On Friday, September 19 , only hours removed from RDRC’s 38 Annual Community Builders Awards, I found myself on a plane headed to Durban, South Africa for The reSURGence Conference 2025, an Economic Development conference held annually. The reSURGence Conference is a global Black business growth initiative designed to bring together key institutions, emerging entrepreneurs, businesses, churches, and community not-forprofits for the lead purpose of fueling economic trade and investment between Afro-centric communities spanning the Caribbean, United States, and countries within the continent of Africa.
Conference 2025, an Economic Development conference held annually. The reSURGence Conference is a global Black business growth initiative designed to bring together key institutions, emerging entrepreneurs, businesses, churches, and community not-forprofits for the lead purpose of fueling economic trade and investment between Afro-centric communities spanning the Caribbean, United States, and countries within the continent of Africa.
and exhibition space in all of Africa, the Durban International Convention Center.
Co-founded by Rev. Dennis Dillion (pictured left of K. Alexander below), Publisher/CEO of The New York Christian Times and successful business owner, the annual event now includes over 2,000 delegates worldwide attending a multi-day conference at the largest convention center
Co-founded by Rev. Dennis Dillion (pictured left of K. Alexander below), Publisher/CEO of The New York Christian Times and successful business owner, the annual event now includes over 2,000 delegates worldwide attending a multi-day conference at the largest convention center
As a speaker and panelist, I had the honor of sharing the stage with a number of international and US industry leaders in business, technology, government, and faithbased sectors to discuss my experiences in community economic development and the impact of RDRC in creating youth and adult employment, housing, home ownership, and business opportunities in the communities we serve.
K. Alexander with Wanjuri Mburu, Owner, Impress Locks Hub (Kenya).
MY UNEXPECTED JOURNEY TO DURBAN & JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
The Conference was also an opportunity to connect our newly created Southeast Queens Business Incubator (sponsored by Resorts World New York City) with the Durban Textile & Leather Incubator that included multiple businesses that graduated from the Incubator!
The Conference was also an opportunity to connect our newly created Southeast Queens Business Incubator (sponsored by Resorts World New York City) with the Durban Textile & Leather Incubator that included multiple businesses that graduated from the Incubator!
WHAT’S NEXT?
The challenge given to and accepted by RDRC is to: first, follow-up with the businesses that we connected with, businesses interested in expanding into the US market with the assistance of our NYS Small Business Development Center partners.
The challenge given to and accepted by RDRC is to: first, follow-up with the businesses that we connected with, businesses interested in expanding into the US market with the assistance of our NYS Small Business Development Center partners.
Second, to share our wealth of experience in community economic development as advisor to faith-based institutions considering leveraging their lands and properties to create affordable housing, new businesses, and workforce development programs similar to what RDRC has created or participated in, such as SEQBI, JFK Redevelopment Project, and Pandemic Response Institute.
Second, to share our wealth of experience in community economic development as advisor to faith-based institutions considering leveraging their lands and properties to create affordable housing, new businesses, and workforce development programs similar to what RDRC has created or participated in, such as SEQBI, JFK Redevelopment Project, and Pandemic Response Institute.
Top right: K. Alexander with staff of Textile & Leather Incubator.
ONE (1) Remaining Info Session for SEQBI Cohort 4 Fall 2025
In early September 2025, RDRC launched it’s series of Information Sessions, to provide an overview of the SEQBI program to potential participants. Registration for the Info Sessions are open to all legally registered small businesses with 2 years of tenure, that plan to serve Southeast Queens, NY.
Register for the final (Oct 8 ) Info Session here. th Apply for the SEQBI program here.
NOTE: In order to be considered for the SEQBI program, Registrants must attend at least 1 Info Session.
Powered by Resorts World NYC, SEQBI was established in the Fall of 2024, as a comprehensive business growth program that includes a free rigorous 8-week course focused on management operations, budgeting and accounting, marketing, e-commerce, supply chain management, and access-to-capital solutions. Each class is intentionally designed to build on the previous class, requiring Fellows to commit to 100% class attendance, complete class assignments, and successfully demonstrate how they will use the tools, resources, and newly acquired skills in their strategic growth plan. Graduates are supported in registering to do business with Resorts World NYC as well as acquire MWBE certification.
To date, the SEQBI Program has successfully graduated 45 businesses, with a goal of 60 by the end of 2025.
Powered by...
SEQBI Website is Live on
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.
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
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. 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
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).
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• 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.
Toperformallassignedtasksanddutiestothefullestandbestofyourability Alltasksand/or dutiesshouldbeperformedwithasenseofurgency, efficiencyandproficiency Superviseand lead overall kitchen operations You are expected to carry out any requests made by management orownerthatisrelativetothebusinessandthatdoesnotjeopardize, endangeryourhealthor wellbeing.
Mustbeabletobeself-directedwithtaskstokeepbusyMustexecute required duties and responsibilities independently Must be able to preparedishesaccordingtorecipes
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
