Press Release

Harlem CDC Chairman Assemblyman Keith L.T. Wright (left) and Harlem CDC board member Rep. Charles B. Rangel address October 23rd breakfast reception

The new Upper Manhattan centers, run by Project Enterprise in Central Harlem
and Washington Heights & Inwood Development Corporation in Washington Heights/Inwood, are part of a five-center statewide expansion—from 19 to 24— announced on October 23, 2008, by Harlem CDC’s parent, Empire State Development Corporation (ESD).

“Our Entrepreneurial Assistance Program provides assistance that is especially important given our state’s current economic condition,” said ESD President & CEO Marisa Lago. “With the expansion of the EAP program we are providing services to areas where high levels of unemployment and declining infrastructure pose special challenges to existing and newly forming businesses. By adding an additional five centers throughout the state, we can assist more entrepreneurs in creating new businesses, resulting in the creation of jobs that will ultimately help support our economy.”

"The expansion of the EAP program will result in new business opportunities for New Yorkers and an economic boost for the State as we look for ways to support our struggling economy,” said Governor David A. Paterson. “The entrepreneurial spirit fostered by the EAP program is the backbone of New York's industrial success -- we are a State of innovators.”

Gov. Paterson noted that since 1987, the EAP program has proven enormously successful at creating new businesses that both create and sustain jobs while providing in-depth assistance to minorities, women and dislocated workers interested in starting a business. With the expansion, the Governor said, “this invaluable program will now provide its services to local communities in every region across the State.”

Addressing the gathering of about 75 invited members of the Upper Manhattan small-business community and other leaders, Rep. Charles B. Rangel, Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee, said the current fiscal and economic crisis facing the nation might actually present, “one of the greatest opportunities for entrepreneurs in minority communities.”

“Why? Because small business is what is going to be necessary to jumpstart the economy,” Rep. Rangel said, noting Congress’ readiness to approve a new economic stimulus package that will benefit small business.

Harlem entrepreneur Mustaqeem Abdul-Azeez credits Project Enterprise for growing his business

The breakfast reception also featured the stories of thriving entrepreneurs who credited their success to the training from the new EAP providers. Mustaqeem Abdul-Azeez, a vendor of essential oils, incense and shea butter products on the corner of 125th Street and Lenox Avenue said Project Enterprise helped him grow Mustaqeem’s Essentials into a thriving concern with three full-time equivalent employees and $100,000 in annual sales.

“The expansion of the EAP program will double the historic level of state support for entrepreneurship in Upper Manhattan,” said Harlem CDC President Curtis L. Archer. “Our two new EAP centers couldn’t come at a better time to help our small business community step up to the opportunities presented by a fast growing market of over a half-million consumers.”

Harlem Community Development Corporation, a subsidiary of Empire State Development Corporation, serves the greater Harlem community through planning and implementing a range of community development and revitalization initiatives for restoring Upper Manhattan as an economically stable and culturally vibrant community. For more information on Harlem CDC and the new EAP centers visit www.harlemcdc.org.