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News from the Women's
Chamber
What's NEWS with the Chamber
Credit to Esteban Escalona
This Month is Financial Literacy Month!
NYWCC Offers Financial Literacy to Entrepreneurs in Financial Literacy Month and Year-Round!
Financial education is vital for the progress of any modern economy and necessary for the economic empowerment of our society. Financial education is understood as the possession of knowledge and skills that allow a person to make wise and effective decisions regarding the management of their money. It is precisely these decisions that make it possible to achieve the economic stability that every company and citizen requires to be successful. Unfortunately, financial literacy is not taught in the classroom and the majority of the population has very basic or no knowledge of money management strategies. This makes a strong case for celebrating Financial Literacy Month. At the New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce (NYWCC), we have launched a new version of our financial training courses for businesswomen. They will be held every week throughout May.
Financial education is vital for the progress of any modern economy and necessary for the economic empowerment of our society. Financial education is understood as the possession of knowledge and skills that allow a person to make wise and effective decisions regarding the management of their money. It is precisely these decisions that make it possible to achieve the economic stability that every company and citizen requires to be successful. Unfortunately, financial literacy is not taught in the classroom and the majority of the population has very basic or no knowledge of money management strategies. This makes a strong case for celebrating Financial Literacy Month. At the New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce (NYWCC), we have launched a new version of our financial training courses for businesswomen. They will be held every week throughout May.
The closing ceremony was in charge of the President of the Chamber of Commerce, Quenia Abreu and the course instructor, Wendy Martinez. Congratulations to all the new graduates!
For more information about our next "Money Matters" Financial Course, please contact our office at (212) 491-9640.
Credit to Esteban Escalona
The closing event this past Tuesday night of the Money Matters program (business and finance course), where more than 30 business women were trained for six weeks in different financial, tax and administrative topics, necessary to better manage their businesses, was a great success!
Stories of Our Women Entrepreneurs:
Katherine Soto: "I wish I would have known about Money Matters when I started my business".
A new version of the Spanish-language financial education course for small businesses "Money Matters", organized by the New York Women's Chamber of Commerce (NYWCC) with the support of the Ponce De Leon Foundation, The Coca-Cola Foundation and the Small Business Administration, is being held this month. This program, conducted virtually, aims to provide small business owners with the tools and personalized support to successfully take financial control of their business. According to Maria Quetell, Business & Program Specialist at NYWCC, in this new version more than 36 entrepreneurs from different counties of New York are being trained, who will become part of the more than two hundred that the Women's Chamber of Commerce has trained since its inception in April of last year.
Why did you decide to take the Money Matters course?
I am a nail technician, but I also have to efficiently manage my business, being a small company I do everything, and these courses have helped me to have a better vision on how to improve the administrative aspects.
Of the topics included in the course, which was the one that interested you the most?
The course that was most useful to me was the legal aspects of companies, because thanks to that I understood the types of companies that exist, their legal differences and the effects on taxes, and thanks to that I made the good decision to change my company from Sole Proprietorship to an LLC. But I was interested in all the topics, they were all of a high level. The teacher who taught the course always explained the tax, business and accounting aspects in a very simple and pleasant way.
How did you hear about the Money Matters course held by our Chamber?
I have been a member of the New York Women's Chamber of Commerce for years, so I receive information directly to my e-mail about all the courses, workshops and seminars that you offer.
Would you recommend other business owners to take the Money Matters course?
I started my business in 2007 and I wish I had this kind of educational support at that time because it is invaluable. I recommend the Money Matters course to all women who, like me, have or are thinking of starting their own business. It is very complete and deals with different administrative, financial, accounting and legal aspects that we need to know in order to conduct our business efficiently. I thank the New York Women's Chamber of Commerce for the excellent work they do and the help they give us every day.
Credit to Esteban Escalona
Stories of Our Women Entrepreneurs:
YOMARIS CASILLA, "WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN MY BUSINESS”
During the informative workshop on Beauty Salons regulations organized by the Women's Chamber of Commerce of New York, we spoke with Yomaris Casilla, owner of Tiffany's Beauty Spa in Brooklyn, who shared her experience with the Women's Chamber of Commerce of New York, and invited more women to approach us for help in growing their businesses.
How has the New York Women's Chamber of Commerce, helped you during the pandemic?
The chamber of Commerce has been a great help in keeping my business open during the pandemic, especially during the reopening of salons in 2020. I have felt very supported by Chamber of Commerce was looking out for small businesses, defending our rights at a time of many changes, restrictions and protocols to follow. If it were not for the Women's Chamber of Commerce, it is very likely that we small businesses would not know about the existence of these loans and other types of assistance that are available to us. And not only that, Chamber of Commerce guided us with virtual meetings, support material, telephone and in person, about all the different regulations that were necessary to keep a business open during the 2020 reopening.
Do you think organizations like ours are important to support our business community?
