QEDC

LaunchLab
2025-09-25 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
Thank you for your interest. This event is full and will no longer be taking applicants.
Each fall, the Entrepreneurship Assistance Center (EAC) offers its comprehensive,10-week, hands-on business program for startups and prestartups looking to launch their business.
Previously known as our EAC Business Training Program, LaunchLab is an intensive specifically designed to minimize the risk and maximize the potential success of starting your own business. You will learn by completing projects during the virtual classroom and lab sessions and developing on those projects outside session hours – whether the assignment is to create a sales page, test an MVP (minimal viable product), or develop financial statements.

Get Business From NYC and NYS Government: M/WBE Certification
2025-09-17 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-08-20 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-07-23 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-06-18 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-05-21 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-04-16 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-03-19 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-02-19 18:30 - 20:00 | Online, NY, United States
Learn about getting certified as a Minority / Woman-owned Business Enterprise with NYC & NYS, what you will need to do to obtain government contracts, and how you can leverage your certification to get more business at this free online webinar.
About the Speaker
Since coming to QEDC, Ricardi Calixte has worked with many neighborhoods’ business organizations to help improve the local economy. He spearheaded the development of Corona Plaza, transforming an under-utilized area into one of the borough’s foremost pedestrian plazas. He works closely with merchant groups, foundations, and government agencies to help local communities reach their potential.
A native of Haiti, Ricardi graduated from New York City public schools and has a BA degree in Economics, an MA in Africana Studies, and an MRP in Urban Planning from SUNY Albany. He is a CORO Fellow. He lives Queens and is the proud father of a daughter and son.

Entrepreneur Space: 15th Anniversary Open House
2025-09-17 18:00 - 21:00 | Entrepreneur Space, 36-46 37th Street, Long Island City, NY, 11101, United States
Join us to celebrate the 15th anniversary of The Entrepreneur Space, QEDC’s award-winning food incubator in Long Island City.
Since 2010, The Entrepreneur Space has helped more than 800 inspiring food entrepreneurs build brands that can now be found in storefronts around the city, on grocery store shelves nationwide, and featured in national media, including Shark Tank.
Join us on Wednesday, September 17 at 6:00PM for an open house featuring our current crop of delicious clients. Our makers will offer samples and have exclusive offers for purchase.

FinanceForward
2025-09-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Online, NY, United States
FinanceForward is a 25-class training program designed to help established small business owners strengthen their finances and secure funding. Over the course of four phases – Analyze, Formulate, Implement, and Connect – you’ll learn how to organize your financials, create projections, and build lender-ready packages. The program blends virtual learning with select in-person sessions, including exclusive lender panels where you’ll make direct connections with banks, SBA representatives, and other capital providers. Along the way, you’ll gain clarity on pricing, cash flow, credit, and tax planning while building practical skills in bookkeeping and QuickBooks. Most importantly, you’ll walk away with polished financials, a complete loan application package, and the confidence to pursue grants, loans, and other funding opportunities.
For more information about the class including topics, dates, and instructors, please click here.
“This program is sponsored by a grant from the Empire State Development.”

Ready, Set, Go!
2025-09-09 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-08-12 19:00 - 20:00
About the Webinar:

Ready, Set, Go! is a 90-minute free workshop that covers all the things you need to think about when going into business. It provides a general overview of what it takes to start a business; legal considerations and what it takes to fund a new venture.

About the Speaker:
Roy Pellicano ran an IT services company for over 15 years working with small and mid-sized businesses across all industries, from the single computer Mom & Pop to the 63 location company. In addition to supporting IT, Roy advises business teams developing and implementing strategy across the business lifecycle from start-up to exit, including how to implement business and technology transformation.

