“Encouraging and Supporting Low-Income Entrepreneurship in the Bronx"
A Center for an Urban Future Virtual Policy Symposium

Replay of the event

Given alarmingly high rates of unemployment in the Bronx and citywide, and with few new job openings on the horizon, entrepreneurship and self-employment could become an increasingly important pathway for low-income New Yorkers to earn income and provide for their families during the long road to economic recovery. But relatively few New Yorkers from low-income communities see entrepreneurship as a viable path, even in better economic times—and many who do aspire to start a business are stymied by the numerous obstacles along the way.

The first in CUF's five-borough forum series on encouraging and supporting low-income entrepreneurship, this event focused on what’s needed to support low-income entrepreneurs in the Bronx, and examine how to ensure that more of the New Yorkers from low-income backgrounds who do turn to entrepreneurship have the tools and resources to succeed. Our forum shined a light on that opportunity, featuring an in-depth discussion with Council Member Ritchie Torres and a panel of dynamic Bronx-based entrepreneurs from low-income backgrounds in conversation with local and national entrepreneurship experts.

Speakers included: 

• Council Member Ritchie Torres, New York City Council
• Majora Carter, President, Majora Carter Group
• Hector Castillo Carvajal, Founder, Don Carvajal Café
• Connie Evans, President & CEO, Association for Enterprise Opportunity
• Kerry McLean, Vice President of Community Development, WHEDco
• Joann Poe, Founder, NYC's Best Dressed Cupcakes

A video of the full discussion is available here.

This symposium is made possible through generous support from Santander. We are also grateful for general support from The Clark Foundation and the Bernard F. and Alva B. Gimbel Foundation, and ongoing support from a number of other philanthropic funders.