RBRC Feb 2, 2026 Newsletter

SEQBIBizHighlight... Howdoyouthinkthiswillimpacttheglobaleconomy?

B r e a k i n g N e w s

SEQBI Biz Highlights

Founder/Owner: Chelsea HindsCharles

Chelsea Hinds-Charles, a SEQBI Fellow from Cohort 4 (Fall 2025), placed 1 in the Pitch Competition and owns Rosegold Krystal Solutions LLC, DBA Pathways Program - Astrevio st About

Astrevio is a top consulting and staffing firm offering innovative solutions in technology, engineering, and management. We provide strategic guidance, technical expertise, and a scalable workforce to drive business success.

Contact Website: [astrevio com] (https://astrevio com/)

Phone: 929-324-6276

Email: info@astrevio com

Founder/Owner: Tanisha Adjokatcher

Tanisha Adjokatcher, a SEQBI Fellow from Cohort 4 (Fall 2025), placed 3rd in the Pitch Competition and owns Success Level Ventures.

About

She is a digital marketing expert, coach, community leader, and 6x author. As a DOE Vendor for the NYC Department of Education with an MWBE Certificate, she conducts financial literacy workshops for children and parents in NYC. With over 13 years of experience, Tanisha advocates for financial literacy as a vital life skill, empowering underserved communities and youth to achieve financial independence through her workshops and bestselling books, including *The ABCs of Wealth Building* and *How to Sell on Amazon*

Contact Website: [tanishamarie com] (https://tanishamarie com)

Founder/Owner: Delores Moody

Delores Moody, a proud graduate of Cohort 4 (Fall 2025), is the owner of Moody Treats and Company.

About At Moody Treats, we specialize in crafting scalable dessert boxes that are deeply rooted in nostalgia, community, and operational excellence. We also provide fresh, homemade-style desserts designed to spread joy, strengthen relationships, and position Moody Treats as a reliable vendor for community events, restaurants, and agencies. Our signature cakes and cookies enjoy a dedicated customer following.

Contact Phone: 347-291-1035

Email: moodytreats@gmail.com

Address: 89-02 165th St, Jamaica Colosseum Mall, Jamaica, NY 11432 (First Floor near 165th Main entrance MW-19)*

RDRC Highlights Successful Engagement at the 4th Annual Queens Tech & Career Expo

This past Saturday, January 31, the digital heartbeat of Queens resonated louder than ever as the 4th Annual Queens Tech & Career Expo took place at the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI). Hosted by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., the event attracted hundreds of residents, students, and job seekers for an energetic day dedicated to "leveling up" in the borough's thriving tech industry.

RDRC's Proud Participation

Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation (RDRC) was thrilled to be part of this highly attended annual event, which brought together numerous residents, job seekers, and community partners from across Queens. The Expo served as a vibrant platform to connect community members with technology, innovation, and potential job opportunities, and RDRC was happy to contribute to its success, for the fourth year

Engaging with the Community

Representing RDRC, team members Junor Barnett and Selene Pilgrim actively engaged visitors at our resource table, sharing insights into RDRC’s mission, free workforce and career development services, and available training programs. Attendees showed great interest in RDRC’s Employability Skills Training (see page 18), which covers resume and cover letter development, interviewing techniques, and professional workplace readiness. Additionally, our complimentary computer literacy courses (see page 17) aimed at building confidence in essential digital skills garnered enthusiasm. The positive feedback and meaningful discussions underscored the ongoing need for accessible, no-cost workforce training and highlighted RDRC’s vital role as a trusted community resource fostering pathways to employment and career advancement in Queens and NYC.

RDRC Highlights Successful Engagement at the 4th Annual Queens Tech & Career Expo

Breaking Barriers to the Tech Industry

The expo served as a critical platform for the Borough President’s mission to diversify the tech workforce. "If Queens is to become the nation’s leading tech hub... we must break down the barriers to entry," stated Borough President Richards, emphasizing the need for inclusion for historically marginalized communities

Key Highlights of the Day

A "Power"ful Partnership: Presenting partner New York Power Authority (NYPA) provided on-site demonstrations focused on clean energy and workforce pathways. Hands-on Innovation: Attendees participated in AI & Tech Learning Labs, which were designed to be beginner-friendly. One of the most popular activities was the AI Agent Challenge, where participants brainstormed AI tools for real-world government use cases.

