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Dominican University, M&T Bank, and BRIDGES Partner to Fuel Startups in Lower Hudson Valley
BUSINESS NEWS
Three key players in the fields of education, banking, and nonprofit support have teamed up in Rockland County to launch a pioneering initiative aimed at supporting aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those from underserved communities. Dominican University, M&T Bank, and BRIDGES are working together to provide the tools and resources necessary for success in the startup landscape.
Carlos Martinez, CEO of BRIDGES, expressed excitement over the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with M&T and Dominican University to offer a robust small business development curriculum to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those who can greatly benefit from mentorship and compassionate guidance.” BRIDGES is dedicated to helping individuals overcome various disabilities and societal barriers, working against stigma and the often unspoken prejudice of low expectations.
Part One: “Unlocking Small Business Potential” Seminar
The initiative’s first step is a half-day seminar titled “Unlocking Small Business Potential,” scheduled for Friday, September 8 at Dominican University. This session is designed to empower participants with the vital knowledge and skills to start and grow successful small businesses. Industry experts, seasoned entrepreneurs, and skilled business mentors will provide participants with practical insights, hands-on advice, and examples from real-world experiences.
The seminar will cover essential topics like business planning, marketing strategies, financial management, and navigating regulatory hurdles. Individuals with disabilities, minority, veteran, and formerly-incarcerated business owners, and anyone interested in starting a business are encouraged to register for this enriching session, running from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Part Two: Small Business Incubator and Competition to Fuel Startups
Attendees of the “Unlocking Small Business Potential” seminar can further their entrepreneurial journey by enrolling in a six-week accelerated incubator and competition. This vigorous program is designed to give hands-on guidance and mentorship, allowing participants to refine business concepts, craft business plans, and grasp a nuanced understanding of market trends.
During the incubator, participants will take part in a case competition, presenting their innovative solutions to a discerning panel of industry experts and community-based investors. This competition is not just an evaluative exercise; it’s an opportunity for participants to obtain essential feedback, secure seed funding, and gather vital resources to launch their business ventures.
The course will convene on Wednesday evenings (6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.) at Dominican University’s campus. With enrollment beginning in August and limited to 40 aspiring entrepreneurs, participants will also have the chance to earn credit toward an undergraduate or graduate degree. For further details, interested individuals can reach out to DUNY faculty member Matt Schiering at matt.schiering@duny.edu.
Part Three: Opportunity to Enroll in Dominican University’s MBA or MSOLC Programs
The collaboration between Dominican University, M&T Bank, and BRIDGES extends further, offering participants the chance to enroll in either Dominican University’s renowned AACSB-accredited Master of Business Administration (MBA) or M.S. in Organizational Leadership & Communication (MSOLC) programs. Designed to cultivate advanced business acumen, leadership finesse, and global insight, these programs are tailored to meet the demands of today’s multifaceted business world.
Through this initiative, budding entrepreneurs can gain a comprehensive educational base, enriched by valuable networking possibilities and guidance from industry authorities. This unique partnership ensures that participants are well-prepared to navigate the complex business landscape, equipping them with the resources and mentorship vital to their entrepreneurial success.
“M&T Bank is deeply committed to fostering the development of emerging leaders in our community, and we are honored to support this program that fuels startups,” stated Tyre Robinson, M&T Bank’s Tarrytown Regional President.
Registration for the “Unlocking Small Business Potential” seminar has commenced and is limited to 100 participants. To secure a spot, interested individuals can visit www.BridgesRC.org. The registration fee is set at $98, with provisions for waivers available upon request for those facing economic hardships and/or disabilities. For detailed information about enrolling in Dominican University’s MBA program, please explore https://www.duny.edu/mba/.
August 2023 FREE Webinars
All provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration
Attention Rockland County Businesses!
Register today for these FREE SBA webinars!
Wednesday 8/9/2023 9:30am – 11:00am
(SBA and LaGuardia Community College SBDC)
“B2B Roundtable: Digital and Traditional Marketing”
Register Here
Thursday 8/10/2023 9:30am – 10:30am
(SBA and CNPP LISC)
“Access to Capital”
Register Here
Wednesday 8/16/2023 11:00am – 12:00pm
(SBA and Flushing Library)
“Starting a Business at 50+”
Zoom Link: https://queenslibrary-org.zoom.us/j/82100012622?pwd=dnV1Uk1DNERFYXdLdVhmblJhSE1zZz09#success
Meeting ID: 821 0001 2622, Passcode: 0816
Thursday 8/24/2023 9:30am – 10:30am
(SBA and LaGuardia Community College SBDC)
“Starting a Business at 50+”
Register Here
Summer Networking Party
The Pearl River Chamber is hosting a Chamber Alliance networking event and you are invited!
Saloon – 45-49 W Central Ave, Pearl River
August 29th
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Light Assortment of Appetizers Provided by the Saloon!
Cash Bar
Members of any Chamber as well as the public are invited to attend and network with local businesses.
Please register for the event in advance here
$10 online prior to August 29
$15 cash at the door
This is in order to determine approximate headcount
NYS Senator Bill Weber Visits Rockland Chambers of Commerce
MONTEBELLO, NY – In a recent virtual meeting with the Rockland Chamber Alliance, New York State Senator Bill Weber (R,C 38th) outlined his vision for bolstering the business community and reversing the outward migration of residents and businesses from the state.
Born in Pearl River and a lifelong resident of Rockland County, Weber brings 20 years of experience as a CFO for a golf course and real estate development company to his role as a state senator. He believes his background in business and finance is critical for addressing the current challenges facing the state, including the financial exodus of residents and businesses.
He emphasized the need for the state to become more business and residential friendly, highlighting that despite the allure of southern states, many residents maintain a strong affinity for Rockland. The state senator spoke about the importance of making it possible for the younger generation to return to their home state after college, something that is becoming increasingly challenging due to affordability and job opportunities.
One of Weber’s recent accomplishments that he shared with the Chamber was the collaboration on a bill with other Legislators on the change of the Mario Cuomo Bridge name to once again include “Tappan Zee”, as it was named since its original bridge opening date in 1955. The new bill is S4558A, sponsored by NYS Senator James Skoufis. The new name, Mr. Weber explained, was a compromise between local and downstate interests, and although not everyone is happy with the outcome, it represents progress. Whether it will be approved by the assembly or the governor remains to be seen.
In addition to the name restoration, Weber highlighted some of the benefits included in the recently passed state budget, such as fully funding public schools and providing free lunch and breakfast in schools. Despite these positives, he expressed concern over the increase in the state budget – from $179 billion to $229 billion in just four or five years – and its impact on the tax burden for residents and businesses.
When asked about plans to support local business sectors, Weber expressed his belief in the importance of promoting local tourism and incentivizing businesses to set up shop in the state. He noted that changing the state’s reputation as being unfriendly to businesses and taxpayers was critical for this to happen. He pledged to work towards making the state more affordable and attractive to both existing and new businesses, emphasizing that this is crucial for getting the state back on track.
He concluded by stating, “What we need to do is really change the attitude, change the conversation so that we make this a more affordable area for people to not only stay but to attract new businesses. I want to be as vocal as possible in state government and also help the local industries and the local chambers to make the proper investment so that we can get this state back on track.”
The Chamber members thanked Senator Weber for his insights and expressed their appreciation for his ongoing efforts to support the local business community. Learn more about the various Chambers of Commerce in Rockland County, at RocklandChamber.org.