News from Westchester’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Featuring news, entrepreneur profiles, and mentorship and growth opportunities
Insights from the Office of Economic Development:
Skills Training for Westchester’s Workforce
 
This week’s issue of the Westchester and Fairfield County Business Journals features an article written by Bridget Gibbons, Westchester County’s Director of Economic Development under County Executive George Latimer. The article discusses how a large focus for the County this year will be providing skills training for employees and entrepreneurs alike to help them continue to succeed.
 
You can read the article, and learn more about programs such as Launch1000, here.
Looking to Start a Business? Apply for Launch1000 Today
 
Applications are now open for Launch1000, an online, self-paced program that gives people the skills and knowledge to take their idea and generate a second income, a business, or a non-profit or social venture.
 
Westchester County is providing this program in response to the significant economic disruption experienced since 2020 due to COVID-19. Building on the success of the Launch1000 program in 2021, this year’s program continues with the goal of enabling Westchester residents to start a business or develop an income stream for themselves and their families. New to this year is a Dual Language cohort. (English and Spanish Program) where participants will be supported by bilingual coaches and mentors. For more information about the Spanish/English program, visit: 
 
Limited Time Resources for Small Businesses:
Reapply with Women’s Enterprise Development Center (WEDC) Before Funds Run Out
 
Declined for a New York State Relief Program Grant? Re-apply with WEDC. WEDC counselors can help improve your application and increase the probability of a grant even if you applied and were denied before.
 
To get started, complete the Covid Assistance Form and a WEDC counselor will contact you.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Westchester County Business FIRST Grant Training

Join Nonprofit Westchester as they host a training and consultation session for nonprofit organizations interested in applying for the Westchester County Business FIRST Grant Program.

DATE: March 18, 2022
TIME: 9:00 AM
Intro to Launch1000 Infosession (Spanish)

Learn more about Launch1000, including this year’s dual language cohort.

DATE: March 21, 2022
TIME: 1:00 PM
Intro to Launch1000 Infosession

Learn more about Launch1000.

DATE: March 22, 2022
TIME: 10:00 AM
Video 101: Ready Your Spotlight for Instagram Reels & YouTube

In the final part in this three-part series from WEDC, you’ll learn about two popular video formats/platforms, Instagram Reels and YouTube, and how to leverage them for greater online visibility.
 
Session 3 Topics:

  • What is an Instagram Reel?
  • Creating a Reel on Instagram
  • Ensure your Reel gets seen
  • What kinds of videos work best for YouTube?
  • Uploading a video to YouTube
  • Effective YouTube search engine optimization
 
DATE: March 23, 2022
TIME: 12:00 PM
Intro to Launch1000 Infosession

Learn more about Launch1000.

DATE: March 24, 2022
TIME: 12:00 PM
Intro to Launch1000 Infosession (Spanish)

Learn more about Launch1000, including this year’s dual language cohort.

DATE: March 24, 2022
TIME: 6:30 PM
Hiring Qualified Job Candidates with Disabilities in the Hudson Valley
 
The Workforce Development Board of Rockland County in collaboration with The Westchester County Association & The Workforce Development Board of Rockland County in collaboration with The Westchester County Association & The Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board Present Hiring Qualified Job Candidates with Disabilities in the Hudson Valley.
 
A report in partnership with Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities found that companies that championed people with disabilities had higher revenues (up 28%), net income (up 200%) and profit margins (up 30%).
 
  • How can our business develop a talent pipeline?
  • How can our business develop a talent pipeline?
  • Can our company advertise our recruiting needs at no cost?
  • How can a diverse workplace improve the bottom line?
  • If we need accommodations, where do we find them?
  • Will there be a return on our investment?
  • Are there financial incentives available?
 
REGISTER BY 3/21
 
DATE: March 28, 2022
TIME: 10:00 AM
Government Contracting 101 with SCORE and Westchester County
 
This webinar will help businesses understand all the steps necessary to become a responsible and responsive vendor to the Federal, New York State, and New York City Governments. The webinar will provide businesses with an overview of how to get registered to do business with the government, how to get certified with all levels of government, and how to find government contracting opportunities.
 
DATE: March 31, 2022
TIME: 7:00 PM
How to Get An Investor to Chase You:
Understanding the Investing Game
 
Building your business sometimes takes more than just smarts and hard work - it takes money. What do investors look for? Where do I find them? What are the do's and don'ts when approaching investors? What are the upsides and downsides of taking on investment?

In this informative webinar from SCORE, startup investor expert Allen Clary will break down how the investor game is played and won. Allen has directly helped dozens of startups raise capital at all levels, from small five figure checks to seven figure checks.

In this webinar, you'll learn about:

  • The different types of investors - and which type you need
  • Where to find the right investors - and how to talk to them
  • What investors look for and what are their turn-ons and turn-offs
  • Strategy to get an investor to chase you, instead of you chasing them
  • The most common 'tipping point' to get an investor to write a check

DATE: April 5, 2022
TIME: 1:00 PM
Have entrepreneurial news or resources we should know about?
Drop us a line at Business-FIRST@westchestergov.com