Unlock new opportunities with Growth Path, a business advisory service offering 40 hours of FREE expert advice and mentorship in Marketing, Financial Management, or Human Resources for Black and Hispanic-owned businesses in Harlem, Inwood, Washington Heights, and the South Bronx. In 2022, our diverse group of participants achieved remarkable results. Here's what they had to say: 100% highly recommend the program 62% anticipate an expansion in their staffing levels 38% expect to increase revenue or reduce operating costs If you've been in business for at least a year, have at least one employee, and generate $100K - $10M in annual revenue, apply today to take advantage of this opportunity. Get ready to take your business to the next level; apply to Growth Path. Growth Path is powered by Angie Hancock & Associates. Applications are due 9/15.

The Harlem Business Alliance (HBA), a 501(c)3 not-for-profit established in 1980, creates environments and opportunities that produce successful entrepreneurs and creates jobs for local residents. HBA is dedicated to enriching the local business community, with an emphasis on Black owned businesses through education, support and advocacy. They believe local businesses create better communities and we inspire Black entrepreneurs to grow their roots not just locally but globally. HBA’s history of successful business development and advocacy includes active involvement in the formation of the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone (UMEZ) and the Clinton Foundation’s creation of its Harlem Small Business Initiative. Our partnerships with UMEZ, TD Bank, the Harvard Business School Club of New York and Capital One Bank funded financial and business planning workshops. HBA is a US Treasury Certified CDE (Community Development Entity) and BBB Accredited Charity. Services Workshops HBA workshops teach basic business skills and provide vital information that businesses and individuals need to succeed in today’s business climate. One-on-One They provide One-on-One technical assistance from their subject matter experts in marketing, finance, business development and management, and IT to help starting or growing a business. Power Networking Events HBA Clients are in the room during events attended by representatives from the public and private sector including former Mayor Bloomberg and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, Assembly Member Inez Dickens, State Senator Brian Benjamin, Artimus Construction, and Airbnb. Patient Lending Their in-house microloan fund provides loans between $5k and $65k to qualified Harlem entrepreneurs. Combined with their on-going technical assistance and commitment to client’s success, HBA’s loan program has been instrumental in developing successful Harlem entrepreneurs.

The six-week program is designed to help empower, develop, and uplift multicultural business owners, will culminate in pitch competition. HARLEM, N.Y., Feb. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- M&T Bank's Harlem Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab, a six-week program designed to provide local entrepreneurs with guidance, education, and resources to help them start and grow businesses, is now accepting applications. The program is designed to empower, develop, and grow racially and ethnically diverse small businesses within the Harlem community. Registration is open at mtb.com/innovationlab. The program culminates in a pitch competition among program finalists, with first place earning a $16,000 prize, second receiving $12,000, and third receiving $7,000, all funded by M&T. Held in collaboration with Carver Federal Savings Bank, M&T's Harlem Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab will help participating entrepreneurs deepen their business expertise and gain insights into creating business plans, establishing credit, accessing capital, marketing, networking, and more. The Lab's mission is to offer an opportunity for multicultural businesses to increase their visibility, accelerate their business, achieve success, and increase M&T's engagement with multicultural business owners across its various markets. The six-week program will be held at the Harlem Commonwealth Council beginning Thursday, March 30, and will run every Thursday evening through May 4. "After the success of our other programs across the Northeast, we are thrilled to launch the Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab in Harlem," said Blair Ridder, M&T Bank New York City Regional President. "This program is an important step in M&T's work to encourage and support racially and ethnically diverse micro businesses in pursuing their dreams. As a community bank, we want to uplift and make a difference in Harlem and in all the communities we serve." Established and aspiring small-business owners who are interested in participating in the program must complete the online application by March 10. Acceptance will come on a rolling basis for entrepreneurs who meet the following criteria: Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian American, or other multicultural identities; In business no more than three years; and, Annual business revenue of $150,000 or less. Local Impact of Last Year's Program Since its first Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab in Buffalo in 2021, M&T has launched the program in additional communities including Harrisburg, Pa.; Bridgeport, Conn., and now Harlem. This growing initiative has enabled the bank to meet the unique needs of entrepreneurs while providing insights that have informed and differentiated M&T's approach to serving multicultural businesses. The bank plans to bring the program to even more cities in 2023. Brandon Ross, Chief Executive Officer of Pawsome Pet Products, enrolled in M&T Bank's Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab in Bridgeport last year, winning a $6,000 grant for his product, The Pawsome Pet Carrier. Continuing to grow in popularity, the pet carrier now has a patent pending. "Thanks to M&T Bank's Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab, I can successfully and confidently describe my business, understand my shortcomings, as well as what I need to learn to better position my company for success," Ross said. "This is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to learn skills, access resources, and receive guidance to get their idea and business to the next level." The Curriculum and Pitch Competition During the six-week Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab, small-business owners attend weekly two-hour sessions to learn fundamentals such as effective business planning, establishing credit, and gaining exposure to expert-level skills like presenting to investors, understanding business valuation, and building impactful brands. The program will conclude with a pitch competition that will award a total of $35,000 of funding, split between three winners. Winning businesses are determined by several factors, including the market or community needs the business addresses, the effectiveness of its business plan, its ability to adapt, and its potential for growth and community impact. "Investing in multicultural entrepreneurs is one of the most meaningful and powerful actions we can take to help our communities achieve financial empowerment and keep growing stronger," said David Femi, head of M&T Bank's Multicultural Banking & Diverse Market Strategy. "Our team at M&T Bank is looking forward to continuing to help business leaders access new skills, resources, and connections through initiatives like our Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab." For more information or to apply for the Harlem Innovation Lab, visit mtb.com/innovationlab.

