Unique Program Gives Local Entrepreneurs Access to Expert Business Consulting Services
As part of its revitalization efforts, the City of New Rochelle has launched a unique economic development program to provide local businesses with access to consulting services to fuel their growth and success.
Partnering with The Acceleration Project (TAP), the city is piloting an effort to address the many challenges faced by entrepreneurs, including those related to marketing, financial management, operations, and time management. TAP consultants will provide four to five months of strategic advisory services to those business owners selected to participate in the project, which is being funded by the City of New Rochelle Corporation for Local Development.
According to New Rochelle Commissioner of Development Luiz Aragon, “Having a variety of successful businesses is key to a thriving city. This unique initiative illustrates our commitment to actively supporting the development of a vibrant and diverse New Rochelle. We continually search for innovative ways to improve the business environment and city’s quality of life, with assistance from partners in both the private and public sector.” He continued, “Our collaboration with TAP is another step in these efforts. We are extremely fortunate to be able to partner with a mission-driven, expert consulting firm of TAP’s caliber.”
Five businesses from New Rochelle’s downtown were selected to participate in the pilot program, based on criteria such as growth potential, opportunities for job creation, and diverse industry representation. They are Patrias, a Spanish and Peruvian tapas restaurant; Encore Esports, the only esports facility in Westchester; HandCrafted Catering and Events, a full-service catering company; CrossFit POP, a fitness training facility offering CrossFit classes, personal training, and athletic training programs; and The Curtain Shop, a window treatment and home decor store.
TAP participant, Lisselly Brito, co-Founder and Executive Chef of Hand Crafted Catering stated, “We’re really grateful to have been given this opportunity to work with TAP. We know our consultants’ advice will be key to the successful launch of our new location in New Rochelle.”
In discussing TAP’s role, TAP CEO Jane Veron stated, “TAP is committed to supporting the vitality of local economies by keeping small business thriving, and we are thrilled to assist the New Rochelle Department of Development in its efforts.” She continued, “Our consultants will work with these business owners to identify and prioritize their goals, and will use customized TAP tools to address immediate business needs. They also will create a structured, results-oriented, tactical and time-bound action plan to help guide each business for up to three years post-project.”
Photo: Hand Crafted catering + events. Lisselly Brito, co-Founder and Executive Chef, and Justin Christopher, Founder and Creative Director, and Seema Jaggi, TAP consultant
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About the City of New Rochelle
With an unparalleled location, superb quality of life, diverse and talented residents and a focused business climate, New Rochelle is experiencing the transformation of a lifetime. The City’s economic development plan will provide a spark for the entire Hudson Valley region, positioning it as “open for business” and embracing smart, transit-oriented development growth patterns. Accelerated by a new, fast-track zoning process, the new Master Development initiative will enhance the downtown area by boosting job creation, property values and private investment – while enhancing sustainability through green and energy-efficient design. Learn more at www.ideallynewrochelle.com
About The Acceleration Project
The Acceleration Project (TAP) is a unique consulting firm that provides strategic and tactical advice to small businesses, entrepreneurs, municipalities and nonprofits. A 501c3 organization, it serves entities that would otherwise be unable to access consulting services of this caliber. TAP’s innovative model leverages the untapped potential of professionals to accelerate local economic development, and provides a range of well-structured, accessible, results-oriented services to enable clients to grow and flourish. To learn more, visit theaccelerationproject.org