Economic Development

WHAT WE DO

Our Economic Development program newly reimagined department that seeks to build equitable wealth through empowering communities, transforming space, developing and enhancing small businesses, and promoting economic growth through policy and program advocacy. We believe East Harlem has the foundational assets, people, and collective character to achieve long-term sustainable growth.

Location:

Economic Development
118 E 108th St
New York, NY 10029

Contact:

economicdevelopment@unionsettlement.org

Programs & Services

Elementary and Middle School Students

What We Do
Community Development
Archive

What We Do

Our Vision

We envision a community that is economically sustainable, one that values green spaces and responsible development. A community that provides livable wages, quality education and affordable housing. A community that uses its collective resources and assets to improve the lives of its residents to further enhance a vibrant and resilient community.

Areas of Focus

Small Business Development – Program development to enhance small business capacities, revenue generation, and collaborative relationships.

Empowering Community – We create programming that strengthens social networks, increases financial literacy, increases access to workforce opportunities, and facilitates equitable and inclusive community engagement and collaboration.

Transforming Place – We seek to maximize on the built environment and underutilized assets in our community through creative and impactful district marketing and placemaking initiatives.

Advocacy – We promote economic growth by lobbying for policies and programs that support small businesses and the economic well-being of individuals and families in East Harlem.

Discover East Harlem and Upcoming Events >

Contact Us:

Michelle Cruz
Director of Economic Development
mcruz@unionsettlement.org
315.300.9003

Community Development

East Harlem Working Together Initiative

This initiative is a commercial revitalization/community development program intended to revitalize the local economy and trigger economic growth in East Harlem, funded by the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Neighborhood 360° grant program. Through the following six business components we are working together with all small businesses in East Harlem to accomplish these goals: 1) Business support and retention 2) District marketing 3) Cleaning and beautification 4) Placemaking 5) Coordination 6) Merchant Organizing. Join our effort. Your support and cooperation is welcome!

More info >

East Harlem Community Alliance

The East Harlem Community Alliance is a consortium of non profits, businesses, religious organizations and government agencies working together to enhance the vitality and well-being of East Harlem. We are undertaking joint projects and activities designed to address the needs of the East Harlem community and we serve as a forum through which member organizations can create connections, share information, and continue to grow and thrive in East Harlem. The membership is free for businesses located in the Greater East Harlem area. Join us if you want to network and have the opportunity to provide your goods and services to over 200 members.

Buy Local East Harlem Initiative

The Buy Local East Harlem initiative seeks to assist local businesses by encouraging all East Harlem Anchor Institutions, business entities and residents to purchase goods and services locally. We hope to create sustainable relationships that have a positive impact on the merchants’ bottom line, increase job opportunities and overall wellness in the East Harlem Community. If you would like to be considered to sell your goods and services to large East Harlem institutions contact us.

Read the Citi Community Development report on the program here.