Ready, Set, Go!
2025-06-10 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-08 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-03-11 19:00 - 20:00 | Online, NY, United States

Buying Your First Business: A Workshop for Aspiring Owners
2025-06-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Queens Borough Hall, 120-55 Queens Blvd., Suite 200, Kew Gardens, NY, 11424, United States
Buying an existing business can be a faster, less risky path to ownership than starting one from scratch – but it requires strategy, research, and the right guidance.
To provide you with this type of guidance, QEDC is teaming up with Michael Steinberg of Hedgestone Business Advisors and to host a masterclass where you will learn how to navigate the process of business acquisition from start to finish. You will understand how to find the right opportunity, assess value, secure financing, and take over operations confidently. If you have ever been interested in buying an existing pizzeria, restaurant, laundromat, car wash company, etc., then this class is for you.
By the end of the masterclass, you will know the following:

Why buying an existing business can be smarter than starting from scratch
How to find opportunities that match your skills and financial goals
How valuation works — and what makes a price fair (or inflated)
Financing options: SBA loans, seller financing, and more
What to look for in due diligence, and how to avoid costly mistakes
What happens after closing: training, staff transition, and next steps

This workshop is for you if:

You have always been interested in running your own business, and are interested in exploring acquisition as a faster route to profitability than launching a startup.
You have a lifelong dream of owning a storefront, but you want to evaluate and decide between purchasing an existing business and starting your own business.
You are a corporate professional looking to transition into business ownership with a proven model.
You are a skilled worker or manager (restaurant staff, contractors, retail leads) ready to take the next step and own what you have been running.

About The Speaker
Michael Steinberg is a highly accomplished entrepreneur and the founder of Hedgestone Business Advisors, where he has made a significant impact in the world of small business acquisitions. With a remarkable track record in business sale transactions, Steinberg has emerged as a leading figure in the industry, having closed over $2 billion worth of deals in the past five years.
As a versatile professional, Steinberg’s expertise extends across various industries, making him industry agnostic when it comes to deal-making. His diverse portfolio of closed deals encompasses a wide range of fields, demonstrating his ability to navigate different sectors successfully. With a keen eye for opportunity, he has consistently delivered exceptional results
At the helm of Hedgestone Business Advisors as its CEO, Steinberg leads a dynamic team of 150 professionals. Under his guidance, the company has gained a strong reputation and built an extensive network, boasting over 1,000 exclusive listings. His leadership and strategic vision have played a pivotal role in the firm’s success.
In recent years, Steinberg has focused his efforts on the car wash industry. Leveraging his extensive knowledge and experience, he has become a dominant force in the market. In fact, he holds the distinction of selling more car washes than anyone else in the country over the past two years. His unparalleled success in this sector has granted him a deep understanding of the intricacies and dynamics of the car wash business.
Steinberg’s approach to business deals is marked by exclusivity and off-market opportunities. He prides himself on securing exclusive listings and personally curating deals that offer unique advantages to his clients. By leveraging his extensive network and expertise, he consistently delivers exceptional results, surpassing expectations.
Beyond his role as a business advisor, Steinberg is also a limited partner (LP) in a notable nine-car wash portfolio located in New York. This investment further solidifies his commitment to the industry and his belief in the potential for growth and profitability within the car wash sector.
As a driven and accomplished entrepreneur, Michael Steinberg has made a significant impact in the field of small business acquisitions. His impressive track record, leadership skills, and extensive network have positioned him as a trusted advisor and a sought-after figure in the business community. With his unwavering commitment to excellence and his ability to identify unique opportunities, Steinberg continues to shape the landscape of small business deals and inspire others in the industry.

Registration Closed: Business Finance Bootcamp
2025-05-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Online, NY, United States
Business Finance Bootcamp is a no-fluff, hands-on training series built for entrepreneurs who are ready to take control of their business finances. Whether you’re just starting out or trying to scale smarter, this bootcamp breaks down what you actually need to know to make better financial decisions, build strong systems, and access the funding your business deserves.
In just two hours per class, you’ll get clear guidance on essential financial topics — from setting up your bookkeeping system to understanding your funding options. Every session includes step-by-step instructions, real-world tools, and live support so you can apply what you’re learning right away.
You’ll walk away with more than just financial knowledge — you’ll leave with the confidence and systems to make money decisions like a boss.
Here is the class schedule and breakdown of all the sessions:

WEDNESDAY, May 28: Intro to Business Finance & Financial Health
MONDAY, June 2: Business Structures & Financial Implications
WEDNESDAY, June 4: Cash Flow Management & Budgeting
MONDAY, June 9 : Bookkeeping, Accounting & Tax Planning
WEDNESDAY June 11: Business Credit & Debt Management
MONDAY, June 16: Funding Options: Loans, Grants & Investors
WEDNESDAY, June 18: Financial Resilience & Scaling Strategy
MONDAY, June 23: Capstone – Business Financial Health Assessment & Action Plan

All classes are 6pm – 8pm EST and may include optional homework assignments to help you apply what you’ve learned between sessions.

