI Fellows, Instructors and SBDC Advisors, met online to delve into the 4th and 5th weeks of coursework.
Week 4 covered Procurement:
Overview of anchor institutions (e.g., Resorts World, JFK)
Capability Statements, Certifications, registrations, Insurance, and qualifications needed for government and insti i l
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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.
Ondiversityincontracting, thePort Authority hasadoptedanation-leading30%M/WBE participationgoal Tomonitorcomplianceon theJFKRedevelopmentProgram, theagency hasretainedthird-partyconsultantsfromthe localcommunity Theconsultantsreview participationdatatoensureitsaccuracyand reliability Theyalsogeneratepublicreports thatarepostedtotheprogramwebsite monthly
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?
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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?
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Typical uses of fundsareworking capital, acquisition of machinery and equipment and leasehold improvements at a NYC Airport business location
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)
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.
COMMUNITY ART PROGRAM REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
RELEASE DATE: JULY 9, 2025
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: AUGUST 29, 2025
The Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL), in partnership with JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), invites local Queens-based artists to submit proposals for the Queens in Flight Community Art Program at JFK Terminal 6. This program will showcase the cultural and artistic diversity of Queens through contemporary art installed on in high-traffic areas of this new airport terminal.
visit our site at https://portauthoritybuilds.com/redevelopment/us/en/jfk/work-with-us.html#t6
Project: JFK Terminal 6 (T6) Redevelopment
RFP Name and Title: JFK T6 PRM Services Program
Brief Description of Work:
RFP Posting Date:July 21, 2025
RFP Inquiries Deadline: July 31, 2025
Proposal Submission Due Date: August 18, 2025
• Provide services to support Passengers with Reduced Mobility (“PRMs”) at the new Terminal 6 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (“JFK”).
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Design and deliver a comprehensive PRM services program, including but not limited to procuring wheelchair devices and other related equipment and service delivery software, and providing staff to deliver the optimal guest experience for PRMs at Terminal 6.
MWBE, LBE and SDVOB Participation Goals
This project has a 30% Minority-and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) participation goal (20% MBE and 10% WBE), a 10% Local Business Enterprise (LBE) goal, and a 3% Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) goal
RFP Contact
Inquiries regarding this RFP should be made via email toT6PRMRFP@vantagegroup.com with the following subject line: RFP –JFK Terminal 6 PRM and include the Respondent’s business name, contact full name, business address, phone number and email address.
JFK Terminal 6 Redevelopment Project Background JFK Millennium Partners (JMP) has been selected by the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey as the development partner and terminal operator to deliver the new Terminal 6 at JFK International Airport located in Queens, NY JMP is building a world-class, 1 2-million- square-foot Terminal 6 The terminal will create a new standard in passenger experience and airline operations by offering the latest technologies, world-class concessions and innovative passenger amenities. It plans to become one of the best airport terminals in the world, with the first six gates opening in early 2026 and terminal completion expected in 2028.
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.
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.
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.
•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!
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
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:
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
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
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)
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
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
HUD Certified First Time Homebuyer, Foreclosure and Credit
Counseling
Public Space Management & Activation
Commercial Revitalization - Storefront Mural Arts, Facade
Improvement, District Marketing & Placemaking Services