The QEDC Neighborhood Development Department plays a pivotal role in building stronger local economies across Queens by working hand-in-hand with community-based organizations, small businesses, and city agencies. Through close collaboration, the department supports various initiatives that boost economic vitality in different neighborhoods.
We're continuously exploring new ways to support local economies, and QEDC is committed to empowering communities and driving long-term economic development across the borough.
Through the support of NYC Small Business Services, we've worked with local businesses in Astoria to promote their storefronts, organize food crawls, and deliver marketing training. We also work to coordinate with neighborhood organizations, government partners, and other economic stakeholders to build a prosperous vision of the area's future.
At Corona Plaza, we've worked with multiple government and private sector partners to establish and maintain a diverse, vibrant vendor market. Instead of a top-down approach, here we've helped form a robust and self-governing vendor association designed to empower these entrepreneurs.
In 2023, the New York Times named our Corona Plaza vendors as one of the "100 Best Restaurants in New York City." You can find the market right under the 7 train at 103rd Street - Corona Plaza, open Wednesday to Sunday.
"Corona Plaza isn’t just an exciting place to eat; it’s a significant achievement for the street vendors, most of whom live in the neighborhood. Last summer, they formally established their own organization, La Asociación de Vendedores Ambulantes de Corona Plaza, to run the market — making this one of the only markets in New York spearheaded and operated by local vendors."
"The Flavors and Flair of Latin America, in One Queens Market" – April 23, 2023
The American Dream is alive in Queens – and with no-cost entrepreneur assistance and business education, QEDC can make yours a reality.
Get Started Today