Access to Capital
2025-05-21 12:30 - 13:30 | Online, NY, United States
Learn how to get money to grow your business. At this workshop, you will learn about:

SBA Loan Programs
Loan Eligibility Requirements
Benefits of Government Contracts
Resource Partners

Queens Taste 2025
2025-05-13 18:00 - 21:00 | New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St, Corona, NY, 11368, United States
The Queens Economic Development Corporation and Queens Tourism Council will host Queens Taste 2025 at the New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows Corona Park on Tuesday, May 13, from 6 pm to 9 pm.
We expect to attract more than 500 attendees with 50 restaurants and beverage purveyors, who will offer samples of their products. Thus, attendees will be able to bounce from table to table, tasting treats from tangy to fiery, crunchy to velvety, and sweet to briny.
Queens Taste is also a celebration of the borough — and a great way to network. Almost all the anticipated 500 attendees either live in Queens or do business there. Many are executives and captains of industry. The atmosphere is always festive, almost giddy, creating an ideal scene for meeting and greeting.
Get Your Tickets Here!
Sponsors

Sell Sheets That Sell: What to Say, Show, and Share to Get Your Product on Shelves
2025-05-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Online, NY, United States
Your sell sheet is one of the most powerful tools in your wholesale growth toolkit—and one of the most common things early-stage food brands get wrong. In this one-hour workshop, you’ll learn how to craft a clear, compelling sell sheet that highlights your product’s value, grabs attention, and makes it easy for retailers to say “yes.”
We’ll walk through the must-have components and show you design strategies that work (even if you’re not a designer). You’ll leave with a clear plan, a content organizing spreadsheet, and an optional special offer on ready-to-use Canva templates to jumpstart your design.
About the Speaker
Jill Frechtman is an award-winning specialty food entrepreneur and seasoned brand strategist. She brings a wealth of hands-on experience to the table, having navigated the very journey that the early-stage food product entrepreneurs she works with find themselves on. Jill is passionate about helping emerging brands stand out in a crowded market and offers a distinctive blend of creativity and practical business execution. As a coach, consultant, and educator, she helps entrepreneurs get clear on what makes their brand unique and works with them to develop effective strategies for differentiation, storytelling, customer experience, and overall brand success.

AI Tool Business Accelerator
2025-04-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Online, NY, United States
The AI Tool Business Accelerator is unlike any program we have offered to date. This hands-on AI series is designed for non-technical founders who want to confidently learn and apply powerful AI tools without the overwhelm. In just two hours per class, you’ll be guided through setting up your account, navigating key features, and completing a mini project you can actually use in your business. No fluff, no jargon — just real-time practice, live feedback, and clear instructions that make learning feel doable. You’ll walk away with more than just knowledge — you’ll leave with fully built systems that help you work smarter, faster, and with more confidence.
Course Schedule
Class 1 – TUESDAY, APRIL 29: AIStudio – Brand & Positioning Package
Class 2 – THURSDAY, MAY 1: Google Gemini – Marketing & Content Calendar
Class 3 – TUESDAY, MAY 6: Zapier – Lead Generation & Outreach Automation
Class 4 – THURSDAY, MAY 8: Gamma.app – Client Proposal Template
Class 5 – TUESDAY, MAY 13: Canva – Digital Onboarding & Welcome Kit
Class 6 – THURSDAY, MAY 15: Replit – AI-Powered Knowledge Base & FAQ
Class 7 – TUESDAY, MAY 20: NotionAI – Automated Performance Dashboard
Class 8 – THURSDAY, MAY 22: Loom – Video Communication & Testimonial System

Zen and Hustle: A Small Business Retreat
2025-04-07 11:00 - 13:30 | Hyatt Regency JFK Airport at Resorts World New York City, 110-00 Rockaway Blvd, Jamaica, NY, 11420, United States
Escape the daily grind and reset, refocus, and realign your vision. This retreat is for entrepreneurs looking to boost leadership, performance, and strategy. Participate in expert-led sessions to enhance clarity, resilience, and innovation, while networking with fellow business owners.
Leave with actionable strategies to improve productivity, decision-making, and long-term success, all while prioritizing well-being.
Movement sessions are included, so please wear athleisure.
Registration for this event is full.

