Since 1990, they have dedicated themselves to enriching the local small business community in Harlem and NYC, with an emphasis on Black-owned businesses through education, support and advocacy. They create pathways for financial and generational success through business workshops, mentorship, events, funding assistance, and strategic networking opportunities.
“Resilience is a defining trait of business owners and specifically Black business owners. Despite systemic challenges, they continue to innovate, create, and push forward. Our role is to ensure they have the tools and support to succeed.”
HBA Turns Obstacles into Opportunities
HBA has seen firsthand how education and strategic planning can transform businesses for the better. A defining trait HBA sees within business owners, specifically Black business owners, is resilience. They shared with us: “Despite systemic challenges, [small business owners] continue to innovate, create, and push forward. Our role is to ensure they have the tools and support to succeed.”
Right now, HBA has launched the “Young Bosses of Harlem", a program designed to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs. This initiative provides New Yorkers age 16-24 with business branding & marketing tools, 1-on-1 mentorship, and access to HBA’s podcast studio. Program participants also have a chance to win $200 via a pitch competition. Learn more about it here.
Our Work Together
The Harlem Business Alliance and Start Small Think Big share a common goal: bridging gaps in access and ensuring that small businesses get the support they need to thrive. We’ve worked together to build incredible opportunities, connecting entrepreneurs with the valuable resources and networks they deserve. A favorite moment we share with Harlem Business Alliance is the work we did together via the Shopify Speed Networking Event. They shared with us: “Seeing small business owners engage in meaningful conversations, exchange ideas, and build relationships that could lead to future collaborations was truly inspiring.” And you know what? We couldn’t agree more.
Our partnership with HBA is a testament to the positive outcomes you can generate when mission-driven organizations combine their strengths to uplift and support small businesses.With HBA’s deep-rooted community presence and hands-on business development with our free, expert-driven service-based support, we’ve built (and continue to build) a well-rounded ecosystem for small business owners across the country.
How To Get Involved
Your support for organizations like HBA keeps the good work going. Here are ways to get involved with HBA.
