Hunter College Graduate students Adam Steele, Amy Holodak and Valerie Duchon participated in the following research project as a requirement for the Urban Development Workshop I course. William Spisak, Asset Building Manager for Chhaya Community Development Corporation, retained our services to conduct a needs assessment of immigrant small business owners in Jackson Heights, Queens.
Chhaya CDC seeks to expand their Small Business Development Initiative by providing comprehensive and relevant business support services, workshops, and trainings to local immigrant entrepreneurs and business owners. This needs assessment will address challenges South Asian business owners experience as well as how they seek assistance and support. This will help the agency to enhance current programming to help local businesses stay competitive and avoid displacement in the face of gentrification.