Senator James Sanders Jr. Hosts Clergy Dinner to Discuss Commercial Revitalization Initiative for Faith-Based Leaders

New York State Senator James Sanders Jr. hosted a Clergy Dinner on October 24, 2019 at Faith Assembly Church in Richmond Hill with special guest, the Queens Economic Development Corporation. The goal was to bring together faith-based leaders to discuss Richmond Hill's Commercial Revitalization Program.
 
The Queens Economic Development Corporation has partnered with the New York City Department of Small Business Services' Avenue NYC program to conduct an in-depth district assessment in an effort to execute commercial revitalization programs over the next three-years in Richmond Hill. During the presentation, attendees learned how to develop their business idea, organize their start-up process and create a strategy to launch a business.
 
The QEDC’s mission is to promote economic growth and job creation in Queens. They provide services to help entrepreneurs start and maintain successful small businesses; partnering with local organizations to develop commercial districts and neighborhoods; and promoting Queens as a destination for residential business and visitor growth.
 
Ricardi Calixte, Deputy Director of the QEDC, gave a detailed presentation at the event where he discussed topics like: things to think about before you start a business, how to form a business, and how to find the money to get started. It is also important to think about what your business will bring to the table, according to Calixte, such as intellectual property, technology, teamwork and customer service.  
 
Things to consider when starting a business include – What is my idea? Who is the market and how will I reach them? What entities are funding entrepreneurs? Are there any similar businesses or competitors? Calixte also discussed some of the key reasons why businesses fail like – starting a business for the wrong reasons, lack or product or creating something no one needs, poor management or running out of money, insufficient capital, no website or online presence and overexpansion.
 
“Economic development and encouraging entrepreneurship go hand in hand when planning the prosperous future of a vibrant community,” Sanders said. “Since our houses of worship are the foundation of our neighborhoods, it’s important that we start inspiring and training faith-based leaders so they can, not only lead by example, but pass the information on to their congregations.”
 
We would like to extend a special thanks to Faith Assembly Church for allowing us to use their space to host the event.