ATTENTION: New York City Council Restaurant Inspection Survey

As part of the City Council’s oversight of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and in response to mounting concerns raised by city restaurateurs regarding the restaurant inspection process, the New York City Council has recently announced the launch of a comprehensive restaurant inspection survey.

City restaurant owners and operators are urged to participate in this Council effort to gather information on food safety inspections, with particular emphasis on the recently implemented letter grading system and its impact on city restaurants.

Starting today, the survey is available online at www.surveymonkey.com/restaurantinspection and accessible through the Council’s website at www.council.nyc.gov.

The survey results will provide a foundation for an oversight hearing in late February, where the Council intends to further explore the inspection process and possible areas for reform.

ATTENTION: PACC Hosts Workshop on Negotiating Commercial Leases

On Wednesday, October 26, 2011, Pratt Area Community Council will host "How to Negotiate a Commercial Lease", an interactive workshop focused on how to make small businesses can find spaces that fit their needs.

WHEN: Wednesday, October 26, 2011
6:00PM- 8:00PM
WHERE: PACC's Fulton Street Office
(between Waverly and Washington Avenues)
896-900 Fulton Street
Brooklyn, NY 11238

Attendees will learn strategies professionals use when negotiating with landlords and contractors, what resources are available to assist with the leasing process, and receive referrals to governmental programs and resources. Registration requires RSVP.

Please RSVP at (347) 823-5700 x25, or at dale_charles@prattarea.org.

ATTENTION: PACC Hosts Workshop on Writing Business Plans

On Wednesday, October 12, 2011, Pratt Area Community Council will host "Developing a Business Plan", an interactive workshop on writing business plans.

WHEN: Wednesday, October 12, 2011
6:00- 8:00PM

WHERE: PACC's Fulton Street Office
(between Waverly and Washington Avenues)
896-900 Fulton Street
Brooklyn, NY 11238

Attendees will learn what resources are available to assist in writing an effective business plan, and learn strategies to develop an investor-ready business plan. Registration requires RSVP.

Please RSVP at (347) 823-5700 x25, or at dale_charles@prattarea.org.

ATTENTION: Applications Available for No-Interest Women's Entrepreneurial Loan Fund

The Thypin Oltchick Institute for Women's Entrepreneurship at FEGS Health and Human Services System presents a Women's Enterprise Action Loan Fund. Women who are small business owners can now apply for a loan for up to $5,000 in resources and services. Free business mentoring is also available. The program is available to women who reside in the NYC/ metro area and have a viable business.

The application is available here: http://www.fegs.org/fegsenews/enews2010/0826/application.pdf

The deadline is September 16, 2011. For more info, please contact ownyourbusiness@fegs.org.

CM James Sponsors "Beautify and Unify" To Encourage CrH/PH Revitalization; 8/20

Council Member Letitia James invites the Crown Heights and Prospect Heights communities to "Beautify and Unify", sponsored by Council Member Letitia James, NYC Community Cleanup, the Crown Heights Mediation Center, The Prospect Heights Street Tree Task Force, and the Executive Director of IKOKO!



The event is Saturday August 20th, beginning 10:00am (participants are encouraged to meet at 9:45am) on the corner of Sterling Place and Nostrand Avenue.



The clean-up day will encourage and assist in the ongoing North Crown Heights revitalization, and include graffiti removal, store front cleaning, garbage removal and street tree care. NYC Community Clean Up will provide these services (with the exception of street tree care) at no cost to the merchants and residents. Prospect Heights Street Tree Task Force will handle tree care which will include soil aeration, mulching, and pruning. The Crown Heights Mediation Center conceived of the clean-up day as a way to support new and existing businesses along Nostrand Avenue.



Council Member James encourages store owners along Nostrand to contact the Brooklyn Solution Center Branch of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, which provide alternate sources of capital and business solutions. Also, we encourage new store owners to access NBAT, New York City business acceleration initiative.



If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Jonathan Perez at the Office of Council Member Letitia James at 718-260-9191.

ATTENTION: CACCI Hosts Small Business Workshop; 1/28; Flatbush

The Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (CACCI) invites business-owners (and potential business owners) to attend a Small Business Workshop entitled "MANAGING YOUR BUSINESS IN TODAYS ECONOMY"

TOPICS:
Access to Small Business Financing & Business Services
• Tax & Budget Preparations for your Business
• Accessing Finances from Traditional and non-Traditional Lenders
• Establishing and Growing your business in todays Business Climate

WHEN: Friday, January 28, 2011

9:00am

WHERE: Flatbush Caton Market
814 Flatbush Avenue

Brooklyn, NY

Seats are limited, so please register today! Please call 718-834-4544 for more information.

Convened by: Dr. Roy A. Hastick, Sr., President/CEO CACCI
Sponsored by: NYC Department of Small Business Services (DSBS)