FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 25, 2020
QUEENS, N.Y. (May 25, 2020) – The Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation (RDRC) is continuing its commitment to the advancement and economic growth of Queens-based small businesses and professionals through the launch of a new initiative, Amplify Queens powered by Interise. The program, with the financial support of Santander Bank, is designed for Queens-based small business owners who want to get out of isolation, work on their business (not just in it), and get to the next level of growth. This is a seven-month program that plans to begin Fall 2020 and end in early Spring 2021. The program scheduled to take place at York College; however, due to COVID-19, the program is managed via Zoom every other Tuesday.
The foundation for this program lies in Interise’s StreetWise ‘MBA’™, a nationally recognized, award-winning curriculum designed to accelerate the growth of existing small businesses. The StreetWise ‘MBA’™ uses a peer-learning method to provide small business owners with the knowledge, know-how, and networks necessary to grow and scale. Industry experts, business peers, and the program’s instructor provide insights, strategies, motivation, and accountability. At the end of the program, participants walk away with a vetted individualized Strategic Growth Action Plan™ outlining the action steps required to achieve their business goals.
“Now, more than ever, the Streetwise ‘MBA’™ is necessary for business owners to navigate uncertainty,” stated RDRC President & CEO, Kevin Alexander. “The StreetWise ‘MBA’™ builds the capacity to manage and proactively respond to crisis by contributing to a business owner’s adaptability and creativity under pressure. Valued in excess of $10,000 per student, the Streetwise MBA Program will provide participants with the tools to advance their business operations, financial management, marketing and sales, human resources tactics, business strategy development, access to capital, and contract development. As New York State prepares to re-open our economy and our Queens-based businesses seek new revenue-generating opportunities such as the $17,000,000,000 JFK Expansion Project, we want to give them all the tools to not only survive but to thrive in a post-pandemic economy.”
“We are proud to partner with the Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation to support small businesses in Queens,” said Darell Byers, CEO of Interise. “Supporting small businesses for local job and wealth creation — that is our nation’s best COVID-19 response strategy.”
“As a longstanding small business resource and Southeast Queen’s community partner for over 30 years, the Small Business Development Center at York College is excited to be a contributing partner of the Amplify Queens Streetwise MBA Program” stated Harry Wells, Director of the SBDC at York College.
“I’ve had the good fortune to facilitate the Interise Streetwise MBA program for business owners in Brooklyn and the Bronx. It’s amazing to witness the transformation of small business owners and the resulting growth of their businesses. This is the opportune time for Queens businesses to have this great resource afforded to them. Why? There are opportunities that await them in their own backyard. They are standing on acres of diamonds! For those business owners who can see beyond the today of the Coronavirus and its perils to a vision of a better tomorrow filled with greater opportunities, the Streetwise MBA program will serve them well. It will be a catalyst for rebuilding, renewal, and expansion and enable them to gain a new perspective about their business, new ways to engage with their existing customers and pursue new customers, have a significant impact on their communities, and increase the profitability of their business,” stated Danielle Douglas, President, Inspire Enterprise Inc. and Facilitator of Amplify Queens powered by Interise program.
To learn more about the Amplify Queens Streetwise MGA Program and how to apply for the Fall 2020 course visit us at: Amplify Queens Streetwise MBA Program
Partners
The Amplify Queens program is the result of RDRC’s partnership with Interise, Santander Bank, York College, SBDC at York College, Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, SUNY EOC @ York College, and Inspire Enterprise Inc.