Yes, they are really important and essential for the business network. Chamber of Commerce give us the security of having a representative in front of government authorities to defend our rights as small businesses and at the same time they are a bridge of communication between legislators and entrepreneurs.
What do you like most about the New York Women's Chamber of Commerce?
Their vigor to encourage and educate small business owners, offering virtual classes, financial guidance, legal assistance and an extensive list of free services. I encourage the different owners to take advantage of all your service offerings, to join the meetings and classes offered by the Chamber of Commerce in the different counties of the city. What I also like is that you continue to support us with the same rigor and dedication.
Credit to Esteban Escalona
Those who wish to request this forgiveness can go to the financial institution that made the loan or access the SBA website to fill out the application.
The forgiveness covers the entire loan as long as the owner can justify that he used 60% of the money for payroll for employee payments.
If borrowers do not apply for forgiveness within 10 months of the last day of the covered period, borrowers will have to start making loan payments to their lender, as PPP loan payments are no longer deferred.
If you do not pay the loan, “this will affect your credit history,” Abreu points out.
“It is a very easy application to fill out. Right here in the Chamber we can help you, or you can call your bank,” Abreu explains.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) reminds business owners who have applied for loans from the Payment Protection Program, or PPP, that they can apply for a forgiveness of this debt.
“People believe that it is automatic and it is not like that. They have to fill out an application,” stressed the president of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce in New York, Quenia Abreu.
President of the NYWCC, Quenia Abreu speaks on how small business can apply for the PPP Forgiveness Loan on Univision
How to apply to PPP forgiveness
1. Determine if your lender or bank participates in direct forgiveness through the SBA and fill out the correct form.
2. Gather your documentation:
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Payroll (provide documentation of all payroll periods that overlap with the covered period).
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Non-payroll related (for expenses that were incurred or paid during the Covered Period and that demonstrate that the obligations or services existed prior to February 15, 2020, for the first three obligations / services listed).
3. Submit the discharge form and documentation to the SBA or your lender. 4. Continue to follow up on your request for your pardon.
For more information, visit the SBA website here.
The New York Women's Chamber of Commerce can assist you with preparing the documentation you need and the application process. Please contact our office at (212) 491-9640.
Apply now for the Pandemic Small Business Grant!
New York State's $800 million COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program was launched in June to provide grant assistance to small businesses in the State of New York who experienced economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The New York Women's Chamber of Commerce has been working with the State to assist applicants submitting their applications.
Applications will only be accepted for as long as funds are available, and now the program has been running for several months. Funds are still available but if you have not applied for the Small Business Recovery Grant yet and you are interested in applying, we strongly recommend that you do so soon. Contact us for assistance before funds run out!
Please contact Business Specialist, Steve Paguay at spaguay@nywcc.org for more information and how to apply.
President of the New York Women's Chamber, Quenia Abreu Honored FOUR Times in under SIX months!
On October 11, Quenia was named to Crain’s New York Business’ Notable Hispanic Leaders and Executives. In September she made City & State’s The Power of Diversity: Latino 100. In July, she was voted the Civic Diversity Hero by Crain’s New York Business after City & State’s included her in the MWBE Power 50 in May. FELICIDADES QUENIA!
In 2002, Abreu, a native of the Dominican Republic, founded the first women’s chamber of commerce in the city and state. Today the NYWCC represents over 7,000 women and minority owned businesses and has helped create over 10,000 businesses and enabled entrepreneurs to access $45 million in capital and $65 million in procurement contracts. The NYWCC has helped over 650 small businesses survive including over 225 construction-related or real estate firms.
Crain’s told it like it is in the October listing, pointing out that there is a long way to go as Hispanic leaders total just 4.5% of executives Citywide and 4% nationwide.
City & State credited Latinos as “a rising force in U.S. politics” and celebrated Hispanic leaders in public service, business, advocacy and nonprofits.
Crain’s New York Business named Abreu its Civic Diversity Hero, making her one out of just eight individuals and three companies selected among 37 finalists to win Crain’s inaugural Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion Award.
The May City & State’s first ever MWBE Power 50 honored the contractors, public officials, industry leaders and advocates aiding the participation rates for New York’s MWBEs.
To read more about these prestigious awards, please click here https://bit.ly/crains_notablehispanic_leaders for Crain's NY Business 2021 Notable Hispanic Leaders & Executives and https://bit.ly/cityandstate_latino_power100 for City & State's The Power of Diversity: Latino 100.
Minority Owned and Women Entrepreneurs (M/WBE) Certification Program Begins
With the firm objective of helping minority or women-owned businesses obtain the New York City “Minority / Women Businees Enterprise (M / WBE)” certification, the New York Women's Chamber of Commerce (NYWCC ), has begun its process of accompaniment and advice in the process of this important certification. In the opinion of our Director, Quenia Abreu, “This certification helps companies to have access to contracts with agencies of the city of New York, and subcontracts with companies contracted by the city; Be part of an important directory of certified companies that is an excellent marketing platform for your company; obtain credits with preferential rates, among other benefits ”. Since the beginning of this successful program, NYWCC has helped more than 4,000 women and minority businesses obtain this important New York City certification. “We know that you are busy growing your business, and that is why we help you in this process with trained professionals who will accompany you throughout the certification process, from analyzing if you meet the requirements, seeing each required document, to completing everything. the application process ”, concludes Quenia Abreu, who has a deep knowledge of this process since she was one of the promoters of the M / WBE certification legislation and is also a member of the mayor's advisory council on certification matters.
