East Harlem: Career & Business Fair

Nelson Garcia Jr., the executive director, says an upcoming Career and Small Business Fair, October 16, will introduce various business opportunities to participants.

[Business News]

It’s no secret that many small businesses opening up shop in Harlem have closed their doors within one year of operation for lack of capital or promotional outreach. 

When they close, hundreds of jobs in the community are lost. The East Harlem Business Capital Corporation (EHBCC) hopes to succeed were other organizations have not; offering what officials call “sound business development assistance” to entrepreneurs and small business. 

EHBCC plans to expand existing businesses, create new enterprises, and to promote economic development in East Harlem, company officials say.  Nelson Garcia Jr., the executive director, says an upcoming Career and Small Business Fair, October 16, will introduce various business opportunities to participants.

“Any resident of East Harlem that is looking to get a job in any of the Fortune 500 companies that will be represented, or anyone planning to open their own business we’re going to have a series of seminars that will be hosted by the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone, the New York Post and Con Edison,” he says, in an interview. “There is a lot of activity going on in East Harlem and I think this is the time to get into East Harlem.”  The career and job fair was announced last week at Ginger, one of the new trendy restaurants on 116th Street and 5th Avenue.

The Harlem job market is extremely tight. The impending arrival of big box super stores like Target and Home Depot, coming to 116th and Pleasant Avenue in East Harlem, may change things somewhat.  Still, these projects are years away. 

“In the future we know that there is a lot of activity going on in Harlem,” says Garcia, mentioning the big box stores and restaurants that are also slated to open in Harlem.

“Sure they are probably lower paying jobs, but we expect that they will provide at least living wage.  And for the companies coming to First Avenue, the politicians have demanded that a certain number of people be from the Harlem community and be paid a living wage.  That’s a good start—it’s not the solution, but it’s a good start,” he says.

Largely a Latino community, East Harlem is one of New York’s most culturally diverse neighborhoods.  Claiming the areas from Fifth Avenue, 96th Street to 130th Street, East Harlem has undergone a remarkable transition over the past 10 years.  Like 125th, the area is a busy leading business and cultural hub for Latinos and new comers. 

Celebracion Del Barrio, takes place during Hispanic Heritage Month.  The Career and Small Business Fair, sponsored by the New York Post will take place at Julia De Burgos Cultural Center at Lexington Avenue and 116th Street. 

For further information on Career Day call 212-427-6590.    


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