Brooklyn Communities Collaborative and the Department of Urban Planning and Policy at Hunter College-CUNY, in partnership with Eleven3Seven5, have launched a program to support and educate small businesses about the purchasing needs and systems of local hospitals, universities, and community institutions
Brooklyn, NY – Today, Brooklyn Communities Collaborative (BCC) and the Department of Urban Planning and Policy at Hunter College-CUNY, in partnership with Eleven3Seven5, announce the launch of the Brooklyn Health Enterprise Small Business Accelerator. The program will offer local minority and women-owned businesses the knowledge and support they need to engage with anchor institutions such as hospitals and universities, and is the latest example of BCC mobilizing its extensive partner network to create wealth equity and localize healthcare procurement in Brooklyn.
Running from September 2024 through January 2025, the accelerator will support nine local business owners with personalized assistance, expert-led seminars and workshops, and education on how to access and secure procurement opportunities within Brooklyn’s anchor institutions. In addition, these participants will receive access to a robust network of professionals and a stipend to acknowledge the value of their time and help their businesses grow.
The Brooklyn Health Enterprise Small Business Accelerator participants are:
Around the Clock Tots LLC – Childcare services that include overnight and weekend services.
Clean to the Max LLC – Office and residential cleaning, in addition to janitorial services.
Collective Fare Enterprises, Inc – Food service contracting and hospitality services company with a nonprofit arm called Collective Food Works, with a mission to blend culinary excellence with social impact.
D&S Visions Home Improvement LLC – Quality, affordable renovations and repairs for residential homeowners in Brooklyn.
Effie’s Paper, Stationery & Whatnot – Design, manufacture and deliver high quality stationery products, promotional items and elevated apparel to corporations, retailers and governmental entities.
JetEx Mechanical LLC – HVAC, plumbing, and Building Management Systems (BMS).
Munch Hours Inc – Catering services with a focus on volunteering, gardening, and feeding New Yorkers.
Mwah Flowers – Florist delivering flowers and custom designs all over Brooklyn, Manhattan, and parts of Queens.
TheraMotive – Revolutionizing physical therapy access with high-tech mobile clinics powered by AI, virtual reality, and wearable technology. The clinics adapt, evolve, and move to meet the needs of communities.
Due to the high number of applicants, BCC expanded the original cohort to include four additional businesses that will participate as observers: Bear Magic Workshops LLC, Brooklyn Food Guild, ESEN Translation Services, and nCourage Arts Mobile Studio, LLC.
“BCC understands that economic opportunities for local business owners and employees are critical to the overall health of communities,” said Gretchen Susi, Deputy Director of Brooklyn Communities Collaborative. “The accelerator program is all about increasing investment in local businesses and giving their founders and leaders the tools they need to grow and compete for larger contracts. By providing tailored training and connections to purchasers like hospitals and universities, we’re aiming to build a strong network of health- and well-being focused local businesses that can benefit communities directly through their goods and services, and indirectly through the jobs, tax base, and cultural vibrancy they contribute.”
The program will cover essential topics for business growth and development, including marketing, human resources, acquiring necessary certifications and insurance, and financial planning. Participants will also have opportunities to network with supply chain staff from participating anchor institutions, gaining insights into how these organizations operate and their procurement needs.
By focusing on opportunities within large, local, anchor institutions, BCC aims to create a more inclusive and equitable local economy. Building on research conducted by BCC and Hunter College, the Brooklyn Health Enterprise Small Business Accelerator program helps local business owners unlock their potential to expand and supply core institutions in Brooklyn.
About Brooklyn Communities Collaborative
Brooklyn Communities Collaborative (BCC) is a not-for-profit based in New York that works with local institutions and stakeholders to address longstanding health inequities in the borough. BCC was founded in 2019 with the goal of leveraging the financial power of anchor institutions and community resources to address the economic factors that improve the social determinants of health – whether it’s supporting housing stability, advancing economic empowerment, expanding care management services, or strengthening CBOs in the area. BCC builds upon years of collaborative efforts with anchor institutions and community partners in Brooklyn. Visit https://brooklyncommunities.org/for more information.
About the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation’s grant to Brooklyn Communities Collaborative and Hunter College
In 2021, BCC and Hunter College CUNY were selected to participate in the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation’s Community-Engaged Research cohort, receiving a generous three-year grant. Drs. Sigmund Shipp and Laura Wolf-Powers, faculty members in Hunter’s Department of Urban Policy & Planning, have worked closely with BCC on participatory action research that highlights the strengths, needs, and challenges of minority-owned enterprises in Brooklyn. They have also conducted research on neighborhood-based business capacity and inclusive procurement practices that informs the design of the Brooklyn Health Enterprise Small Business Accelerator. The Kauffman Foundation’s support is now facilitating the Accelerator’s implementation.
About Eleven3Seven5
Eleven3seven5 is a comprehensive business solutions provider committed to helping entrepreneurs and businesses grow sustainably. We offer a wide range of services, including business technical assistance, training, project management, business consulting, and coaching. Founded by Anita Pierce, a native of Brownsville, Brooklyn, Eleven3seven5 is also known for developing business leaders and for curating signature events such as the Full Circle Business Brunch and exclusive business match-making series that foster meaningful relationship-building and strategic growth. We believe in the power of community engagement and are dedicated to creating connections that support entrepreneurial success, social impact, and collaboration. Our holistic approach extends beyond business growth to include mental health and wellness, ensuring that entrepreneurs have the resources and support they need for sustainable success. By designing business accelerators and providing community engagement opportunities, we help build strong, vibrant business communities. Visit www.eleven3seven5.com for more information.