City program subverts the patriarchy one business at a time

Nourish Spot founders Dawn Kelly and Jade Duncan. Photo by Eurila Cave

By Rachel Vick

A city initiative that uplifts women-owned businesses has an extra reason to celebrate Women’s History Month this year: the program has reached more than 10,000 entrepreneurs since it began in 2015.

Women Entrepreneurs NYC, or WE NYC, is part conjunction of the Department of Small Business Services, has provided funding, resources and community connections to women-owned businesses in order to foster growth.

There are about 414,000 women entrepreneurs in New York City that contribute $50 billion dollars a year to the city economy, according to WE. Nevertheless, the program reports, men own 1.5 times the number of businesses, employ 3.5 times more peoples and generate 4.5 times the amount of revenue.

“Our work has helped kickstart and expand many innovative companies,” said SBS spokesperson Shaina Coronel. “With our WE NYC program, these entrepreneurs have gone on to open their business’ doors and give back to those in their community.

An interactive map on the program’s website shows women-owned businesses throughout Queens, including The Nourish Spot in Jamaica, which the Eagle profiled in 2018.

WE NYC mentor Dawn Kelley is the founder and CEO of the health food and juice bar on Guy R. Brewer Boulevard. She opened the business in 2017 in an effort to increase access to healthy food in the community while providing jobs for local teens.

WE NYC facilitates networking opportunities for would-be entrepreneurs to connect with women business owners of various backgrounds and expertises. The regular mentoring sessions open doors for anyone interested in starting or furthering their businesses. 

WE NYC’s annual Women’s History Month event is scheduled to take place Wednesday, March 18 at the Diane von Furstenberg studio in the Meatpacking District. The event features Mona Bijoor and Priya Rao.