Gaming & Giveaways: Renowned video game influencer Gerard “HipHopGamer” Williams led a high-stakes gaming battle. The event also featured a major tech giveaway, with AT&T and the Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC) distributing free laptops to 100 preselected families.

Networking & Mentoring: Over 50 vendors, ranging from major tech firms to local workforce organizations, lined the hall. Aspiring professionals also took advantage of the Mentoring and Career Lounge hosted by WERULE.

Expert Voices: The event featured opening remarks and panels with industry leaders, including Skyler Scarlett, CEO of Gameclass Ai, and Assembly Member Clyde Vanel.

As the doors closed at 2:00 PM, it was clear that the momentum for Queens Tech is only growing. For those looking to continue their journey, the 2026 Queens Tech + Innovation Challenge is now open, offering $100,000 in seed funding for local startups.

The

Economic Pulse of a

100 Years of Black History Month

Sun, Feb 1, 2026 – Sun, Mar 1, 2026

Building a Century of Wealth: The Economic Power of Black History

As we mark nearly a century since Carter G. Woodson established the precursor to Black History Month in 1926, we aren't just celebrating a cultural milestone we are acknowledging a formidable economic engine. For 100 years, this observance has moved from the classroom to the boardroom, evolving into a critical period for highlighting the $150 billion in annual revenue generated by the nation’s 161,000+ Black-owned businesses.

The history of Black economic impact is one of profound resilience From the first Blackmanaged bank, Capital Savings Bank, which helped increase the number of Black-owned firms from 4,000 to 50,000 in its early years, to today’s 3.5 million Black-owned companies, the trajectory is clear: when Black businesses thrive, the entire economy grows. In fact, research shows that desegregation and the civil rights movement significantly bolstered the economic growth of the entire South by increasing investment in education and social services for all.

The Economic Pulse of a Century:

100 Years of Black History Month

Uplifting the Community: A Toolkit for

Small Businesses

For small businesses, Black History Month is a prime opportunity to move beyond symbolic gestures and drive meaningful economic equity. Here is how you can help:

Partner with Black-Owned Vendors: Intentionally source your inventory, catering, or professional services from Black entrepreneurs to foster intergenerational prosperity. Create a Local Directory: Use your platform to compile and share a list of local Blackowned restaurants and shops, encouraging your customers to #BuyBlack.

Invest in Future Leaders: Sponsor a BIPOC scholarship or offer mentorship to young entrepreneurs of color to help dismantle historic barriers to capital and education Host Educational Spotlights: Use your social media, podcast or newsletter to feature Black pioneers in your specific industry, connecting past achievements to modern innovation.

Practice Sustained Giving: Align with local nonprofits that focus on economic empowerment and housing equity.

This month is a call to action. By integrating these practices, small businesses can ensure that the next 100 years of history are defined by shared success and a more equitable marketplace.

Superville Estates

MONTH

RECAP

So, life lately...

Local Events!!

February 6, 2026 Community Coffee Catch-Up

The monthly Coffee Catch-ups are held on the first Friday of each month from 8:30am to 10:30am at Beach Dunes Eats & Arts, with announcements starting promptly at 9:00am. These meetings offer a fantastic opportunity to network, share announcements, update the community on past and upcoming events, and enjoy some great coffee! Everyone is welcome.

THE NEXT COMMUNITY COFFE CATCH-UP IS THIS FRIDAY February 6!

