News from Westchester’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Featuring news, entrepreneur profiles, and mentorship and growth opportunities
Catalyst for Diversity: Pros & Contracts
Open to MWBEs, July 14 at New York Power Authority
 
If you own a MWBE and are interested in doing business with the County, we have the event for you! Join us on July 14 for our next Catalyst for Diversity event and meet with County Departments and New York Power Authority to find out how you can get access to contract opportunities.
Element 46 Alum ConConnect to Be Featured on PBS’ ‘Start Up’, Announces Investments from De-Carceration Fund and Juno Capital
 
ConConnect, the first professional networking platform for the formerly incarcerated that delivers a suite of tools providing a LinkedIn-style hiring experience, will be featured in an upcoming episode of the PBS program ‘Start Up’. An Element 46 alum founded by Andre Peart, ConConnect is revolutionizing reentry by connecting men and women returning from prison with services and employers instantly through technology. ConConnect’s vision is to reduce recidivism by 20 percent by 2030 through technology.
 
In addition, the company announced its most recent investors, the De-Carceration Fund and Juno Capital. In total, ConConnect has raised a $920,000 pre-seed round which also includes Overline VC and Techstars.
Free Program: 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.
Apply to Element 46 Today!
 
The Element 46 Tech Accelerator Powered by Cela is now accepting applications for its Fall 2022 cohort.

The accelerator offers a cutting-edge, structured program on how to scale your startup. Program curriculum will focus on general business acumen and create a foundation of knowledge you can apply to your businesses. Training will be tailored to where you are in your startup. Sessions include Customer Discovery, Marketing, Social Media, Developing Financial Projections, Pitching to Investors, etc.
 
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
Post-COVID Business Funding​
SBA
 
Date: July 12
Time: 12:00 PM
Video Marketing Strategies That Generate Engagement and Leads
SCORE Westchester

Date: July 12
Time: 1:00 PM
Catalyst for Diversity: Pros & Contracts
Westchester County Office of Economic Development
 
Date: July 14
Time: 9:00 AM
Ask an Expert - Retail Strategies that Address Supply Chain, Automated Technology, Social Commerce and More
SCORE Westchester
 
Date: July 14
Time: 1:00 PM
Profit and Purpose ’22: The WCA Sustainable Business Conference
Westchester County Association
 
Date: July 14
Time: 3:00 PM
Ask an Expert - Solutions to the Challenges of Rural Business Ownership
SCORE Westchester
 
Date: July 19
Time: 1:00 PM
Small Business Cybersecurity and Scam Defense Strategy Update for 2022-2023
SCORE
 
Date: July 21
Time: 1:00 PM
Reinventing Your Business
WEDC
 
Date: July 26
Time: 10:00 AM
Have entrepreneurial news or resources we should know about?
Drop us a line at Business-FIRST@westchestergov.com