This program is hosted by our partner, Asset Funders Network , who has extended an invitation to PNY members.
Across the U.S., immigrants establish businesses at significantly higher rates than non-immigrants. One study, co-authored by a Massachusetts Institute of Technology economist, found that “immigrants are about 80 percent more likely to found a firm.” In fact, in New York City alone, immigrants are more than twice as likely as native-born residents to start their own business and comprise nearly half of the city’s small businesses, representing a critical economic engine for the city. From the smallest micro business, like New York City’s street vendors, to larger businesses and even cooperatives, immigrant entrepreneurs encounter significant and specific challenges and risks in establishing, sustaining, and growing their businesses. Lack of access to capital, linguistic exclusion, and lack of familiarity with business support structures combined with anti-immigrant rhetoric call for focused support from non-profit and philanthropic communities to improve the way we work with, support, and invest in immigrant small & micro businesses.
What will you learn?
- How grant makers can support immigrant small and micro businesses in a variety of meaningful ways from investments made to businesses for inventory development, client services, working capital generally, other operational and/or hiring needs and targeted technical assistance
- How philanthropic investments can provide support for sectors rich with immigrant workers and business leaders, as well as funding to contribute toward narrative change and policy and legal work
Who should attend?
This is a funder only discussion open to philanthropic foundations, financial institutions, community development financial institutions (CDFIs), credit unions, United Ways, and public sector funders. Specific focus on the New York City region.
Speakers
- Eben Sheaffer, CFO, Inclusiv
- Rosa Franco, Vice President of Lending, Inclusiv
- Carina Kaufman-Gutierrez, Deputy Director, Street Vendor Project at the Urban Justice Center
- Julia Jean-Francois, LCSW, PhD, Co-Executive Director, Center for Family Life in Sunset Park
- Cecilia Cortes Vila, (moderator) SPO, Economic Security & Justice, New York Women’s Foundation
How do you sign up?
In - Person Program: 10:30 AM to 12 PM
Registration is required by April 11th. If you have any accessibility requests or questions, please email Paula Dworek at paula@assetfunders.org.
Members and Non-Member Funders: Please click on the "Register Now" link above.
Please note: To ensure fairness among our members, we reserve the right to limit the number of attendees per organization for select professional development programs.
Please email register@philanthropynewyork.org with any questions.
