BCNA CLIENTS GET RECERTIFIED
Dr. Leonid Ishakov, a refugee from the Former Soviet Union, came to the US so that he could provide a better life for his wife and three children. His family enrolled in our IDA Savings Program and used their savings and the matching funds to get Leonid recertified as a doctor. In 2010, he combined his savings with a microloan from BCNA and opened Ocean Medical P.C., a pediatric clinic in Brooklyn.
translating dreams into success
BCNA CLIENTS BELIEVE IN THE AMERICAN DREAM
Abdoulaye Ndiaye is a refugee from Mauritania who believes in the American Dream. He used his savings and matching funds from BCNA's IDA Program to start a small retail business. Then Abdoulaye, who is constantly thinking of different ways to grow his business, used a loan from BCNA to move to a better and larger location.
translating dreams into success
BCNA CLIENTS PREVENT BAD HAIR DAYS
Natalia Gotesman has over twenty years of experience in helping her clients look their best. However it was only recently that she was able to complete her dream by opening her own beauty salon in her neighborhood in Brooklyn. Now she can use her expertise to provide the quality services she feels that the women in her community deserve. BCNA staff helped Natalia with marketing advice and a loan for equipment.
translating dreams into success
BCNA CLIENTS START BUSINESSES
Galina Zavyalova used her IDA savings and matching funds to start G & L Alteration and Repair, which provides professional and affordable alteration and repair services in Brooklyn. As a business owner and a single parent, Galina works hard but appreciates having a flexible schedule. BCNA has made several microloans to her business to help with cash flow.
translating dreams into success
BCNA CLIENTS INCREASE THEIR INCOME
A loan from BCNA enabled Valentina and German to pay off their high-interest credit card debt and provided much needed cash flow for their growing child care business. Valentina and German then used their IDA savings and matching funds to invest in new furniture and toys. Since working with BCNA, their income has increased by 40%.
translating dreams into success
BCNA CLIENTS ARE ARTISANS
Freddy Borghes creates unique works of art in the form of installations, murals, and sculptures. BCNA's eCommerce workshops, as well as a grant from our Ebay Foundation-funded Techquity Award Program, enabled Freddy to operate his business in a much more cost effective manner.
translating dreams into success
BCNA CLIENTS START HEALTHY BUSINESSES
Since coming to the US, Kin Chun Tam has worked at several restaurants and grocery stores. She saved her money and was able to start Tam's Vegetables - a vegetable stand in Chinatown. Ms. Tam was selected as one of BCNA's Citi Bank-funded Woman & Co Boost Awards, which provided a cash grant to purchase a new scale and all-weather signage for her business. Ms. Tam has now expanded to a second cart and also supplies restaurants with fresh vegetables. Recently with the help of the Street Vendor's Project, we were able to help Ms. Tam decrease fines from $1,500...
translating dreams into success
BCNA CLIENTS ARE ENTREPRENEURS
When Digna Guzman started a cigar shop in Queens, Crain's Business News profiled her, calling her a woman who knows a good cigar! Since then Digna has launched several other business ventures. BCNA has provided loans for equipment and cash flow for those businesses, including the deli she currently owns and manages.
translating dreams into success
BCNA HELPS CLIENTS CREATE ASSETS
When Yelena first came to BCNA, she had just started Smiles R' Us, a day care center. Several loans from BCNA over a ten year period - and a lot of hard work and dedication from Yelena and her partner - have enabled her to successfully expand to a second location as well as purchase the building in which her first business is located. Her entrepreneurship has created 35 jobs to date.
translating dreams into success
BCNA CLIENTS CREATE MARKETS
Kathy Malone is the creator of an on-line site called Brooklyn Indie Market. Her site, which provides a platform for Brooklyn artisans and designers to sell their unique products, was selected by our Techquity Award Program, which is made possible through funding from Ebay. Kathy, who is also the creator of a line of handmade apparel called Fofolle, now serves on our Advisory Committee.
translating dreams into success
BCNA CLIENTS HELP NEW YORKERS GET AROUND!
Ibrahim Ba, a refugee from Mauritania, was shocked to discover that his credit report listed over $30,000 in debts that were not his. BCNA's staff helped him report and correct the error then enrolled him in our IDA Program. He completed a course in Basics of Money and Assets and then used $8,000 from savings and match funds to invest in a car for his business.
translating dreams into success
BCNA CLIENTS KNOW HOW TO ENTERTAIN
Ravindra is the owner of Parsons Ale House, a sports bar/lounge that features draft beer, specialty ales, and traditional American food, as well as an area to watch sports and enjoy other forms of entertainment. A loan from BCNA provided this business with the cash flow it needed to open its doors.
translating dreams into success
What We Offer
Microloans
Targeted small loans (microloans) to help you get started with a new business, expand an existing business, or re-finance.
Home Ownership
Assistance getting a down payment and information about how to buy your first home or apartment.
Savings Accounts for Refugees (IDA Program)
Savings grants that match each dollar you save with a dollar in grant money.
Latest News
Expansion of Services in Queens
We are extremely pleased to announce that we have just been awarded a generous $60,000 grant by Citi Community Development.
This grant will allow us to increase our outreach to low and moderate income entrepreneurs in Queens, working in collaboration with the Queens Public Library system, economic development organizations, and community organizations serving New York City's most diverse borough.
Business Center for New Americans Awarded New Grant by Citi Community Development
Business Center for New Americans (BCNA) has been awarded a grant of $60,000 by Citi Community Development to continue its expansion of delivery of microloans to low and moderate income entrepreneurs in Queens.
Upcoming Workshops
How to Start and Run A Successful Business
February 27th - 29th - Event Details & Registration
Overview of How to Start and Run a Small Business
Tuesday, February 28, 6 to 8 pm - