Queens entrepreneurs and small business owners are encouraged to attend a unique networking event at Greater Nexus in Jamaica on May 16 to learn about innovative options for small business funding and growth.
“Queens Access to Capital” is an after-work gathering which will include appetizers, drinks, networking opportunities, presentations from local and national partners regarding the state of small businesses in New York, and access to funding. Each participant will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of three $500 small business grants.
“We speak daily with small businesses and a challenge they often face is getting access to funding,” said Greater Jamaica Development Corporation President and CEO Justin Rodgers. “There are several stages in the life of a small business that require capital and we are proud to offer support every step of the way through our Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and technical assistance team.”
His organization is co-hosting the event with The Center by Lendistry, a minority-led and technology-enabled small business and commercial real estate lender with CDFI and Community Development Entity (CDE) certification.
“For too long, women and diverse-owned businesses who receive business education are not provided with real, responsible choices for financing,” said The Center by Lendistry President and CEO Tunua Thrash-Ntuk. “This event offers the best of both worlds. The Center and our co-hosts and sponsors encourage small business owners in Queens to listen, bring their stories and their questions, and come away with a solid path forward for their businesses and the diverse communities they support.”
The Center by Lendistry President & CEO Tunua Thrash-Ntuk says her company provides responsible choices for financing. (Photo courtesy of Lendistry)
The Center has provided more than 10,000 small businesses, the majority of which are owned by women and people of color, with education, one-on-one advising, and pathways to responsible financing. To date, Lendistry has provided over 610,000 small business owners with $9.3 billion in business loans and grants, according to Senior Managing Director Niles Stewart, a lifelong resident of central Brooklyn.
“Lendistry has a local presence in the city and its boroughs, and we believe in being accessible to small business owners both online and in person,” Stewart said. “Often the element that’s missing for small business owners is knowing what options are available, who can get them the best deal, and how to get started.”
“Queens Access to Capital” is from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16 at Greater Lexus, which is located on the fourth floor at 89-14 Parsons Blvd. in Jamaica.