The History of Indigenous Peoples in Queens!
RDRC acknowledges that we are gathered on the land of the Jameco, Reckowacky, and Mespat Nations - the original inhabitants of the Rockaway Peninsula and Queens, NY. RDRC honors the stewardship of these Nations of the past, as well as their descendants today.
The geographic area of Queens offered plenty of sustenance for these Native peoples. The numerous bays and creeks around Queens provided fin fish and shellfish while the forest supplied game and migratory fowl. Strawberries, grapes, chestnuts and walnuts grew in the wild throughout the island.
Source: https://www.thirteen.org/queens/history.html
Source: https://www nyctourism com/articles/a-look-into-indigenous-peoples-day-in-nyc/
The Flushing Remonstrance, written in 1657, is sometimes regarded as the first declaration of independence and as a forerunner to the First Amendment.
The Native Americans on Long Island lived in small bands and led an agricultural way of life growing corn and squash.
Source: https://www.thirteen.org/queens/history.html
Some of the places associated with these early inhabitants include Jamaica, named for the Jameco Indians, Rockaway, named after the Reckowacky Indians, and Maspeth, named for the Mespat Indians, who inhabited the headwaters of Newton Creek.
Source: https://www.thirteen.org/queens/history.html
Source: https://en.wikipedia org/wiki/Metoac#/media/File:Longisland1.png
RDRC honors and celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month!
Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communities beyond this month, from September 15 to October 15 we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more.
Hispanic Heritage Month provides an additional opportunity to explore the incredible impact Latinas and Latinos have had on the United States for generations. The Latino presence in America spans centuries, predating Spain’s colonization of what is now part of the United States, and they have been an integral part of shaping our nation since the Revolutionary War. Through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the Treaty of Paris that followed the Mexican-American and Spanish-American wars, the United States gained territories in the Southwest and Puerto Rico. This incorporated the people of this area into the United States and further expanded the presence of Hispanic Americans.
Today, the Latino population in the United States today is over 60 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This makes up 18.9% of the total population and is the largest racial or ethnic group Latinos continue to help fuel our economy and enrich our nation as entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, entertainers, scientists, public servants, and much more.
Source: https://latino.si.edu/learn/teaching-and-learning-resources/hispanic-heritage-month-resources/hispanic-heritage-month
RDRC’S SEQBI Fall 2025 Session 4 Pre-Launch!
RDRC's Southeast Queens Business Incubator (SEQBI) program, is a free 8-week mostly virtual course, sponsored by Resorts World NYC, that empowers small business owners to grow and develop through opportunities for federal, state, and local funding. The program creates a pipeline of small businesses that are added to the Resorts World NYC and JFK Expansion ecosystems. The next Session starts on October 15 and ends December 17 . At the end of each Session, participants have the opportunity to compete in a pitch competition for a chance to win $5K, $4K, or $3K.
Although Info Sessions have ended, entrepreneurs in business for 2 or more years, who are looking to scale and do business in Southeastern Queens, are encouraged to complete the Registration Form (next page). See flyer below; and/or contact Allison F. Jeffrey, M.S.ED. at ajeffrey@rdrc.org or 718-327-5300.
SEQBI FALL 2025 SESSION 4...
October 15 - December 17 th th
SEQBI Website is Live on RDRC.org!
RDRC has developed a web page totally dedicated to the Southeast Queens Business Incubator (SEQBI) program. The web page has been added to the existing rdrc.org site: guests can navigate to the SEQBI tab at the top of the page. The website includes past, current, and future events and information. Visitors will have an opportunity to learn about and apply to the program, view past participants and pitch competition winners, register for events, and contact the program Administrator.
NOTE
The website is still under construction and we will continue to make edits over the following weeks.
POSITIONDESCRIPTION
1.POSITIONIDENTIFICATION
Title
Salary Reportsto FunctionalArea
EmploymentStatus
2.POSITIONOBJECTIVE
SHIFTLEADER -SUPERVISOR
FACILITY
Owners/Managers
$16-$20.00PERHOUR
PARTTIME/FULLTIME
Torunanefficient,clean,profitablestore.Toexecutethedaytodaytaskandfollowallprocesses inplace.Providesoundleadershiptothestaffandworkwithintheparametersoftheworkculture.
3.COMPETENCIESREQUIRED
Thefollowingcompetenciesarerequiredforthisposition:
Communication
•Abilitytocommunicateallgoals,objectives,vision&missionstatementsto staffmembers.
•Abilitytogivedirectionthrougheffectivecommunicationtoensureefficient operationsonadailybasis.
•Communicationshouldbeclearandconcise.Musthavetheabilityto establishclearlinesofcommunicationbetweentheFront&Backofthe House.
•Communicatew/KitchenCheforManagertoensurethepromptdelivery fromallvendors.
•Communicatew/vendorsthestandardsandexpectationsrequiredoftheir service.
•Mustmanageandcommunicateallconcernsandissuesconcerningvendor accounts,utilities&payrollissuestoManagement/Owner.
•Communicateandmanageallfacilityrepairneeds,notifymanaging companyandkeepalog.
•Abilitytocommunicateviolationsofpolicies&proceduresandcorrective action.
Abilitytoleadtheteamtoaccomplishanygoalssetforthandtofulfillthe company’svision&missionstatement.Musthavetheabilitytomotivateand encourageallteammemberstodeliverconsistentquality,energeticservice.