Queens BP’s Upcoming Events

Lunar New Year Celebration

Monday, February 23 at 5pm

Queens Borough Hall

120-55 Queens Blvd. in Kew Gardens

Click here to RSVP

Black History Month Celebration

Wednesday, February 25 at 5:30pm

Queens Borough Hall

120-55 Queens Blvd. in Kew Gardens

Click here to RSVP

Dominican Independence Day Celebration

Thursday, February 26 at 6pm

PS 307 Pioneer Academy

40-20 100th Street in Corona

Click here to RSVP

Resources!! RDRC

Workforce & Career Development

Basic Job Readiness Course for new and less experienced job seekers

Financial Management Course focused on banking and saving, credit, loan products

Vocational Skills Training - Cisco IT Essentials, Certified Customer Service Training, Microsoft Office Certification (self-paced)

Small Business Assistance

Business Workshop Series focused on business formation, accounting & finance, business management, taxation and marketing

Business Management Training - Queens Streetwise MBA Program

MWBE Certification Assistance

Business Networking

Youth Development

Job Readiness and Financial Literacy Training

Paid Summer and After-School Employment Programs

Youth Mentorship and Leadership Development

RDRC Youth Aviators Program

RDRC Youth Media Arts & Communications Program

College Placement Assistance, College Tour

IT Training/Coding

Neighborhood Preservation

HUD Certified First Time Homebuyer, Foreclosure and Credit

Counseling

Public Space Management & Activation

Commercial Revitalization - Storefront Mural Arts, Facade

Improvement, District Marketing & Placemaking Services

Business Resources!!

Business Services

Let’s discuss how your business can come to Jamaica, stay in Jamaica, and grow in Jamaica, contact our Business Services Group for comprehensive assistance to business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

We can assist entrepreneurs and small businesses with:

Access to incentives if you’re investing in your business or relocating to our area

Access to the latest local and federal small business grants and programs

Small business courses and networking events

Financial planning and coaching assistance

Small business financing: loans up to $300,000

Connect you to our pro bono legal services

Navigate government and cut red tape

To contact a business services program associate for direct one-one assistance: Technical Assistance (English)

Asistencia Técnica (Español)

To stay connected to Business Services Group, follow us on:

To sign up to our weekly newsletter, click here.

Industrial Services

Greater Nexus is downtown Jamaica’s first accessible and affordable shared workplace. It is a place for members to Connect, Create and Collaborate. We offer access to over 10,000 square feet of shared office space, conference and meeting rooms, a large modular training space for events/workshops with innovative equipment and technology. We also offer a podcast room with state-of-the-art equipment, wellness rooms, soundproof phone booths, virtual address/mailbox options. Members will be offered flexible month-to-month membership packages in a commuter friendly location Opens Feb 3rd!

Mon - Fri 7:00am to 8:00pm Sat 9:00am to 5:00pm Sun Closed *Closed

Small Business University Online is brought to you by Small Business Expo, America's BIGGEST business networking event. In our content-rich webinars, you will learn from industry experts on various business topics.

SEQBI Updates!!

About SEQBI...

Overview: The SEQBI program creates a pipeline of small businesses that are added to the Resorts World NYC and JFK Expansion ecosystems. At the end of each 10-week Session, participants have the opportunity to compete in a multi-tiered pitch competition for a chance to win $5K, $4K, or $3K. By the culmination of the program, all participants are registered to do business with Resorts World NYC, and some are on their way to attaining their MWBE certificationnecessary for procurement opportunities.

The next Session starts on February 4, 2026.

Criteria: Entrepreneurs with a legally registered business for 2 or more years, who are looking to scale and do business in Southeastern Queens.

Eligible Applicants: Complete the Registration Form and attend an Info Session.

Contact: Renee McWilliams at pmcwilliams@rdrc.org or 718-327-5300. More

SEQBI Website is Live on RDRC.org!

RDRC has developed a web page totally dedicated to the Southeast Queens Business Incubator (SEQBI) program. The web page has been added to the existing rdrc.org site: guests can navigate to the SEQBI tab at the top of the page. The website includes past, current, and future events and information. Visitors will have an opportunity to learn about and apply to the program, view past participants and pitch competition winners, register for events, and contact the program Administrator.

NOTE

The website is still under construction and we will continue to make edits over the following weeks.

Da Job Plug?!

NYC Jobs

The City of New York is hiring! Please visit ourcareer pageatnyc.gov/jobs to view and apply for immediate hire positions available across the city. To view the jobs listed below, follow the links or enter the respective Job ID# in thesearch box.

