The Queens Economic Development Corporation, which aims to help entrepreneurs, established business owners, home improvement contractors, minorities, immigrants and women, is introducing its fall lineup of online programs and services.
QEDC has partnered with Astorian, a local tech startup that allows building managers to obtain bids from qualified contractors and post needed repairs online, to launch a 10-hour Home Improvement Contractor Training (HICT).
HICT consists of two five-hour classes held on Oct. 3 and Oct. 4 beginning at 9 a.m. Tuition is $199.
The virtual course is led by an experienced teacher preparing participants to take the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs licensing exam.
Participants will learn about topics such as permits, licensing, development, liability, procurement and access to capital. Upon obtaining a license, HICT graduates will be able to use Astorian’s platform to promote their businesses, build relationships and get connected to jobs.
The Entrepreneurship Assistance Center is offering a 20-class, 60-hour course on how to create a business and earn revenue. Through EAC, aspiring and existing small business owners can learn about target markets, get validation for their ideas, and use data to create feasible business plans.
EAC also offers a network of professionals willing to offer technical assistance to solve individual financial, technology and legal problems.
All 20 classes will stream at a twice-a-week clip from October to December. For more information, contact Bhavna Punjwani at bpunjwani@queensny.org.
Additionally, QEDC is currently working with its sponsoring partners, the Queens Public Library and Resorts World Casino New York City, on a virtual format for the 14th annual Queens StartUP! Business Plan Competition.
The online classes are currently being scheduled. Interested participants can email info@queensny.org with “Queens StartUP!” in the subject headline to receive details as they develop. EAC participants can also enter the competition.
Furthermore, QEDC is continuing to offer M/WBE certification. Women and minorities who have been in business for at least a year can obtain a special designation that would give them priority for government contracts.
Online class will take place on the third Thursday of each month. For more information, contact Ricardi Calixte at rc@queensny.org.
Along the same lines, the Queens Women’s Business Center continues to help women start and improve their companies. Andrea Ormeño provides one-on-one counseling and presents workshops and networking opportunities, including the periodical Power Networking Breakfast, which usually attracts about 50 female entrepreneurs. Ormeño can be reached at aormeno@queensny.org.
MadeInQueens (aka MiQ) continues to promote local makers and manufacturers, sharing their stories, and providing opportunities for new and existing businesses to grow and flourish. The MiQ contact is Michael Gillen at mgillen@queensny.org.
Lastly, online and telephone counseling is available, and QEDC’s website (queensny.org) has resource documents and a video library with all the webinars related to the two recent ReBoot & ReStart programs.
