Learn how to grow your company by participating in the NYC Department of Small Business Services Strategic Steps for Growth program. You will learn business skills, connect with other entrepreneurs in your industry, and access new networks to broaden opportunities. We will also help you develop a 3-year Strategic Growth Action Plan – a roadmap to grow your business.
All programs use an award-winning core curriculum, and include the following benefits:
Peer Mentoring Connect with a committed group of peers who have experienced similar business challenges.
Small Class Size Small, interactive classes are taught by an NYU professor with business experience. Thirteen evening sessions accommodate an entrepreneur's busy schedule.
Guest Experts Get advice from experts in fields like finance, marketing, and human resources.
Alumni Network Our alumni network 97% of our alumni would recommend the program to a fellow business owner, and many stay connected beyond graduation. Even after you finish the program, we'll support you in carrying out your growth plan and continue building your business.
We offer three industry-focused programs: Minority and Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Program Learn how to leverage your M/WBE certification and position your company for growth.
Media, Entertainment, and Technology Program Network with industry experts and other NYC media companies to take your vision to the next level.
Independent Physicians Program Apply business principles to position your practice for growth and sustainability.
Minority- and Women-Owned Enterprises (M/WBE)
Our award-winning curriculum is tailored specifically for M/WBE businesses looking to grow in New York City.
Our interactive class sessions will teach you how to:
- Leverage your M/WBE status to win contracts with the City and other local institutions
- Identify and targeting the most profitable projects
- Invest in a marketing program that's appropriate for your industry
Who can apply? M/WBE-Certified companies from all industries can benefit from the program. Our graduates represent a range of industries, including construction, technology, professional services, staffing, wholesale supply, manufacturing, security, and more.
You must be an owner of the business, and meet the following criteria:
- Certified by New York City as a Minority or Woman-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) OR submit your application to become M/WBE-certified by the start of the course
- Operating for at least three years, with annual revenues between $500,000 and $10 million
- Have at least one employee (not including the business owner)
How much does it cost? If you are selected to participate, there is a $1,000 tuition fee, which must be paid before the first class.
Valued at $10,000, this program is presented by the NYC Department of Small Business Services in collaboration with the NYU Stern School of Business' W.R. Berkley Innovation Lab, and the NYU Division of Operations.
Apply for the Strategic Steps for Growth - MWBE Program
Media, Entertainment, and Technology Program
Our award-winning curriculum is tailored specifically for NYC-based media, entertainment and technology businesses.
Our interactive class sessions will teach you how to:
- Pitch, network, and market yourself in an increasingly competitive industry
- Form partnerships and joint ventures with other media companies
- Understand complicated labor laws as it applies to freelancers and consultants
Who can apply?
Companies from a range of media, entertainment, and technology industries can benefit from the program. Our graduates include video and sound producers, marketing and branding strategists, website and mobile app developers, virtual reality companies, graphics and design firms, and many more.
You must be an owner of your business, and must meet the following criteria:
- Be in the media, entertainment, technology, or an allied industry
- Operating for at least one year, with annual revenues between $150,000 and $10 million
- Have at least one employee (not including the business owner)
- Headquartered or have a main office within the five boroughs of New York City, or have a significant tie to the City's business community
When does the next class start? Class sessions for the new cohort will begin in Winter 2019. A detailed schedule will be made available to qualified applicants before the start of the program. Please check back for the application. Email strategicsteps@sbs.nyc.gov with the subject "SS4G MOME Email List" to be added to the Strategic Steps for Growth mailing list, and receive notification when the application is live.
How much does it cost? If you are selected to participate, there is a $1,000 tuition fee, which must be paid before the first class.
Valued at $10,000, this program is presented by the NYC Department of Small Business Services in collaboration with the NYU Stern School of Business' W.R. Berkley Innovation Lab and the NYC Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment.
Independent Physicians Program
Our award-winning curriculum is tailored to practitioners and the industry's current needs.
Our interactive class sessions will cover:
- Healthcare finance
- Expanding your practice
- Revenue cycle management
- Advances in healthcare technology
- Negotiating with insurance companies
Who can apply? While this program is exclusively for the healthcare industry, it is open to medical professionals with a variety of licensures. They include, but are not limited to:
- Dentists (DDS, DMD)
- Optometrists (OD)
- Podiatrists (DPM)
- General practitioners (MD, GP)
- Specialists (OB/GYN, Ophthalmology )
You must be an owner of your business, and must meet the following criteria:
- Be an independent private or group practice, not affiliated with a hospital
- Operating for at least one year
- Have at least one full-time employee (not including the business owner)
- Headquartered or have a main office within the five boroughs of New York City
This program is presented by the NYC Department of Small Business Services in partnership with Community Care of Brooklyn.
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