NYC Administration for Children's Services

ELU Agency Attorney, Office of the General Counsel – Salary: $83,000--$95,450 (annual) – Job ID# 714096

ACS OLR Hearing Officer, Office of Labor Relations – Salary: $62,868--$72,298 (annual) – Job ID# 762100

Senior Advisor, Division of Youth and Family Justice – Salary: $150,000--$160,000 (annual) – Job ID# 728876

NYC Conflicts of Interest Board

Deputy Director of Enforcement, Enforcement Unit – Salary: $120,000--$130,000 (annual) – Job ID# 758320

Annual Disclosure Specialist, Annual Disclosure Unit – Salary: $62,701--$80,000 (annual) – Job ID# 763770

NYC Department of Buildings

Construction Inspector, Construction Inspections (59) – Salary: $62,244--$71,581 (annual) – Job ID# 763956

Boiler Inspector, Boiler Inspections (3) – Salary: $62,244--$71,581 (annual) – Job ID# 763948

Plumbing Inspector, Inspectors (9) – Salary: $62,244--$71,581 (annual) – Job ID# 763959

NYC Department of Finance

Software Dev, Fleet Mgmt Spec, Finance Information Technology Division – Salary: $135,000--$150,000 (annual) –Job ID# 762653

Senior Project Manager, Finance Information Technology – Salary: $145,000--$155,000 (annual) – Job ID# 762067

Parking Summons Case Advocate, Office of the Taxpayer Advocate – Salary: $62,868--$72,298 (annual) – Job ID# 759899

NYC Housing Development Corporation

Asset Manager, Preservation Programs – Salary: $65,000--$75,000 (annual)

Project Manager, Engineering & Architecture, Asset Management Department – Salary: $80,000--$95,000 (annual) Office Maintenance Technician, Office Services – Salary: $70,000--$80,000 (annual)

NYC Police Pension Fund

Agency Attorney, Legal Unit – Salary: $72,510 (annual) – Job ID# 763401

NYC Mayor's Office of Contract Services

Human Resources Generalist, Human Resources Unit – Salary: $70,000--$80,000 (annual) – Job ID# 639125

Associate Director, Finance – Salary: $115,000--$142,488 (annual) – Job ID# 753966 Analyst, Service Desk Operations (2) – Salary: $56,000--$60,000 (annual) – Job ID# 748355

NYC Office of the Comptroller

Director of Facilities, Facilities Unit – Salary: $90,000 --$110,000 (annual) – Job ID# 760214

New York County District Attorney's Office

Fiscal Assistant Analyst, Fiscal Unit – Salary: $56,742--$66,059 (annual)

Early Complaint Assessment Bureau (ECAB) Paralegal, Case Management Unit – Salary: $52,110--$55,284 (annual)

NYC Health and Hospitals

Staff Nurse (20) – Salary: $109,490 (annual)

Radiologic Technologist (20) – Salary: $68,803--$144,705 (annual)

Nurse Practitioner *Experience Preferred* (20) – Salary: $141,540 --$147,264 (annual)

Civil Service Pathways Fellowship (CSPF) Information Session

Thur, Feb 5, 11 AM - 12:00 PM EST Tue, Feb 10, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST

Online event

Details

The Civil Service Pathways Fellowship Program is a two-year fellowship designed for CUNY graduates interested in pursuing a career in New York City government. Candidates that are selected are matched to a full-time paid position with the City of New York in one of 6 key areas:

Policy and Program Analysis

Procurement and Finance

Project Management

Creative Services and Digital Media

IT and Data Analysis

Architecture and Engineering

Civil Service Pathways fellows take civil service exams that coincide with the successful completion of their first year in the program to help them gain permanent civil service status.

In this session, you will

Learn eligibility, how to apply, and what documents you need for a complete application.

Learn how the program works and benefits of being a Civil Service Pathways fellow.

Receive information about the interview process

Have the opportunity to ask questions

Note: CSPF is only open to those that have earned their Bachelor's degree from a CUNY school, or will complete their degree by May 2026.

