Page 52 - SKILLS - 2023

MAKING YOUR CAREER WORK
Want to Start a Business?
Westchester County Offers Support
BY JESSICA JAFET
Here in Westchester, taking the leap into entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be a scary endeavor. Success stories abound all over the county from those who have transformed their ideas into viable businesses and discovered
pathways to success.
For those who want to follow in other entrepreneurs’
footsteps, there are a host of area resources that are available to provide valuable guidance and support. Deborah Novick, director of entrepreneurship and
innovation for Westchester County’s Office of Economic Development explains that Launch1000, a fully-remote, self- paced program that is offered by the county, is a great way for locals to evaluate a concept for a business or nonprofit, and then turn it into a reality — and a revenue stream.
Launch1000 started during the pandemic at a time
of economic turbulence, Novick says, when the county government stepped up to support residents by providing tools and assistance for startups and existing business owners to create roadmaps that could develop or grow their ventures. The interactive program allows participants to get live feedback from coaches and mentors. It also provides a platform to share experiences with others who have similar aspirations.
“We say this program is radically inclusive,” says Novick. “It doesn’t matter what education you have, how much money you have, what color you are — it is literally open enrollment for Westchester residents who have the time and the desire to start a business.”
More than 350 people have completed the program to date. They have launched a huge variety of startups that include brick-and-mortar shops, online products, service companies, nonprofits, support groups, and more.
Although Launch1000 does not provide direct funding, it will point participants toward possible grant opportunities and connect them with industry experts and potential lenders or funders. A crucial support system is formed throughout the entire program, where people can collaborate, form partnerships, and become referral sources for each other.
For Westchester resident Jessica Brewington, a
product inventor with a soon-to-be-launched business, participating in the program was an invaluable experience.
Jessica Brewington
Her idea — to create upcycled, interlocking construction eco-bricks that are fireproof, weatherproof, bulletproof, and lightweight — needed a business plan.
“Honestly, this is the best thing that ever happened to me — I wish there were more idea accelerators around,” Brewington says of Launch1000. “It helps you de-risk your idea and gain confidence to talk to people in your market.”
Helping Entrepreneurs Scale Their Idea
Entrepreneurship as a path to economic independence and community vitality is the mission behind another resource in the county called The Acceleration Project (TAP). The female-founded, nonprofit business advisory firm provides tactical guidance to high-potential, small businesses, especially those owned by women and people of color.
Jane Veron, CEO and co-founder of TAP, says the 10-year- old organization is committed to providing customized support to small business owners, whether it be guidance on marketing, streamlining operations, improving cash
flow and margins, determining personnel needs, or just increasing sales.
50 2023 SKILLS What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
© Courtesy of Hubert Williams (Imagezsofus)