Event Video link (Auto-translation subtitle available):

Part 1: https://youtu.be/R3FIRPaP_V8?si=rtvk7k7au9D8x3Qi

Part 2: https://youtu.be/YTM-7PzuG64?si=ebyhxQ-Xeg-TU94g

On July 21, 2025, Glow Cultural Center’s “Business Ready: MWBE Certification, Marketing & Consulting” workshop turned practical knowledge into action for over 60 immigrant and minority entrepreneurs. Co‑organized with Empire State Development – Division of Minority & Women’s Business Development, Asian American Federation, the Global Federation of Chinese Business Women – NY chapter, and CMP (Chinatown Manpower Project) —and honored by the presence of Council Member Sandra Ung—the evening delivered exactly what many small business owners said they needed most: clear steps, trusted resources, and support in their own languages via a live translation app. Small Business Development Center Laduadia Community College and Renaissance Economic Development Corporation’s Small Business Services team also staffed a consulting table, offering on‑the‑spot advice tailored to each entrepreneur’s needs.

Charting the MWBE Pathway
Jenny Low, Executive Advisor at Empire State Development’s MWBE Division, spent a full hour demystifying certification. “There are many jurisdictions…each with its own criteria,” she explained, urging owners to gather documents up front and “use the free advisors—let them walk you through before you even hit ‘submit.’” She reminded participants that New York State now turns applications around in under 90 days on average and that once certified, businesses join a public directory used by agencies aiming to meet the 30% MWBE spending goal. Her bottom line: getting certified is work, but it opens doors you can’t reach otherwise.

Going Digital—Without Getting Scammed
Next, Taewon Kim from the Asian American Federation broke down digital marketing with refreshing simplicity: “Digital marketing is any online activity that helps attract customers to your store—and makes them spend money on your products or services.” He showed how a properly built Google Business Profile (photos, keywords, reviews) can drive real revenue—no pricey consultants required. Through a short video, Taewon illustrated just how crucial these resources are for immigrants facing language barriers. Attendees lined up afterward to book one‑on‑one, in‑language follow‑ups.

What the Event Polls Told Us
Our live polls revealed many hurdles that our small business community is facing:

• Where people are in the journey: 50% already own a business; 40% are planning to start one; 10% are still exploring.
• MWBE pain points: 70% said “I don’t know where to start,” while paperwork complexity, missing documents, and language barriers each drew 10%.
• Immigrant entrepreneur challenges: Permits & licensing (36%) and finding customers (32%) topped the list, followed by financing (20%), legal/tax help (8%), and language (4%).
• Readiness to act: The average likelihood of applying for MWBE within a year scored 3.9/5; confidence in accessing resources scored 3.2/5—clear room (and appetite) for more support.

Participants browsing tables

Networking

Council Member Sandra Ung not only attended to cheer on local businesses, she also reaffirmed her office’s commitment to recognizing and uplifting community service. She reiterated her office’s support for local small businesses and reminded everyone that her office is just around the corner—always ready to assist those in need. Glow Cultural Center extends heartfelt thanks to our co-organizers and to every participant who asked questions, filled out polls, and stayed to network: your curiosity and courage made this night unforgettable.The conversations, insights, and connections forged that evening set a powerful foundation for our community of entrepreneurs to thrive. This inaugural workshop marks just the beginning of our commitment to the small business community; we look forward to building on tonight’s success with even more initiatives, support, and partnerships in the future. Let’s keep helping small businesses glow—together.

Event photos:

Press conference: https://www.flickr.com/photos/glownyc/albums/72177720327590147

Event day: https://www.flickr.com/photos/glownyc/albums/72177720327731406/with/54674713418

Photo credit: Di Geng (DVision NYC)