Happy Black History Month, Harlem! Year long, we celebrate Black history & current Black excellence. This month we’re highlighting masters of business, curators of culture, and community champions in Harlem. You can view and learn about the icons we're celebrating on our Instagram page. Sylvia’s Restaurant, the “The Queen of Soul Food” Voza Rivers, Chairman of the Harlem Arts Alliance Thelma Golden, Director and Chief Curator of The Studio Museum in Harlem View more of the Harlemites who are making Black history here. Let us know those who you admire in the community in the comments. Follow the #HarlemisBlackHistory hashtag to keep up with our features. In 2021, we celebrated past and present artists in Harlem, who through their art – words, paintbrushes and music have documented Black Culture. We highlighted such artists as Billie Holiday, Kwame Brathewaite, and Dianne Smith. See our article listing how Harlem experienced Black History Month here. Refer to our Guide to Black Harlem to support Black businesses & learn more about the rich history of our home. Taste, hear, see, shop and EXPERIENCE Harlem. You can support in multiple categories: arts & culture, clothing and accessories, food and drink, fitness, gift shops and more. Like, love, & share this listing with your fellow Harlemites.

The Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund is kicking off recruiting for their sixth cohort of Opportunity for Growth - a FREE business education program designed to accelerate the growth of businesses owned by women and entrepreneurs of color. This four-month entrepreneurial experience utilizes the nationally recognized and award-winning Interise Streetwise 'MBA curriculum. The curriculum covers finance, marketing, government contracting, human resources, and much more! Program Benefits: Achieve immediate results as you create your customized three-year Strategic Growth Action Plan™ Explore your business through live case studies in intimate, interactive classes with fellow entrepreneurs and business experts. Connect with fellow business-minded peers with similar growth challenges through peer-mentoring and accountability sessions. Get advice from finance, marketing, government contracting, and human resources experts. Receive continued support from our alumni network of more than 8,000 graduates. Receive a $2,000 implementation grant upon successful completion of course requirements. Space is limited for applicants who meet the following criteria: Businesses operating for at least three years $100K - $10M in revenue At least 1 full-time employee Located in Upper Manhattan, Harlem, Inwood, Washington Heights, or the Bronx Classes will be held virtually. Apply to their FREE entrepreneurship program by January 16th

