Programs

The Business Services Department works to provide the following seamless programs and services:

Queens Tech + Innovation Challenge

The Queens Tech + Innovation Challenge is a signature program at Queens Economic Development Corporation. The program is focused on providing entrepreneurship education, one-on-one start-up assistance, mentoring and up to $20K in seed funding to help businesses get off the ground. The program’s mission is to drive innovation through entrepreneurship in the most diverse borough in the world. We believe that inclusion is an economic imperative and entrepreneurship should be open to everyone, regardless of your gender, race or birthplace.

Entrepreneurship Assistance Center

Entrepreneurship Assistance Center (EAC) offers a comprehensive hands-on business training course targeted to new and existing business owners, and is specifically designed to minimize the risk and maximize the potential success of starting or expanding a business. The primary goal of the course is to complete a fully vetted business plan. Also, if participants are start-up business owners and residents of Queens, they are automatically entered into the Queens StartUP! Business Plan Competition for the opportunity to win start-up capital.  Participants are also included in our EAC Alumni Network which serves as not only a support system but an avenue for business development.

Women’s Business Center

Women’s Business Center (WBC) works to empower women to participate in the local economy by helping them start and grow their business.  It helps to connect women to resources within their community,  and further develop their capacity to start and grow their business. WBC primarily focuses on providing one-on-one counseling, specialized workshops and networking opportunities which include the Power Networking Series and the Women’s History Month Celebration.

HICT

Home Improvement Contractor Training

Home Improvement Contractor Training is a 3-day training course for individuals looking to become licensed with the  NYC Department of Consumer Affairs as home improvement contractor businesses. The lessons will be accompanied by one-on-one business advisory services, such as consultations on permits and licensing, business development, procurement, and access to capital.

MWBE

M/WBE Certification Series

M/WBE Certification Series helps minority businesses sell products and services to New York City and State. We offer seminars with the Queens Chamber of Commerce on how to become certified with the City and State of New York and a step-by-step introduction on selling to different agencies. We also offer M/WBE counseling that assists business owners with the process of becoming certified and issues related to procurement.

Made in Queens

Made in Queens , aka MiQ, is a brand and a certification promoting products with a local ethos. MiQ‘s mission is to shine a spotlight on local makers and sell small batch, originally manufactured local products. The goal is to promote local makers and manufacturers, share their stories, and provide an opportunity for new and existing local businesses to grow and flourish.

The Entrepreneur Space

The Entrepreneur Space is located in Long Island City and has a 24/7 commercial kitchen available at a low cost that is open to qualified food businesses seeking to bring their operations to the next level.  It provides emerging food businesses with legal, reasonably priced kitchen facilities to create and grow a business while relieving them from the burden of high start up production and rental costs. In addition, the Entrepreneur Space offers access to business counseling, technical assistance, networking opportunities,  and shared office space cubicles.

TEES

TEES (The Entrepreneur Essentials Series) is QEDC’s newest business educational program. This innovative series offers a range of skill-based and special topic mini courses, designed to equip you with the fundamental tools and knowledge needed to make informed business decisions. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, T.E.E.S provides a comprehensive academic-style education that’s accessible to everyone, regardless of their previous educational background. Keep reading and discover how T.E.E.S can help you create a strong foundation for your business success.