10/12/2026
BUSINESS NEWSLETTER Southeast Queens Business Incubator (SEQBI) Graduation Also in this issue:
Plus... 2026 Pitch Competition WINNERS!
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SEQBI 2026 Summer Session Graduation
On September 30, the largest cohort in the history of the Southeast Queens Business Incubator (SEQBI) graduated in grand fashion. Twenty-seven Fellows celebrated the completion of the intensive 10-week program by presenting their businesses to an enthusiastic audience of family, friends, and professional associates at RW Prime Restaurant in Resorts World New York City. In his remarks, Matt Anatalio, Director of Community Development for Resorts World, emphasized the importance of preparing entrepreneurs to seize growth opportunities. He noted that SEQBI equips business owners with the tools, resources, relationships, and access needed to become prepared, qualified, and wellpositioned for success. He also reaffirmed Resorts World's commitment to helping build a strong pipeline of businesses ready to pursue future opportunities. RDRC President & CEO Kevin Alexander commended the graduates for their commitment, perseverance, and dedication in successfully completing the program. Echoing those sentiments, RDRC Executive Vice President Renee McWilliams congratulated the Fellows and reaffirmed RDRC's ongoing commitment to supporting their businesses through continued access to resources, guidance, and technical assistance. Paulette Cunningham, RDRC Director of Business & Professional Services and SEQBI Program Director, then introduced the Pitch Presentation segment of the evening. She described the presentations as the Fellows' official reintroduction of their businesses, now strengthened by the knowledge, insights, and strategic work developed throughout the incubator experience. SEQBI Program Manager Tashera Tucker graciously introduced each Fellow, and the SEQBI Course Facilitator Demond Wilkerson presented Certificates of Completion in recognition of their successful completion of the program. Following the graduation, judges selected four businesses to advance to the SEQBI Pitch Competition, recognizing entrepreneurs whose presentations demonstrated exceptional preparation, vision, and growth potential. While only four businesses advanced to the competition, every Fellow completed the program better equipped to pursue growth opportunities, strengthen their businesses, and position themselves for long-term success. The graduation ceremony marked the culmination of ten weeks of learning, collaboration, and business development. As the Fellows move forward, they do so with stronger business foundations, expanded professional networks, and a clearer roadmap for growth. RDRC looks forward to continuing to support these entrepreneurs as they transform their goals into sustainable business success. Click here to see more pictures =>
Graduación de la Sesión de Verano 2026 de SEQBI
El 30 de septiembre, la cohorte más grande en la historia de la Southeast Queens Business Incubator (SEQBI) se graduó de manera memorable. Veintisiete Fellows celebraron la culminación del intensivo programa de 10 semanas presentando sus negocios ante una entusiasta audiencia de familiares, amigos y colegas profesionales en RW Prime Restaurant, ubicado en Resorts World New York City. En sus palabras de bienvenida, Matt Anatalio, Director de Desarrollo Comunitario de Resorts World, destacó la importancia de preparar a los emprendedores para aprovechar las oportunidades de crecimiento. Señaló que SEQBI brinda a los propietarios de negocios las herramientas, los recursos, las relaciones y el acceso necesarios para estar preparados, calificados y bien posicionados para alcanzar el éxito. También reafirmó el compromiso de Resorts World de contribuir al desarrollo de una sólida red de empresas listas para aprovechar oportunidades futuras. Kevin Alexander, Presidente y Director Ejecutivo (CEO) de RDRC, elogió a los graduados por su compromiso, perseverancia y dedicación al completar exitosamente el programa. En ese mismo sentido, Renee McWilliams, Vicepresidenta Ejecutiva de RDRC, felicitó a los Fellows y reafirmó el compromiso continuo de RDRC de apoyar sus negocios mediante acceso permanente a recursos, orientación y asistencia técnica. Paulette Cunningham, Directora de Servicios Empresariales y Profesionales de RDRC y Directora del Programa SEQBI, dio paso al segmento de Presentaciones de Pitch de la velada. Describió las presentaciones como la presentación oficial renovada de los negocios de los Fellows, ahora fortalecidos por los conocimientos, perspectivas y trabajo estratégico desarrollados a lo largo de la experiencia en la incubadora. Tashera Tucker, Gerente del Programa SEQBI, presentó cordialmente a cada Fellow, mientras que Demond Wilkerson, Facilitador del Curso SEQBI, entregó los Certificados de Finalización en reconocimiento a la exitosa culminación del programa. Tras la ceremonia de graduación, los jueces seleccionaron a cuatro empresas para avanzar a la Competencia de Pitch de SEQBI, reconociendo a los emprendedores cuyas presentaciones demostraron una preparación excepcional, visión estratégica y potencial de crecimiento. Aunque solo cuatro empresas avanzaron a la competencia, todos los Fellows completaron el programa mejor preparados para aprovechar oportunidades de crecimiento, fortalecer sus negocios y posicionarse para el éxito a largo plazo. La ceremonia de graduación marcó la culminación de diez semanas de aprendizaje, colaboración y desarrollo empresarial. A medida que los Fellows avanzan hacia la siguiente etapa de sus trayectorias, lo hacen con bases empresariales más sólidas, redes profesionales ampliadas y una hoja de ruta más clara para el crecimiento. RDRC espera con entusiasmo continuar apoyando a estos emprendedores mientras transforman sus metas en un éxito empresarial sostenible. Haga clic aquí para ver más fotos =>
Queens Small Business Resource Fair Every entrepreneur knows that having the right resources at the right time can make all the difference in business growth and sustainability. Beyond Small Business Month, our enterprises require year-round support in the form of knowledge, tools, connections, and resources. The good news? October brings a fresh opportunity for business owners to connect directly with a diverse network of service providers from across the five boroughs. Whether you're seeking financing, technical assistance, certification guidance, training opportunities, or business development support, you'll find valuable resources all under one roof. Join us! What: QUEENS SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE FAIR When: Tuesday, October 20, 2026 Time:
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: LaGuardia Community College, E Building 31-10 Thomson Avenue Long Island City, NY 11101 Be sure to stop by the RDRC table and pick up valuable information, including details on how to apply for the upcoming session of our business incubator, SEQBI.