What is the M/WBE Certification
Due to the low participation of women and minority businesses in the contracting process with city agencies, in 2005 Mayor Mike Bloomberg enacted M / WBE certification legislation. M / WBE companies are those with a Hispanic, Black, Asian Indian, Native American, or female majority partner (51% or more owned). When they obtain this certification, they can opt for larger contracts with city or private companies, which can be a great boost for their business. City contracts can be opportunities for builders, suppliers of furniture, office supplies, recruiting companies, accounting, marketing or landscaping, food, among other various services or sales. After fifteen years, this regulation has gone further, as the city's goal is for 30% of contracts to be awarded to minorities for a total of $ 25 billion by 2025. Ms. Gloria Pérez, president of MIT Clean Corp, for two years tried to obtain this certification without achieving positive results. However, at the end of 2020 she contacted us to seek help: “in January of this year I finally managed to obtain my M / WBE certification and it was all thanks to the New York Women's Chamber of Commerce, and its team that always She was attentive in helping me, mainly Mrs. Greene, who guided me, guided me and did not give up until I got my certification. I am very grateful to the New York Women's Chamber of Commerce, because they are also the only ones that continue to accompany us with other programs such as “ContractHer” that help us obtain more opportunities and continue to grow in knowledge and business experiences. The M / WBE certification has helped me to obtain financing that is destined to certified companies among other financial benefits ”.
Credit to Esteban Escalona
Dear New York Women's Chamber of Commerce Members, Clients & Friends
The Coronavirus continues to have a monumental impact on our community and small businesses across the Tri-State area and the country. In an active effort to prioritize the health and well-being of our community and staff, we will service all clients remotely as of tomorrow Tuesday, March 17, 2020. We are committed to continuing to providing service to business owners during these perilous times. If your business is impacted by COVID-19, we encourage you to fill out the below form and a member of our team will get back to you. We are fully accessible via phone and email at 212.491.9640 and assistance@nywcc.org.
The New York Women's Chamber of Commerce Hosts Holiday Networking Event
The New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce held its end of the year M/WBE holiday networking celebration on Wednesday, December 1, 2019 at Club 101, 101 Park Ave, from 5:30 to 8:30pm.
The event featured a guest speaker, Valerie White, the Executive Vice President of the Division of Minority & Women’s Business Development at Empire State Development. White spoke on the ways in which the female minority entrepreneur space is rapidly growing and changing, as well as the increasing amount of funding that is available for MWBE’s (Minority and/or Women Owned Business Enterprise).
A wide range of companies attended the event from city and state agencies, to prime and subcontractors, to minority and women business enterprises. Attendees had the chance to network with companies such as Turner, Skanska, Cushman & Wakefield, SCA (School Construction Authority) and McKissack & McKissack, just to name a few.
The main purpose of the event was to expose individuals (members and non-members) to new connections within the business world.
President Quenia on Spectrum News InFocus
On November 24, 2019 President Quenia was presented on InFocus to discuss the daily challenges small business face. She’ll talk about those services, how they help, and what more needs to be done to help budding entrepreneurs and existing businesses.
Phase Two Guidance
The guidelines in the link below apply to non-essential businesses in regions that are permitted to reopen, essential businesses throughout the state that were previously permitted to remain open, and commercial and recreational activities that have been permitted to operate statewide with restrictions.
President Quenia on InFocus
On November 24, 2019 President Quenia went on News NY1 InFocus to discuss "The Battle to Keep Small Business Going."
New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce honors Women of Excellence at Fundraising Breakfast
The New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2019 NY Women of Excellence & ContractHer Fundraising Breakfast, on September 20, 2019 in Manhattan.
NYWCC honors Women of Excellence on September 20th
New York Women's Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Women of Excellence 2019
NYWCC Honors a Dozen Leaders at Annual Women of Excellence Awards
The New York Women's of Chamber celebrates & acknowledge 2019 honorees their hardworking
WED SEPTEMBER 19, 2018 - NATIONAL EDITION
New York Women's Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Women of Excellence 2018
NY Women’s Chamber Honors Trailblazers
The New York Women's Chamber of Commerce Honored the Accomplishments of Ten Remarkable Women And Commemorated NYWCC’S ‘SWEET 16’ Anniversary During The Annual Women Of Excellence Awards Ceremony On FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
Our Sponsors
The Women’s Chamber corporate sponsorship consists of Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, educational institutions and non-profit organizations.
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