News from Westchester’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Featuring news, entrepreneur profiles, and mentorship and growth opportunities
ConConnect Celebrates National Launch, $300K Investment
 
Element 46 alum ConConnect recently celebrated its national launch and a $300K investment towards its pre-seed round from Overline VC. ConConnect, the first professional networking platform for the formerly incarcerated, is revolutionizing reentry by connecting men and women returning from prison with services and employers instantly through technology.
 
Are you a Westchester employer interested in Fair Chance Hiring? Contact ConConnect via their website or Deborah Novick, director of entrepreneurship and innovation for Westchester County, at DNovick@westchestergov.com.
Are You an Artist? Showcase Your Work at
Makers Market at Ridge Hill

Calling all local makers, crafters and artisans! Every weekend from now until June 26, Ridge Hill will host a pop-up shopping experience, Makers Market, between 12 PM – 6 PM. If you are interested in participating and showcasing your craft, contact Carol Ward (a Launch1000 alum) at outsidethelinesgallery@gmail.com
Experts Wanted!
Looking for Subject Matter Experts for Launch1000

As part of Launch1000, 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.
Element 46 Alum Holmes Cay Rum
Takes Gold at World Spirits Competition

Holmes Cay Barbados 2012 Port Cask recently took home gold at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Holmes Cay is an alum of Element 46.
 
Founded in 2000, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is one of the oldest and largest competitions of its kind.
Volunteers Needed to 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.
Economic Development Week

It’s Economic Development Week! Our office works to improve the County’s economic well-being and quality of life. This includes a broad range of activities to attract, create and retain jobs, and to foster a resilient, pro-growth and inclusive economy. For information on the County, our priority business sectors, skills training opportunities, programs for businesses and entrepreneurs and more, visit our website.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Asian Heritage Month:
Empower Your Business with Government Program
SBA
 
Date: May 16, 2022
Time: 2:00 PM
Business Plan Writing
SBA
 
Date: May 18, 2022
Time: 10:30 AM
Marketing Strategies with Neuro-Marketing Strategies
SBA
 
Date: May 18, 2022
Time: 11:30 AM
Supply Chain Lessons: Best Practices for Small Manufacturers
WEDC
 
Date: May 23, 2022
Time: 6:00 PM
Westchester Works Child Care Scholarship Webinar
Westchester County & Child Care Council of Westchester
 
Date: May 24, 2022
Time: 9:00 AM
You Created a Business Plan, Now What?
SCORE Westchester
 
Date: May 24, 2022
Time: 1:00 PM
How to Find Grant Opportunities for Your Small Business
SCORE Westchester
 
Date: May 31, 2022
Time: 1:00 PM
Have entrepreneurial news or resources we should know about?
Drop us a line at Business-FIRST@westchestergov.com