Open Position : Head Manger

Job Description

Position: Manager ReAL Edgemere Community Land Trust (CLT)

Location: Hybrid (Must be based in or familiar with Far Rockaway, NY)

Salary: $70,000–$80,000/year (Full-Time, Salaried)

Hours: Flexible 40 Hours per week (occasional evening and weekends)

Reports To: Board of Directors

Position Summary

ReAL Edgemere CLT is seeking a dynamic, mission-driven Manager to lead our operations and drive community-first housing and land justice initiatives. This is a unique opportunity to help shape equitable development in the Rockaways through collaborative leadership, strong project management, and authentic community engagement.

Please send all inquires along with resume and cover letter to info@realedgemereclt.org.

Good luck and we looking to seeing you soon!

or register at https://tinyurl.com/ms4mv2yx.

103-34 Lefferts Blvd New York, NY 11419

Salary Benefits

The starting salary for a Police Officer is $46,954 and increases to $61,270 after one year of service.

Top annual base pay of $131,703.52.

Healthand dental plans with family coverage. Generous vacation allowance. Outstanding pension after 20 years of service. Receive up to 85% of tuition costs covered for approved college courses

Re quirem ent s:

21years of age and have not yet reached your 35th

birthday at the commencement of the Police Academy Veteran Age Credit: Veterans or eligible spouses 35+ can subtract up to 6 years of military service from their age. A minimum of 60 college credits from an accredited college or university or

An honorable discharge from the United States Military, Reserve Component or National Guard after serving a minimum of two years of active duty, or spouse of a disabled or deceased veteran or

Have at least 2 years of satisfactory employment in one or more of the following occupational categories with no more than 90 days break in service: Sworn Law Enforcement or Corrections, Port Authority of NY & NJ Employee, Licensed Security Guard, or TSA agent

Citizenship: Candidates must be a United States citizen at the commencement of the Police Academy

Driver’s License: Candidates must have a current, valid driver’s license at the commencement of the Police Academy

Physical Fitness: Candidates must be in condition to meet the required medical and physical standards.

JFK

Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Fund

Empire State Development (ESD) utilizing the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) has partnered with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to create the $50 million Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Fund (ACDBE Fund) providing support to certifiedACDBE businesses seeking concession opportunities at the John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and the LaGuardia Airport (LGA).

•

• How does the ACDBE Fund work?

The fund provides $50 million in loan capital to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and credit enhancements to banks to support certified ACDBEs already awarded or currently seeking airport concession opportunities at JFL or LGA. Program lenders use this capital along with matching capital from other resources to offer small business loans Loans range from $500,000 up to $5,000,000.

Competitive interest rates, terms and fees are determined by the individual program lenders Lenders are responsible for applications and credit decisions

What can the loan funds be used for?

Typical uses of fundsareworking capital, acquisition of machinery and equipment and leasehold improvements at a NYC Airport business location

How to apply?

Confirm your ACDBE certification at https://panynj.diversitysoftware.com/

ACDBEs will need to provide proof of certification, a business plan, their financial need, and the contract or concession opportunity they are pursuing.

Contact one of the following participating lenders for application details:

Greater Jamaica Development Corp.(www.gjdc.org)

Lendistry(www lendistry com)

TruFundFinancialServices (www.trufund.org)

Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone (UMEZ) (www umez org)

About State Small Business Credit Initiative

TheState SmallBusiness Credit Initiative (SSBCI) is a federally funded program managed by the U S Department of Treasury. SSBCI provides funds to support programs for small businesses with the goal of providing opportunities and improving chances for success in the post-pandemic economy Learn more about NYS SSBCI programs at esd.ny.gov/ssbci

Redevelopment: Community Advisory Council & Diversity in Contracting

As part of its community outreach strategy, the Port Authority formed the composed of local elected officials, community boards, business and academic institutions, civic and nonprofit organizations, and faith leaders The council meets publicly multiple times each year to report out on construction progress,

HelpfulLinks/ClickorScanforMore:

communitydevelopment initiatives, upcoming events and opportunities for local residents, students, businesses, and more On diversity in contracting, the Port Authority has adopted a nation-leading 30% M/WBE participation goal. To monitor compliance on the JFK Redevelopment Program, the agency has retained third-party consultants from the local community The consultants review participation data to ensure its accuracy and reliability. They also generate public reports that are posted to the program website monthly

Community Leaders & Sponsors!!