Southeast Queens entrepreneurs will now have direct, in-person access to New York State business resources following a new partnership between Empire State Development and the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation.
The initiative, called The Nexus ESD Exchange, places staff from ESD’s Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development inside the Greater Nexus coworking space in Jamaica. Local business owners can meet regularly with state representatives for help with MWBE certification, state contracting opportunities, and business growth guidance.
For Southeast Queens—home to a large number of minority- and women-owned businesses—the program lowers barriers that have long limited access to state programs. By embedding services locally, the state aims to expand participation, strengthen neighborhood economies, and help small businesses scale.
“By bringing MWBE services directly into Southeast Queens, we’re removing barriers and expanding access to state contracting and certification opportunities for local businesses.”
– Jason Clark, Executive Director, NYS Division of Minority & Women’s Business Development
🔗 Full press release:
https://esd.ny.gov/esd-media-center/press-releases/esd-announces-esd-and-greater-jamaica-development-corporation-launch-expand-mwbe-resources-southeast-queens
