Meng and Velázquez to Hold Workshop for Queens Small Business Owners

June 18, 2015
Press Release

U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-Queens) and Nydia M. Velázquez (D-Queens/Brooklyn/Manhattan) will hold a Small Business Opportunity Workshop this Monday, June 22nd in Ridgewood, Queens.

The event, open free of charge to borough small business owners, will provide valuable information about resources available to local entrepreneurs, in particular, programs and services offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Small Business Development Centers (SBDC).

It will be held from 6-9 p.m. at the Greater Ridgewood Youth Council, 59-03 Summerfield Street (off Myrtle Avenue) in Ridgewood.

"Small businesses are the backbone of the Queens economy," said Meng. "I urge borough entrepreneurs to attend this valuable workshop so that they can learn how to grow their business or start a new one."

"There are many local resources available to New York entrepreneurs, but navigating the system and finding help can be a challenge," said Velázquez. "This forum will help small business owners locate assistance they need to grow and create jobs in our community."

Additional topics to be addressed include:

  • Access to capital and financing opportunities for start-ups and existing businesses
  • Grants for research and development (Small Business Innovation Research) and Small Business Technology Transfer Program
  • Property acquisition, equipment or machinery 504 Loan Programs
  • Government contracting: How to sell your product or service to the government

Meng and Velázquez will present the workshop in cooperation with the:

  • U.S. Small Business Administration
  • Ridgewood Local Development Corporation
  • Myrtle Avenue Business Improvement District
  • LaGuardia Community College Small Business Development Center
  • NYC Small Business Services – Business Acceleration
  • Business Outreach Center Network
  • New York Business Development Corporation

Velázquez is the Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee. Meng is a member of the panel as well and is the Ranking Member of its Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy and Trade.