Harlem Commonwealth Council, Inc.

??? Last week, the Harlem Holiday Lights Parade lit up 125th Street with festive cheer and community spirit! We had an amazing time celebrating the holiday season alongside so many neighbors and partners. Events like these reminds us what makes Harlem so special. Thank you to the 125th Street Business Improvement District for helping us kick off the holidays in style! ??? #HolidayLightsHarlem #HCC #HEF #HarlemPride

Last week, the HCC and HEF team had a great time at the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce conference at Fordham Gabelli School of Business, connecting with local entrepreneurs and sharing how we can support their businesses. From financing options to guidance for small business growth, we’re proud to support NYC’s small business ecosystem. Thank you to the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce and Harry Chen for hosting a great event and providing a platform for us to connect with the community! ?? #HEFLending #SmallBusinessSupport #NYCEntrepreneurs #HEF #ManhattanChamberOfCommerce #CommunityGrowth

Introducing Zenda Walker, founder of Know Your Hairitage, LLC., and a proud alum of HEF's Opportunity for Growth (OFG) program! Zenda leveraged OFG to lay a strong foundation for her brand, creating a clear path forward for growth and community impact. ???Ready to elevate your business? Apply for OFG today!???https://lnkd.in/eybkmwjA #OpportunityForGrowth #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #WomenInBusiness #HEFLending

?? HCC had the privilege of visiting Hit the Books (HTB) this past week, a Harlem-based organization making an impact in our community. HTB combines after-school tutoring, mentorship, and mixed martial arts to empower kids aged 6-13 to grow academically, emotionally, and physically. ?? What truly stood out was their commitment to resilience, self-discipline, and compassion. HTB creates a second home for kids, offering safety, opportunity, and life-changing skills. ?? We’re inspired by their mission and proud to connect with an organization shaping Harlem’s next generation! #HarlemCommunity #YouthEmpowerment #EducationMatters #Mentorship #HCC #HitTheBooks

??? The Harlem Holiday Lights Parade is back, and HCC will have our very own float!?Join us tomorrow at 6 PM to experience the magic. ?This year’s festivities, hosted by the 125th Street Business Improvement District, feature Grand Marshal Misty Copeland, Legacy Award Recipient George Faison, and live streaming by ABC, making it an event you don’t want to miss! Use this map to follow us along the parade route, show your Harlem pride, and celebrate the holiday season with us! ????? #HolidayLightsHarlem #HCC #HarlemPride #CelebrateTogether

Take your business to the next level! Join Opportunity for Growth (OFG), a FREE program designed to help minority-owned businesses in NYC thrive! With the award-winning StreetWise MBA? curriculum, OFG offers hands-on learning, personalized growth plans, and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs. You'll dive into essential areas like finance, marketing, HR, and government contracting, guided by industry experts every step of the way. ???? Who Should Apply? Businesses with at least 3 years of operation $75K–$10M in revenue At least 1 full-time employee Located in NYC Don’t miss this chance to elevate your business—apply now! Applications close on December 6th! ?? https://lnkd.in/eybkmwjA #SmallBusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #HEF #OpportunityForGrowth #OFG #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #HEFLending #CDFI

HEF was honored to welcome Elissa Bard, Vice President, and Alyssa Cook, Associate, from Goldman Sachs’ Urban Investment Group for an inspiring meeting with our President & CEO, Hamil Douglas. Together, they discussed ways to continue uplifting minority-owned businesses in Harlem and the Bronx through technical assistance and financial resources. Ms. Bard and Ms. Cook also expressed interest in Harlem Commonwealth Council, Inc.'s (HCC) College Prep program. Specifically, connecting Goldman Sachs and HCC staff to discuss partnership options. HEF is committed to building a brighter future for Harlem! ???? #HEF #HCC #HarlemEmpowerment #GoldmanSachs #UrbanInvestmentGroup

Meet Joshua Vital, CTP and Lesly Richard, the dynamic duo behind Delectable Delights, a new Auntie Anne's franchise set to open in Brooklyn, NY. With plans to open three locations across Brooklyn (Bay Ridge, Canarsie, and Williamsburg), Delectable Delights is on a mission to bring the iconic flavors of Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon, and Carvel to Brooklyn. Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund is excited to support Joshua and Lesly’s vision. This support will be instrumental in bringing their Bay Ridge location to life—just in time for the holiday season!??????#HEF #SmallBusinessSuccess #Entrepreneurship #HEF #LoanClosing #BrooklynBusiness #AuntieAnnes

?? At HCC’s Shark Tank event, our afterschool students impressed us with their entrepreneurial journey from start to finish! With guidance from our teachers, each student team developed a unique slime business, from creating a brand name and designing packaging to assigning roles and crafting their pitch. They took the stage to present their ideas, negotiate with the ‘sharks,’ and made sales! This event was a fun opportunity for these young minds to dive into the world of business and experience the hard work that goes into making a product successful! ?? ?? #HCC #YouthEntrepreneurship #HCCSharkTank #FutureBusinessLeaders #EmpoweringYouth #HCCAfterschool

In times of change, community strength matters. HEF is here to support small businesses with accessible financing options, helping our local entrepreneurs grow and thrive. Find out how we can assist you at https://www.hefnyc.org/! #CommunitySupport #SmallBusinessGrowth #HEFLending