RBRC Sept 29, 2025 Newsletter (Reissue) by Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation

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.

Two (2) Remaining Info Sessions 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.

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...

SEQBIBusiness Spotlight

BeingEgypt caters to learning and fun for children. The business is run by Shaleem Bush (Owner) and her daughter, Egypt Bush (CEO). BeingEgypt won 1 Place at the Class of Spring 2025 Pitch Competition Final! st

BeingEgypt empowers children to be superheroes by promoting literacy, critical thinking, and creativity through educational programs and workshops. With a focus on published authorship and a commitment to end bullying, we equip children with the skills and mindset they need to excel academically and to thrive in all aspects of their lives.

BeingEgypt Cares is a New York-based nonprofit organization focused on eradicating youth illiteracy. We partner with schools and organizations to provide reading materials and writing services, encouraging innovative literacy exploration. Our efforts extend beyond education, combating bullying, boosting self-esteem, and enabling confident self-expression. Throug brighter future for youth, empowering their possibilities. Join us in making a profound d one word at a time, as we build a more inclu

L to R:

Egypt Bush (CEO), Shaleem Bush (President), BeingEgypt Mascot

EHS BREAST CANCER

AWARENESS -

REAL MEN WEAR PINK

St. John’s Hospital/Episcopal Health Services (EHS) held their Annual Real Men Wear Pink Fashion Show; and it was a blast! The many shades of pink dominated the space. Guests were delighted with tasty beverages, abundant laughter, and supportive co-workers cheering the men on as they graced the runway! RDRC’s Dr. Douglas Woodhall-Wilcox, CMHT walked the fashion runway, along with other community members, local business owners, EHS staff, etc.

The event is a national initiative to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and patient support.

Rose Guerrier, PR and Communications Manager at St John’s Hospital/EHS was hosted the event

EHS BREAST CANCER

AWARENESS -

REAL MEN WEAR PINK

EHS BREAST CANCER

AWARENESS -

REAL MEN WEAR PINK

EHS BREAST CANCER

AWARENESS -

REAL MEN WEAR PINK

Dr. Douglas Woodhall-Wilcox, CMHT (RDRC)

Charles Jacob - Owner of Dred Surfer restaurant; RDRC Board Member

on Boyd - SEQBI Summer 2025 Fellow, Co-Owner of QikyKidz

1.Sept 10 - 11am 2.Sept 17 - 6pm 3.Sept 24 - 11am 4.Oct 1 - 6pm 5.Oct 8 - 11am

https://Fall2025Cohort4 eventbrite com

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

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.

Title

FunctionalArea

Reportsto

Salary

EmploymentStatus

2 POSITION

SHIFTLEADER - SUPERVISOR

FACILITY

Owners /Managers

$16 - $20 00 PER HOUR

PARTTIME/FULLTIME

Torunanefficient, clean, profitablestore. Toexecutethedaytodaytaskandfollowallprocesses inplace Providesoundleadershiptothestaffandworkwithintheparametersofthework culture

3 COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

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

Title

FunctionalArea

Reportsto

POSITIONDESCRIPTION

CHEFMANAGER

MANAGEMENT

Salary

EmploymentStatus

Toperformallassignedtasksanddutiestothefullestandbestofyourability Alltasksand/or dutiesshouldbeperformedwithasenseofurgency, efficiencyandproficiency Superviseand lead overall kitchen operations You are expected to carry out any requests made by management orownerthatisrelativetothebusinessandthatdoesnotjeopardize, endangeryourhealthor wellbeing.

3. COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

Thefollowingcompetenciesarerequiredforthisposition:

Communication

Teamwork

•Beabletocommunicateinaclearconcisemannerissuesorconcernsandall otherinformationthatpertainstotheoperation

•Mustbeabletocommunicateallordersanddirectionwithkitchenstaff

•Mustbeabletoeffectivelycommunicatewithmanagementallkitchenissues inatimelyfashion

•Possessestheabilitytofunctionasateammember, contributestocreatinga harmoniousworkenvironmentandanticipateteammember’sneeds

Mustbeabletobeself-directedwithtaskstokeepbusyMustexecute requireddutiesandresponsibilitiesindependentlyMustbeableto preparedishesaccordingtorecipes

MustbeefficientinExcelandWord

Mustknowhowtocreateanduseproductionchart

Mustknowhowtotrainnewhires

Skilledw/OrderAccuracy

$17 00$19 00 MANAGEMENT LINE

- GRILLCOOK

FULLTIME / PARTTIME

Toperformallassignedtasksanddutiestothefullestandbestofyourability. Alltasksand/or dutiesshouldbeperformedwithasenseofurgency, efficiencyandproficiency Everyentrée shouldbepreparedtospecinqualityandpresentationaswellasmaintainthecleanlinessofthe lineduringtheshift Youareexpectedtocarryoutanyrequestsmadebymanagementorowner thatisrelativetothebusinessandthatdoesnotjeopardize, endangeryourhealthorwellbeing

3 COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

Thefollowingcompetenciesarerequiredforthisposition:

Communication

Teamwork Skills Self Management

•Beabletocommunicateinaclearconcisemannercustomerrequests, issues orconcernsandallotherinformationthatpertainstotheoperation

•Possessestheabilitytofunctionasateammember, contributestocreatinga harmoniousworkenvironmentandanticipateteammember’sneeds

Mustbeabletobeself-directedwithtaskstokeepbusyMustexecute required duties and responsibilities independently Must be able to preparedishesaccordingtorecipes

Shouldpossessimpressiveknifeskills

Meetthestandardfortherateofspeed

Needtodemonstrateculinarytechniquesefficientlyandw/accuracy

SAFE Disposal Events

Get rid of your harmful household products safely.

All Events: 10am to 4pm (rain or shine)

Manhattan: Sunday, September 7, 2025

UnionSquare,NorthPlazaSouth side of 17th Street, between Park Avenue South and Broadway Cars approach from Park Ave South & 20th St | Walk-in area available

Brooklyn: Sunday, September 21, 2025

FloydBennettFieldFlatbushAvenue/Marine Parkway

Cars enter along Flatbush Avenue and make a left into the main entrance, immediately before the toll bridge.

Staten Island: Saturday, September 27, 2025

MidlandBeachParkingLot8FatherCapodannoBoulevard&Hunter Avenue Cars approach from Slater Boulevard.

Queens: Saturday, October 18, 2025

ResortsWorldCasino,ParkinglotCCarsapproach east on Rockaway blvd & 107th St and make a right into the casino. | Walk-in area available for residents taking public transportation

Bronx: Saturday, October 25, 2025

Orchard Beach Parking Lot CarsfollowParkDrive to the end.

Only NYC Residential Waste Will Be Accepted

No commercial vehicles allowed Residents MUST provide proof of NYC residency (NYS driver’s license, utility bill, etc )

Can’t attend one of these events? Visit nyc.gov/HowToGetRidOf for disposal options.

Visit or scan this code to learn more nyc.gov/SafeEvents

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:

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