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March 10, 2022
Dear Business Owner,
With spring upon us this month’s newsletter includes information about workshops, financial relief, opportunities and permit requirements.
 The New Rochelle Downtown Business Improvement District (NRBID) kicked off “New Rochelle Downtown Restaurant APPRECIATION Week”, a community-focused program where customers can show their love and support for local restaurants.
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Did you know that you could have seating on the sidewalk outside your restaurant?
You would need:
- At least 10 ft between the building and curb so you can include a clear walkway for pedestrians
- Insurance listing the City of New Rochelle as additional insured
- A drawing showing your proposed layout
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New Rochelle Featured Business Program
New Rochelle announces a new program highlighting “featured businesses”. ALL New Rochelle businesses are invited to apply. Those qualifying will be promoted by the City online and in our marketing. This designation reflects each business' commitment to helping make New Rochelle ideal for residents and visitors.
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Starting a business? Launch1000 can help test your idea! Application period now open
Launch1000 is now accepting applications for its 2022 cohort. The application period will close on April 15 and all new Launchers will begin the program during the four weeks of April. This year's program includes a Dual Language cohort (English/Spanish), which will begin on April 18.
Launch1000 was established in 2020 in response to the significant economic disruption caused by COVID-19, with the goal of enabling 1,000 Westchester residents to start a business or develop an income stream for themselves and their families.
The program is designed to help residents evaluate an idea, test it with potential customers and see if it seems likely to success. During 2021, more than 200 Launchers completed the program and most have launched their ventures.
Intro to Launch1000 Information Sessions
The Westchester County Office of Economic Development will hold weekly virtual information sessions for Launch1000 in both English and Spanish.
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NYS grants, tax credits, and technical assistance programs for businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic
New York State’s small businesses reimagine, rebuild and renew. Find out more about the Business Pandemic Recovery Initiative programs—including $800 million in state funding for small businesses.
All Programs for Economic Relief
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How She Started It: Three Entrepreneurs Share Their Stories
March 14, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
In honor of Women's History Month, WEDC is co-sponsoring: How She Started It: Three Entrepreneurs Share Their Stories. Learn how three successful entrepreneurs launched and grew their businesses.
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Video 101: How to Use Video to Market Your Business
March 15 @ 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Learn why video content is the most powerful digital marketing material you should be focused on. Gain insights on the types of videos that will engage your audience.
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(Spanish) Evento Anual de Networking 2022 – Virtual – Gratis
March 15 @ 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Regístrate, Conecta y Celebra. Únete a WEDC, al banco HSBC y a la Biblioteca Pública de White Plains y aprovecha esta oportunidad para conocer y conectar virtualmente con otros emprendedores y dueños de pequeños negocios y celebremos juntos en este año 2022 la resiliencia de los emprendedores hispanos. Cupos Limitados. ¡Regístrate Hoy Mismo!
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Video 101: Ready Your Spotlight for Instagram Reels & YouTube
March 22 @ 6:00 - 8:00 pm
In this session you will learn about two popular video formats/platforms, Instagram Reels and YouTube, and how to leverage them for greater online visibility.
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 3 Tax-Saving Secrets Every Company Needs to Know Today!
March 17 @ 1:00pm
In this webinar, you will learn how to select the ideal tax credit for your business, and see what you qualify for.
How to Engage your Customers and Maximize Sales Success
March 31 @ 1:00pm
Steve Goldstein will share his proven strategies to help you engage with your customers to increase sales and grow your business.
Krave restaurant featured in Westchester Magazine for National Pancake Day
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New Rochelle business owners reflect on the impact of COVID-19
LoHud reporter Jeanne Muchnick takes a look back and forward with Alvin & Friends, Dubrovnik, Eden Wok, Mickey Dubbs
Read LoHud Article
In some ways, restaurant owners say it feels like the shutdown happened yesterday. In other ways, it feels like forever ago.
While all of the nation's restaurants were closed for a time during the pandemic, these in New Rochelle were the very first to be impacted. Like others in the industry, all learned to adapt to quickly changing times just to survive. So where are they now?
"To be in the restaurant business, you always had to be nimble," said Alvin Clayton, who owns Alvin & Friends. "This pandemic proved that."
Matija Zarek of Dubrovnik added a second backyard patio, which ended up being a lifesaver when outdoor dining resumed. Takeout has been a positive change for others, some of which never did food-to-go before the pandemic.
"We were just starting to come back after delta when omicron hit and business fell off again," said Eden Wok's Berkowitz, who is trying to be optimistic, but finding it difficult. "I'm still waiting for people to want to dine in again."
At Mickey Dubb's, Michael Weissman is also feeling the pinch. In the last six months, everything from the price of cups to toppings have risen at his custard and dessert shop. "I'm bearing the increase in the other costs, but I don't know how long I can keep doing that," he said.
New Rochelle's mayor is also optimistic. "I’m grateful that a great majority of restaurants, through their own creative efforts and also by availing themselves of local and national assistance, have managed to survive and now have an opportunity to look ahead to better days,"
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2nd Anniversary "Grand Opening" for Feel it Healthy Spot
Feel It Healthy Spot began with low-calorie protein and energy drinks and has expanded their menu to include delicious low-calorie protein donuts and waffles.
During the height of the pandemic, Feel It Healthy Spot created a donation program for free protein/energy drinks for first responders and healthcare workers and most recently was a donation center for the NRPD’s Operation Blue Santa.
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Sincerely,
Mariana Jusufaj
Minority Business Liaison
Mjusufaj@newrochelleny.com 914-654-2193
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