Who else feels like Harlem is its own borough? We don't need to tell you that 125th Street has it ALL. Our street vendors are such a huge part of what makes our neighborhood special. Supporting Harlem and supporting Black business is not a trend and will never go out of style. From eyewear to healing crystals to hand-sewn bags, here are some vendors that you should patronize*: EYEWEAR Brand: EENY CRYSTALS MUSIC CLOTHNG & ACCESSORIES Brand: BUCALEANY (Be Unique Cool And Lean New York) Refer to our Guide to Black Harlem to support Black businesses & learn more about the rich history of our home. Taste, hear, see, shop and EXPERIENCE Harlem. You can support in multiple categories: arts & culture, clothing and accessories, food and drink, fitness, gift shops and more. Like, love, & share this listing with your fellow Harlemites.

There’s no need to travel outside of Harlem to discover the perfect gift this holiday season. With scores of local entrepreneurs, small businesses, artists and artisans, there’s no better place to shop! Although this season is unlike any other prior, gift giving is still a tradition we can uphold to stay in good spirits. Show love to our community while making a loved one smile. Apollo Gift Shop 253 W 125th Street , www.apollotheater.shop Grab everything you need to show your Harlem pride, from afro picks to timepieces. Use the promo code Holiday2022 to save 15% now through December 31. Harlem Haberdashery 245 Lenox Ave, 646 707 0070, www.harlemhaberdashery.com Just stepping inside of Harlem Haberdashery is an experience worth savoring. The retail expression of 5001 Flavors almost exclusively features unique designs; and inventory ranges from unique Ts to more bespoke accessories, like the fast selling two-tone scarf, which can dress up any look. Flamekeepers Hat Club 212 531 3542, www.flamekeepershatclub.com The chapeau is a fine expression of style and cool, and at Flamekeepers, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for the modern man (or woman) in your orbit! Stop here to impress those for whom good taste is a must. The Brownstone 24 E 125th St, 212-996-7980, www.thebrownstonewoman.com The Brownstone dresses women for the important moments in her life with ethnically-inspired fashions like leather trimmed shawls or funky jewelry that are sure to be conversation starters. There are also one-of-a-kind gifts for home and special holiday cards, too. Hrlm Girl https://hrlmgirlapparel.com/ Have a friend who is proud to be born and raised in Harlem? Help them represent Harlem with apparel from Hrlm Girl. From masks to hoodies to tees saying “Made in Harlem”, give the gift of Harlem pride this season. Harlem Chocolate Factory 2363 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., www.harlemchocolatefactory.com Who wouldn’t love a chocolate bonbon in their holiday stocking?  The Harlem Chocolate Factory is an artisan chocolate company based in Harlem where we convey the cultural experiences of Harlem through chocolate. Harlem Underground 2217 Frederick Douglass Blvd, 212 987 9385, www.harlemunderground.com A Harlem staple for almost 20 years, Harlem Underground has a bevy of hats, t-shirts, jackets and sweatshirts that are sure to please even those hard to please teens. From black superheroes to jazz legends, HU is a mainstay because of its contemporary and quirky products. Hempsville Harlem 2384 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, www.hempsvilleharlem.com Their mission is to pave the way for a line of excellent CBD wellness products that promote a healthy body and strong mind. We are committed to producing safe, reliable, and effective products using the hemp plant the way nature intended. Gift baskets filled with CBD infused teas, oils, bath bombs and more are available. Frederick Benjamin https://shop.frederickbenjamin.com/collections Men’s grooming brand for men of color, developed a regimen of products to help every man sculpt his best self, no matter his style. Give the gift of grooming, looking good and feeling good. Junny www.junny.nyc Junny’s designs are carefully curated. The designer creates fluid, vibrant, custom, limited edition & one of a kind pieces. Each piece is a tribute to the sight, sounds, style and vibrancy of my hood, Harlem, NYC. Ruth Nathan’s ruthnathans.com Ruth Nathan’s creates joy by helping you express your need for distinctive looks with bow ties, face masks, and more. MY PRIDE: Mastering Life’s