By Bill Parry
Registration is under way for a new business program launched by the Queens Economic Development Corp. The QEDC has teamed with the Emerald Isle Immigration Center, Queens Library and New York Community Trust to create the classes geared to helping immigrant business owners with an emphasis on financial literacy.
Beginning June 3, Ruth’s Ready for Bu$ine$$ will provide clients with English instruction that incorporates business terms. The agency plans to partner with local banks to offer incentives for students to open business accounts at the conclusion of the 60-hour program.
This will include up to $500 in matching funds to qualified students who open new accounts. “Small business owners face so many barriers to entry in New York City, so we’re happy to eliminate a few of them with one class that builds on some of our effective previous training courses,” Rob MacKay of the QEDC said.
Before the course begins, students will be screened to ensure that they have the basic skills in speaking and writing English. They must also demonstrate that they are, or soon will be, operating a small business.
Registration and interviews are scheduled between noon to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays through May 28 at the Emerald Isle Immigration Center, located at 59-26 Woodside Ave. in Woodside.
There is no fee for participation, and class size will be limited to 20 students. Classes will be held 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, June 3-25; July 1-30 and Aug. 5-6 at the Entrepreneur Space at 36-46 37th St., Long Island City.
“We named the program after Ruth Adel Torgerson Leffler, who donated money to our sponsor, The New York Community Trust, about three decades ago,” MacKay explained. “I think she’d be proud as she was from the Meyerose family, immigrants who parlayed their Queens farmland into substantial real estate holdings.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
