The Pace University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) proudly collaborated earlier this summer with three NYSBDC centers on the semi-annual NYSBDC Pitch Workshop Series & Competition, comprised of two nights of programming for SBDC clients covering best practices in developing a pitch, as well as a competition where participants presented to a panel of judges for cash prizes. The winner of the competition was Pace SBDC client Ta'Donna Nagle (center), owner and founder of Financial Literacy Group, who won a $2,000 cash award to help develop content and implement a digital marketing campaign for her financial coaching business.
To learn more about the this competition, check out our blog . If you’re interested in being part of the upcoming pitch workshop series, contact our office at (212) 618-6655.
Rud Morales launched Fortis Contractors LLC, a northern Manhattan-based construction firm, in 2017. Ms. Morales was seeking to identify business growth opportunities, and was referred to the Pace SBDC by the Harlem Community Development Corporation to help formalize project budgets and business financial record-keeping, develop a capability statement, and secure her MWBE designation. The Pace SBDC also enrolled Ms. Morales in the MWBE contractor training program co-hosted with Turner Construction. With this guidance, Fortis has secured over $400,000 in contracts with the Port Authority, creating over 30 new jobs.
Governor Cuomo recently signed legislation that reauthorized the NYS Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) program through 2024, as well as extended the term of MWBE certification from three years to five years. The legislation also increased the personal net worth cap to $15 million to enable more businesses to be eligible to be certified, and allows for up to $750,000 in retirement savings to be deducted from personal net worth calculations. Further, the legislation provides increased discretionary spending flexibility by permitting agencies and authorities to award contracts of up to a $500,000 threshold to MWBE firms without a formal competitive process.
Recently, 1010 WINS featured a segment on how the Pace Small Business Development Center has been a great resource for the Lubin School of Business and helping small business owners grow their businesses. They also highlighted our upcoming Lender's Panel for entrepreneurs in need of financing for their business. Check out the exclusive feature
here.
New Pace SBDC Student Intern
The Pace SBDC is excited to welcome Vansh Shah as the Center's new intern. Vansh is currently pursuing an MBA in Entrepreneurial Studies at Pace University'sLubin School of Business. With experience serving as a community development intern for a Bronx-based non-profit and having started his own bakery while working for his father’s business back in his home country, Vansh is working with the Pace SBDC business advisors to help clients with their business plans and financial projections.