Daily Performance www.altonfitzgeraldwhite.com You’ll want to gift this book to someone who needs inspiration. Drawing on his own life and career and the rich lore of The Lion King, Alton Fitzgerald White, Broadway’s longest running “King,” delivers his message of service — taking responsibility for and deriving happiness from commonplace achievements — as a philosophy that anyone can get through each day with satisfaction, pride and a sense of accomplishment. SoHarlem Designer Pop Up 471 W 126th St, www.soharlem.org Keep fashion local this holiday season and help SoHarlem make the case for in person shopping in Harlem. Experience the individual pop-up shops of their collective of designers. GIFT FOR KIDS Ground the children in your life with unique, culturally-diverse gifts that can’t be found anywhere else. Grandma’s Place 84 W 120th St, https://www.grandmasplaceinharlem.com/  It is a toy and children’s book lovers’ dream come true in this enchanting, old-fashioned store. Dolls, stuffed animals and action figures, wooden puzzles, games, books, puppets, activities and more, all hand selected and curated by Grandma herself, a 40+ year experienced retired Teacher of the Year award winner. K Schomburg Center Gift Shop 515 Lenox Ave, 917 275 6975, www.nypl.org/locations/schomburg The Schomburg gift shop features all sorts of sweet chotskies for children drawing from an extensive selection of books through young adult reading levels, to culturally reflective dolls, posters, pins and buttons. K, M, W, H GIFTS FOR HOME Whether it’s for your own home during the holidays, your best Martha Stewart/B.Smith-esque bud or hostess gift, the following shops have you covered: NiLu 191 Lenox Ave, 646 984 4926, www.shopnilu.com There’s literally something for everyone at Nilu, but we’ll focus on home. Find everything from framed original photography or collages from local artists, culturally reflective dinner wear, funky pillows and candles, or even disco ball ornaments for your trees. Proprietor Katrina Parris Pinn’s taste is unparalleled and your home finds here will be coveted by one and all. H, M, W, K, P Wines by Mozel 2254 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd , https://www.winesbymozel.com Tis the season to toast with family and friends. Purchase Wines by Mozel’s curated Black-owned wine box with a box Rose wines, white wines, or a mixture. Serengeti Teas & Spices www.serengetiteasandspices.com At the forefront of African tea gastronomy, Serengeti crafts unique botanical blends, sea salts and the loveliest tea sets in glass or cast iron. A Zen moment isn’t far away. Harlem Candle Company https://www.harlemcandlecompany.com/ Your home can be filled with beautiful scents that celebrate the Harlem Renaissance. Harlem Candle Company crafts candles, fragrances, diffusers and sprays that tell a story while taking you on an olfactory journey. Enhance your space while creating a sense, literally, of comfort and luxury. HH Bespoke Spirits www.hhbespokespirits.com Not into cooking but have to contribute to the holiday meal? Impress your guests with beautifully crafted bespoke spirits, perfect mixer for cocktails or refreshing alone. Find a Harlem retailer near you here. Soular Powered etsy.com/shop/soularpowered Share season’s greetings with African American holidays cards to wish everyone love, peace and joy. Ma Smith’s Dessert Cafe 2380 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd, masmithdessertcafe.com Sweet things come small packages, and Ma Smith’s Dessert Cafe would know. Pick up cakes and cobblers, individually wrapped cupcakes for serving small groups or gift giving. You’ve got to try the sweet potato cheesecake! H Make My Cake 409 W 125th, www.makemycake.com Cakes, pies and pastries are probably the last things you want to cook this holiday. Have Make My Cake, make your holiday treat specials without the hassle. Reserve your pastries today. Barbara’s Flowers 2522 Frederick Douglass Blvd, www.barbarasflowershop.net Bring a traditional holiday centerpiece or modern arrangements for a fun surprise. Barbara's Flower Shop can deliver! View here. H Franz James Floral Boutique 2114 Frederick Douglass Blvd, www.fjfloral.com Holiday time is the perfect time to decorate your home, offices and other special spaces with beautiful festive floral arrangements! Click here. H Ho! Ho! Ho! from us at EXPERIENCE HARLEM —Harlem doesn’t have a St. Nicholas Avenue for nothing, you know.

