Empire State Development (ESD) has launched a new program as well as revised another small business pandemic recovery program. To start, the newly launched COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program provides tax credits of up to $25,000 to eligible businesses that made investments to comply with pandemic-related emergency orders and regulations, or to increase public safety. Additionally, ESD has amended the COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program such that demonstrating positive net profit in 2019 is no longer a requirement. To learn more about these programs and hear about all the COVID-19 relief your business could qualify for, meet virtually with a Pace SBDC Business Advisor at no-cost.

This June, the Pace SBDC welcomed 12 business owners to a special workshop titled "Developing Your Brand Story and Assets" led by Pace University adjunct professor Margaret "Peggy" Kim. During five sessions, which included three group meetings and two one-to-ones with Peggy and Pace SBDC business advisors, participants learned how to drill down to the core of their brand's story to make it clearer to customers and make sure it resonates in key marketing communications. Owners of a legendary Off-Broadway theater created a new promotional video. Meanwhile, an experiential marketing design firm owner focused on improving their website. Plus, an executive consultant identified ways to better express their brand's perception in a brochure. The program was funded through the Federal CARES Act and offered in partnership with NYS Assembly Member Deborah Glick. Read the full story on our website.

The Pace SBDC teamed up with NJSBDC Rutgers to co-host a franchising training session at the 2022 International Franchise Expo at the Javits Center in June. Pace SBDC Regional Director Andrew Flamm joined Elayne McClaine, Regional Director of NJSBDC Rutgers New Brunswick to lay out key considerations for franchise ownership, including sources of financing, marketing and operational issues. As aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners learned, franchising provides an opportunity to start a business without some of the associated risks. Get the details here.

We would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest student intern, Minho Lee, a Master's student studying Social Media and Mobile Marketing at Pace University's Lubin School of Business. Minho hails from Seoul, South Korea where he served in the Korean military and gained team management experience working at motor vehicle manufacturing companies. He brings many talents that are important to our small business clientele, including analytical skills and Google technical expertise. He is also an adept graphic artist who designs many of our social media posts. Welcome, Minho! Read about Minho and our entire team here.