Fraud & Cyber Security Seminar
2025-02-13 13:00 - 14:00 | Online, NY, United States
​This webinar covers essential fraud and cybersecurity basics for small businesses, teaching practical steps to protect against threats. Learn how to identify vulnerabilities, prevent data breaches, and safeguard finances. This session is vital for small business owners to ensure long-term security, protect customer trust, and avoid costly disruptions.
Email RetailEvents@FlushingBank.com by 2/11/25 to RSVP.

Cancelled – Ready, Set, Go!
2025-02-11 19:00 - 20:00 | Online, NY, United States
This event has been cancelled
About the Webinar:

Ready, Set, Go! is a 90-minute free workshop that covers all the things you need to think about when going into business. It provides a general overview of what it takes to start a business; legal considerations and what it takes to fund a new venture.

About the Speaker:

Roy Pellicano ran an IT services company for over 15 years working with small and mid-sized businesses across all industries, from the single computer Mom & Pop to the 63 location company. In addition to supporting IT, Roy advises business teams developing and implementing strategy across the business lifecycle from start-up to exit, including how to implement business and technology transformation.

Meet the Competition: Entrepreneur Networking with QTIC
2025-02-05 18:30 - 20:00 | Greater Nexus, 89-14 Parsons Blvd, Jamaica, NY, 11432, United States
​Whether you are participating in the Queens Tech + Innovation Challenge or not, this event is not one to be missed. Meet your fellow entrepreneurs to forge connections that will be able to help your business. And, if that doesn’t appeal to you, you can also enjoy the free snacks and beverages we’ll have as well. See you there!
Click Here to RSVP!

Practical AI and Technology Tools to Streamline Your Small Business, Beyond ChatGPT
2025-01-30 12:00 - 13:00
​Learn how your small business can harness the latest AI tools beyond just ChatGPT. We’ll explore practical ways AI can automate day-to-day tasks, such as meeting transcription, organizing client notes, and managing workflows. This session will show how modern AI tools can help save time and improve efficiency without requiring extensive tech skills. It’s about making AI work for you, not just talking to a chatbot. Tools covered will include, Zapier, Notion, Zoom and Augie.
Click Here to RSVP

Show Up and Stand Out: An Intro to Trade Show Success
2025-01-29 13:00 - 17:00 | Online, NY, United States
​​Ready to grow your food brand at trade shows? This class covers everything you need to get started, from selecting the best events to setting up a standout booth and engaging attendees with confidence. Walk away with actionable insights to help you exhibit successfully and build your business.
Click Here to RSVP!

From Clicks to Conversions: Proven Strategies to Transform Your E-Commerce Site
2025-01-22 13:00 - 14:00 | Online, NY, United States
​​In the ever-evolving world of e-commerce, having a visually appealing website isn’t enough—your site needs to convert visitors into loyal customers. Join this dynamic session designed for startup entrepreneurs and learn actionable strategies to increase sales, enhance user experience, and optimize your sales funnel.
Click Here to RSVP

Unlock the Power of AI for Your Business!
2025-01-16 13:00 - 14:30 | Online, NY, United States
​Are you an entrepreneur looking to streamline your business processes and save time? Join us for an insightful presentation on “Maximizing Business Efficiency with AI Tools.”
​Discover the top areas where AI can make a difference—like social media management, proposal writing, process optimization, and more—and explore some AI tools to help your small business develop. Whether you’re new to AI or ready to take the next step, this session will provide practical tips and strategies to help your business thrive in the digital age.
​Don’t miss this opportunity to transform the way you work!
Click Here to RSVP!
