Business Development
Enhancing the economy and commercial vitality of East Harlem.
To contain the spread of COVID-19, our Business Development Center is now remote and continuing to assist East Harlem’s many small businesses. We are presently assisting all our East Harlem merchants through conference calls, email and text.
WHAT WE DO
Our Business Development Center offers business education, technology training and technical assistance to over 880 entrepreneurs and business owners in the community. Our classes are offered at beginner and intermediate levels in English and Spanish. We provide access to capital and business development assistance to maintain, expand or create new businesses in our neighborhood. Read more about what we do here.
Located at
The Business Development Center
205 East 122nd St (Third Ave)
Contact
Sandra Deleon
Deputy Director
smdeleon@unionsettlement.org
(646) 545-5203
Programs & Services
Small Business Resources
COVID-19 Small Business Support:
- East Harlem Small Business Grant (NO LONGER ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS)
- Small Business Administration loan programs
- East Harlem Delivery Guide
- Small Business Grant/Loan Resources
- Metropolitan Hospital/East Harlem small business food delivery initiative
2020 East Harlem Storefront Survey
2020 Interactive Storefront Map
Buy Local East Harlem Marketplace
Business Education
Technology Courses
We offer computer education classes in both basic computer literacy and more advanced software. Courses include training in Microsoft Suite (Office, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher) and Quickbooks. To register for upcoming classes, complete the Computer Education Registration Form.
Complete Course Listings (English and en Español) >
Business Literacy
For aspiring entrepreneurs and businesses in East Harlem, our business education courses provide skills training and professional development. To register for any business classes, complete the Business Education Registration Form.
Complete Course Listings (English and en Español) >
Edwin Nieves
Director of Business Development
enieves@unionsettlement.org
(646) 545-5202
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!
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. If you want to network and have the opportunity to provide your goods and services to over 200 members, than become a member.
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.