SBIDC creates equal opportunity for the people, businesses and community of Southwest Brooklyn’s working waterfront.

📢SBIDC is Hiring! Business Services Manager

Join our team! SBIDC is seeking a motivated, community-oriented professional to support small- and medium-sized industrial and manufacturing businesses in Sunset Park, Red Hook, and Gowanus. The Business Services Manager will provide one-on-one advising, connect businesses to financing and incentives, help navigate government processes, and lead workshops that strengthen business growth and retention across the Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Business Zone.

Candidates should bring at least three years of experience in business services, economic development, or program administration; strong outreach and relationship-building skills; and familiarity with NYC’s industrial ecosystem. Fluency in Spanish, Mandarin, or Cantonese is a plus. 

📍 Hybrid role (on-site in Sunset Park ~3 days/week) 

💼 Salary: $70,000–$80,000 + benefits, PTO, and retirement matching 

🕒 Schedule: Full-time, M–F; occasional evenings/weekends 

📅 Applications reviewed on a rolling basis 



‍📧 Apply: Send one PDF (resume + brief cover letter) to jsolomon@sbidc.org and cc mskoknic@sbidc.org 

Please use subject line: SBIDC Business Services Manager – [Your Name] 

Thanks for Attending We Source NYC Offshore Wind Exchange

On October 23rd, SBIDC welcomed 70 attendees to our premier We Source NYC event of the year. We had a full house at Brooklyn Grange’s beautiful rooftop venue overlooking the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal where guests could catch views of the on-shore construction of the windport for Equinor’s Empire Wind project.

Andy Logan of Xodus Group led an informative panel featuring Terje Strømmen of Equinor, Amy McGinty of Vestas, Timothy Axelsson of Liberty Green Logistics, and Charles Wimbley of Aerial Works Inc., who all shared insights from their diverse experiences across the offshore wind supply chain, from developer to supplier. We were pleased to bring together so many New York City businesses and leaders in the offshore wind industry for a great night of networking. Stay tuned for more!

📩Questions? Contact Erin Johnson at ejohnson@sbidc.org, 718-965-3100 x102. 

We Source NYC is a NYCEDC program, operated by SBIDC and Business Outreach Center Network (BOC Network). To learn more about the project and how your business can supply goods and services to the green economy or sign up for updates, visit https://wesource.nyc/.

George Howell of Georgi Caterer NYC, SBIDC’s Nominee for Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Is Selected by Empire State Development

Pictured: George Howell (left); Earl Thomason Jr., VP Entrepreneur Development at NYS ESD (right)

Congratulations to George Howell, Founder/Executive Chef of Brooklyn-based catering company Georgi Caterer NYC, for being named an Entrepreneur of the Year by Empire State Development. This award recognizes New York State entrepreneurs who demonstrate dedication to their businesses, drive economic growth, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

A proud immigrant from Panama, George believes food is more than nourishment - it’s a way to build community. When COVID-19 devastated his first culinary venture, George responded with resilience, cooking free meals for neighbors and nonprofits. This experience reignited his purpose and inspired the launch of Georgi Caterer NYC in 2023.

Today, his business not only thrives but also gives back, supporting local organizations like Boys Hope Girls Hope New York and Brooklyn Communities Collaborative. A two-time participant of SBIDC's Plan for Growth business management program, George hopes to launch a Brooklyn commercial kitchen and incubator for local food entrepreneurs. He also plans to open a storefront that honors his Panamanian roots, serves quality food at accessible prices, and manufacture a signature hot sauce. Connect with George at contact@georgicaterer.com. Congratulations George and all the awardees! 

Plan for Growth Fall 2025: Week 6 Recap

More than halfway through Plan for Growth Fall 2025...kudos to all the participating businesses who've committed six impactful weeks to their sustainable business growth journeys. From defining their core values to strengthening marketing, sales, and financial foundations, they've approached each class with curiosity, courage, and collaboration - empowering one another along the way. Cheer them on during the final two weeks on SBIDC's Instagram.

A special shoutout to fellow participant Katie of Gowanus-based Principles GI Coffee House for fueling our mornings with delicious brews delivered via cargo bike!

Heartfelt thanks to our Plan for Growth instructor-practitioners - Jee Chang of UME, Kim Robinson of 3pts, and Elli Papadopoulos of Skopos Collective - for sharing their respective entrepreneurship journeys and embodying what it means to live their values out loud in business.

👉Don't miss out on the next Plan for Growth, a special finance-focused two-week bootcamp launching February 2026. To stay updated, fill out the interest form or contact Yujia Hu at yhu@sbidc.org.

CM Jennifer Gutiérrez (D-34) of M-Zone Coalition on Draft NYC Industrial Plan

The NYC Department of City Planning (DCP) released a draft of the NYC Industrial Plan last month. The final plan is scheduled for completion by December 31, 2025, and will be updated every eight years.

📣Hear from Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez (D-34), co-lead of the M-Zone Coalition, as she voices concerns over the plan’s impact on manufacturing zones, jobs, and local businesses.

In coordination with the Industrial Jobs Coalition, SBIDC has signed a letter to NYC DCP detailing our concerns about the plan. Our top concern is that this plan suggests the City is willing to site residential uses in Industrial Business Zones, a policy commitment that has stood for 20 years. 

We encourage you to get involved:

• You can see if your business is designated for any industrial protections by being in a Primary or Secondary Industrial Area on this map here.
• If you'd like to take action, email industrialplan@planning.nyc.gov and your business’s local Councilmember and tell them about your business and why you are concerned about how this plan will impact your business. Here is a list of NYC Councilmembers and contact information for each, and here is a draft letter for you to customize.

SBIDC will continue to keep our industrial community informed about opportunities to get involved and take action. If you have any questions or feedback, please contact Jesse Solomon at jsolomon@sbidc.org.

Food Assistance Resources Across NYC and Long Island Compiled by Andromeda Community Initiative

RSVP for Free Webinar on Nov 18th: How to Get Your Manufacturing Business Ready for Funding

Attend 2025 New York State MWBE Forum in Albany on Nov 18th

RSVP for Free Webinar on Nov 19th: Building an Operational Plan for Wholesalers & Manufacturers

Register for First Annual Freelancers Union Fair on Nov 19th

Support Young Dancers in Repertory 40th Anniversary Celebration and Fundraiser on Dec 4th

Apply by Dec 10th for Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program to Win $10K Grant

Property for Lease: 6,700SF One-Story Building at 9 53rd Street, Brooklyn NY 11232

Sign Up for Free Virtual 1-on-1 Financial Coaching with My Business Finance Coach

Sign Up for Free Virtual 1-on-1 Credit Counseling / Debt Management Services

Thanks for reading the newsletter! 

At SBIDC we work to create opportunities for the people and industrial businesses of Southwest Brooklyn. Looking for help?

Business Services: Guidance, resources, programs and connections to grow your business. 

Workforce Services: We connect employers and job seekers.  

Advocacy Support: We advocate with local government on your behalf.  

Get The Help Your Business Needs Today!

Reply to this email if you have any questions or if we can assist your business in any way. 

Sincerely, 

Jesse Solomon

SBIDC Executive Director