Musthavetheabilitytodiffuseallissuesbetweenstaffmembersand dissatisfiedcustomers.Musthavetheabilitytoresolveanyandallissues w/vendors&suppliers.Resolvingunforeseenproblemsinthemomentisa must.
•
•
• Mustbeself-directedinexecutingallproceduralsteps
Determiningtherequiredhourstoeffectivelyrunthestore OverseeingtheKitchenManagertoensuretheRestaurantisin Compliancewithhealthcodes,firesafetycodes,etc.
•
•
•
•
•
PlanmonthlyQSM’swiththestaff PlanPerformanceReviews Organizeallmarketingefforts
BeingproficientinthePOSsoftware WorkingknowledgeofExcel Use7Shifts
UseSelf-Initiative
Followthetrendoftheindustry Keepupw/industrylaws®ulations Researchtheindustryleadersandtheirpractices Creativewaystoincreasesalesandreduce expense
Createdifferentmarketinginitiativesineffortstodrivesales
Createincentivesforstaffineffortstodrivesales
Runningasmooth,efficientshift
Ensurethatqualityconsistentserviceis beingdelivered
Enforcingthestandardsofthepoliciesandprocedures setforthbythecompany
Ensuringthatallstaffmembersareproperlytrained andperformingaccordingtostandardsoftraining
Healthcodecompliantwork environment
5.PERSONSPECIFICATION
EnforcealloftheHealthDepartmentCodes
QUALIFICATIONS/KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE
Qualifications–Desirable:•ExcellentInterpersonalRelationsSkills•Impeccable
OrganizationalSkills•Abilitytopaygreatattentiontodetail•Abilitytoanticipateproblems andproducingsolutionstosolvethem
Knowledge,Skills&Experience(Essential): •EfficientwithExcel•Abilitytocreatereports
•MustbeabletotrainonthePOS
Knowledge,Skills&Experience(Desirable):
Abilitytoplanhighendevents
•Knowledgeofcreatingmarketingcollateral
6.ORGANISATIONALRELATIONSHIPS/AUTHORITY
ORGANISATIONALRELATIONSHIPS •
Reportsto:ManagementCompany
ChefManager/Owner
7.OCCUPATIONALHEALTHANDSAFETY
Supervisors/Managersareresponsibleandaccountablefor:
• Enforcingcompliancewithworkplacepoliciesandproceduresforrisk identification,riskassessmentandriskcontrol
• •
Identificationandreportingofhealthandsafetyrisks,accidents,incidents,injuries andpropertydamageattheworkplace
Correctutilizationofappropriatepersonalprotectiveequipment
8.GENERALRESPONSIBILITIES
OverseetheoperationsoftheCafe
Assistw/scheduling
Assistw/ordering
Assistw/inventory
OverseeFOHtraining
ClosingoutTill
Ensurethatthestorehaschangeatalltimes
Workingw/KitchenCheforManagerforqualityassuranceandfollowing recipesconsistently
LeadingamotivatedandenergeticFOHteam
Keepthestoreinimmaculatecondition:LoggingallFacilityRepairsandNeeds
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Thisjobdescriptionhasbeendesignedtoindicatethegeneralnatureandlevelofwork performedbyemployeeswithinthisclassification.Itisnotdesignedtocontainorbe interpretedasacomprehensiveinventoryofallduties,responsibilitiesandqualifications requiredofemployeesassignedtotherole.
Signature: Employee:
Preparedby:
DirectManager:
Signature:
DateIssued:
Don't miss this installment of Thursday Night Jazz featuring a can't miss performance by Georgia Heers! Georgia Heers, is a vocalist and composer from Greer, South Carolina. Directly after finishing her studies at Oberlin College and The Juilliard School, Georgia collaborated with inspirational artists like Terrell Stafford, Cyrus Chestnut, Clarence Penn, Rodney Whitaker, Camila Meza, and Joe Farnsworth. With the help of a grant from Chamber Music America’s Performance Plus program, Georgia will record her debut album under the artistic direction of Cécile Mclorin Salvant.
About this event
Presented by the Queens Borough President, Donovan Richards, and Queens Economic Development Corporation, the 2026 Queens Tech + Innovation Challenge is designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs grow their businesses with five grants up to $20k each, access to industry experts and our founders network. The flexible schedule allows participants to join at any time between October 2025 and February 2026.
At the kick-off event you will learn the details of the competition, as well as hear from last year's winners. Light refreshments will be served.
You can submit an online application anytime between September 30, 2025 to March 2nd, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Come on down! It's time to take your business to the next level, and we're here to help.
To learn more about the program, please visit our website at www.queensstartup.org
My business needed to fulfill a large contract that I received. GJDC was there to help me get the funding in place quickly. I’ve used GJDC’s services many times since and it is always a pleasure working with them Donnell S. D & D Ultimate Connections
With GJDC, I don't have any concerns that they're not looking out for my best interests. They gave me a line of credit when I wanted to relocate, and that allowed me to find my own office space as well as hire a full-time employee
R. Deborah Rojas Architecture
Telephone: 718-291-0282
E-mail: gjdcbiz@gjdc.org
www gjdc.org/business
Jamaica Business Services
Deborah
Photos by Alexandre Ayer/Diversity Pictures
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:
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.
BUSINESS
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) Pre-Seed and Seed Matching Fund Program
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
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
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
