News from Westchester’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Featuring news, entrepreneur profiles, and mentorship and growth opportunities
Launch1000 Grads Named ‘Rising Stars’ by
The Business Council of Westchester 
 
Two of our very own Launch1000 graduates were recently named to The Business Council of Westchester’s Rising Stars - 40 Under 40 list for 2022.
 
Marion Henson is the founder of Bloom Healthy, an organic grocery pop-up providing affordable fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, and herbs in or around communities with limited or no access to organic produce. Thursday, July 14, marks the one year anniversary of Bloom Healthy’s Farm Stand Pop Ups.
 
Donald Stevens is the CEO & Co-founder of A Better Wash LLC, a mobile green car detailing service that was started with the hopes to mentor the next generation. Through A Better Wash, more than 50 young men have had life changing experiences while learning good work ethic and earning money.
Element 46 Accepting Applications
Tech Startups, Mentors, Investors
 
The Westchester County Office of Economic Development recently announced a partnership with Cela Innovation to relaunch Element 46 as a Tech Accelerator. The new program is known as the Element 46 Tech Accelerator Powered by Cela and is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2022 cohort. Interested tech startups can apply here.
 
In addition, Element 46 is also accepting applications for mentors, who will provide startups their expertise, time and support, as well as investors interested in participating in Pitch Day. Click here to apply or send an email to Info@Element46.org for more information.

A virtual information session is scheduled for July 28, 2022, at 5PM. Register.
Financial Wellness for Small Business
 
This 10-week program from SUNY Westchester White Plains Education & Training Center will provide instruction to small business owners who are seeking to be approved for business loans. The objective is to assist small businesses in the creation of a sound financial plan for their business, improving their opportunity for success. The program will also address strategies to repair the business owner’s credit score (if applicable). Eligibility: Applicants must be seeking a business loan to qualify.
 
Next Sessions:
English Session: August 3 - October 5, 2022, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Spanish Session: August 3 - October 5, 2022, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
 
For more info and eligibility requirements, call 914-606-7558 or email wpetc@sunywcc.edu.
Do You Own a Small Business? Check Your Eligibility
for COVID-19 Capital Cost Tax Credit Program
 
Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced the opening of the initial intake tool to help small businesses determine their eligibility for the COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program. The $250 million COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program will support small businesses that made investments to comply with emergency orders and regulations or to increase public safety in response to COVID-19. If deemed eligible by the screening tool, a link to the application will be provided when the program application opens.
 
Click here for more information and to access the screening tool.
Looking for Subject Matter Experts for Launch1000 Program

As part of the Launch1000 program, the Westchester County Office of Economic Development is looking for subject matter experts who are open to recording 30-minute educational sessions on various topics that can help Launchers as they work to start their business ventures.
 
Topics include:
Sales and Marketing
  • Online Marketing
  • Social Media: Instagram
  • Social Media: LinkedIn
  • Hiring a Sales Rep or Sales Staff
  • Improving Landing Page Conversions
  • A Great Website
 
Prototype Skill Building
  • Canva/Graphics/Photography
  • PowerPoint
  • Making a Video
  • Hosting an Online Workshop as a Prototype
  • Creating a Physical Prototype
 
Interested volunteers can contact Deborah Novick, director of entrepreneurship and innovation for Westchester County, at DNovick@westchestergov.com.
Help Entrepreneurs Enhance Digital Literacy
& Computer Skills

Are you, or someone you know, willing to share their skills, knowledge and time to help Launch1000 participants improve their computer skills and enhance their digital literacy? We have some Launchers who could benefit from your assistance as they start their journey to launch a new venture. To learn more about this opportunity, email 
Business-First@westchestergov.com with Launch1000 in the subject line.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SBA Hour with Veterans
SBA
 
Date: July 15
Time: 11:00 AM
Be Your Own Boss!
WEDC

Date: July 18
Time: 12:00 PM
Get More Leads from Your Website
SCORE Westchester
 
Date: July 19
Time: 12:00 PM
Ask an Expert - Solutions to the Challenges of Rural Business Ownership
SCORE Westchester
 
Date: July 19
Time: 1:00 PM
Keeping Secrets: Non-Disclosure Agreements for Small Business
Harlem Community Development Corporation
 
Date: July 20
Time: 10:00 AM
Small Business Cybersecurity and Scam Defense Strategy Update for 2022-2023
SCORE
 
Date: July 21
Time: 1:00 PM
Mentor Information Session
Element 46

Date: July 25
Time: 5:00 PM
Reinventing Your Business
WEDC
 
Date: July 26
Time: 10:00 AM
Alumni Gathering
Element 46
 
Date: July 27
Time: 5:00 PM
Information Session for Founders
Element 46

Date: July 28
Time: 5:00 PM
Have entrepreneurial news or resources we should know about?
Drop us a line at Business-FIRST@westchestergov.com