Click image to register =>
SOUTHEAST QUEENS
BUSINESS INCUBATOR
NYS Senator James Sanders, Jr 10× Senate District
SEQBI 2026 Summer Session Pitch Competition Celebrating entrepreneurship, growth, and impact across Southeast Queens.
THE FINAL FOUR
Four standout SEQBI graduates qualified for the Pitch Competition.
2026 SEQBI Summer Session 6 Final Four Shanice Jones – Goldkey Assets Shawnia Yon – Prep for Excellence (P4E) Rushia Brown – Snatched and Enhanced Garfiel Bourne – Soundchat Media Pitch Competition Winner: Shawnia Yon, Founder of Prep for Excellence Click here for Finalist Recap
VOICES FROM OUR LEADERS
Featured Voices Kevin Alexander, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation (RDRC), and Kon Han, Director of Procurement at Resorts World New York City. Paulette Cunningham, Director of Business & Professional Services, and Matthew Anatalio, Director of Community Development at Resorts World New York City. Tashera Tucker, SEQBI Program Manager, and Shawnia Yon, 2026 Summer Session 6 Winner and Founder of Prep for
Click here to view Interviews
Excellence.
Congratulations to the SEQBI Summer Session 6 graduates. Your commitment, vision, and perseverance strengthen the future of Southeast Queens.
Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation|
rdrc.org
Ready for a Better Website?
Do you own a business without a website? Is your current website in need of an update or optimization? RBRC is pleased to announce a new website services resource for small business owners. Through our partnership with Novus NYC, entrepreneurs can access professional support for website design, development, and optimization. Whether you're looking to establish an online presence for the first time or improve an existing website, we can help connect you with the expertise needed to showcase your business and reach more customers. Contact Paulette Cunningham, Director of Business & Professional Services today to get started. (718) 327-5300 x1004 | CunninghamP@rdrc.org
Small Business on the Ballot
On November 3, there will be five questions on the back of your ballot. Two of them affect small businesses directly. Click here to read more at NYCVotes.org => NOV 3 Ballot Proposals
Presence is Power The foundation of every business is its clients. Without clients, there is no revenue. Without revenue, there is no business. Earning certifications, participating in business development programs, and pursuing professional growth opportunities all serve the same purpose: acquiring and retaining customers. Marketing and advertising exist to place products and services in front of as many potential customers as possible. Websites are designed, built, and optimized to maximize visibility and encourage purchase of goods and services. Here's the truth: there is no greater visibility for a business than showing up in person. That means being in the room where things happen. An entrepreneur's physical presence can accomplish what no website, social media post, or paid advertisement can: building genuine human connections. Face-to-face interactions create opportunities to establish credibility, develop relationships, and leave a lasting impression. What does this mean for you? It means attending the small business expos, networking events, procurement fairs, and industry trade shows that are relevant to your business. These are the places where you'll meet decision-makers, procurement professionals, prime contractors, potential partners, and prospective customers connected to the opportunities you want to pursue. No business directory, whether MWBE, SDVOB, DBE, ACDBE, or any "Top 10" or "Best of the Best" list, can replace your presence in the room and the value of real, live “face time” engagement. Even if you don't speak with everyone in attendance, everyone in attendance has seen you. When people repeatedly see you showing up, arriving on time, dressing professionally, and presenting yourself confidently, that's visibility. More importantly, that's recognition. And recognition is often the first step toward opportunity. So, my question for you: What events are you attending this quarter?
Empire State Development Unveils Newly Enhanced MWBE Website New name, improved look & feel, same great small business resource Earlier this year, Empire State Development (ESD) unveiled it’s newly upscaled MWBE website. The goal was to improve the user interface quality of the site. It now features graphical representations of certified businesses that mimic the look of physical business cards.
Additionally, procurement officials from different state-wide agencies can search MWBE companies by location.
Fortunately, one thing that has not changed is the wealth of guidance small businesses owners are provided during their MWBE certification journey. Visit the revamped website at: https://www.mwbe.esd.ny.gov/ or google: MWBE Hub
Coming SOON...
Stay tuned for details on info sessions & how to register for our final SEQBI cohort of 2026!
Community Leaders and Sponsors of RDRC’s Rockaway Business Resource Center
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