Come experience the individual pop-up shops of SoHarlem's collective of designers now through December 22nd at The Malt House, 471 W 126th St.

Harlem Holiday Hacks are back to save the Thanksgiving! Holiday planning doesn't have to be stressful. Choose a shortcut or two or three to make this season a little more special & worry free. DECOR Barbara’s Flowers Bring a traditional Thanksgiving centerpiece or modern arrangements for a fun surprise this holiday. Barbara's Flower Shop can deliver! View here. Franz James Floral Boutique Holiday time is the perfect time to decorate your home, offices and other special spaces with beautiful festive floral arrangements! Click here. DRINKS Wines By Mozel Pair your meal with Wines by Mozel. Try their curated Black-owned wine box with a box Rose wines, white wines, or a mixture. Browse selection here. HH Bespoke Spirits Not into cooking but have to contribute to the holiday meal? Impress your guests with beautifully crafted bespoke spirits, perfect mixer for cocktails or refreshing alone. Find a Harlem retailer near you here. MEALS Red Rooster Red Rooster family welcomes yours on Thanksgiving Day. Make your reservation or place your pre-order for their A La Carte Menu with Holiday Additions and DJ OR Thanksgiving Holiday Buffet for $60.00 per person with live music. Contact info@redroosterharlem.com for more details. View menu. Renaissance Harlem Skip meal prep, you can order a 20 pound turkey, potatoes, cranberry sauce, bread studding, mixed vegetables and haricot vert to impress your family this season. Call 646-838-7604 to order and schedule your meal to-go. Reverence Order your meal kit now, while supplies last. Reverence ChefsGiving Vol. 3: Local Heritage Turkey to finish cooking, all the "fixins", appetizer, sides and dessert. Paired wines and additional amazing curated options to make your day easy, seamless. More info here. Spoonbread Too Does pumpkin bisuqe or brussel sprouts with orange zest and walnuts or giblet gravy sound appealing? Choose from a three course pre-fix meal at $55 per person or packages with the works to feed 4-8 people starting at $299. Details here. Sylvia's Dine-in or at-home the Sylvia's way. They are offering 2 dine-in options: at la carte and familty style. The 2 at-home options: family meal menu and pick-up pacakage. See full menu and details here. PASTRIES Make My Cake Cakes, pies and pastries are probably the last things you want to cook this holiday. Have Make My Cake, make your holiday treat specials without the hassle.  Reserve pastries today. Ma Smith’s Dessert Cafe Bring a Holiday Box to your gathering. They’re $ 35.00 and are available now. Desserts that are included are: 1 pie or cobbler, 2 cupcakes, 1 cinnamon roll, 4 small cookies or 2 large cookies. See box here. Sweet Chef Southern Styles Bakery Google voted the Sweet Chef’s sweet potato pie the #1 BEST in NYC. Bring the best to your holiday gathering. Address: 122 Hamilton Pl. Refer to our Guide to Black Harlem to support Black businesses & learn more about the rich history of our home. Taste, hear, see, shop and EXPERIENCE Harlem. You can support in multiple categories: arts & culture, clothing and accessories, food and drink, fitness, gift shops and more. Like, love, & share this listing with your fellow Harlemites.

Join Sugar Hill Children’s Museum for their first annual museum benefit! Evoking the power of play, [press] Play will be a festive evening for adults to explore exhibitions, storytelling prompts and interactive arts activities throughout our 17,000 sq ft state-of-the-art Museum. Funds raised will directly support the Museum’s mission-driven arts-education initiatives and contemporary art exhibitions. Wednesday, June 13, 2018 6:00 – 9:00PM Honoring SHOLA LYNCH Filmmaker & Curator Sound Curator J. PERIOD Producer of The Hamilton Mixtape This inaugural benefit celebrates the Museum’s unique focus. “As the City’s only children’s museum rooted in the principles of social justice, we stress that making the world a better place is the result of collective action. With colorful cues for meeting someone new, our benefit has been devised to revel in the fact that successfully working together is triggered by a fabulous time playing together,” shares Lauren Kelley, Director and Chief Curator. BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY! Can’t make it? Please consider making a donation here.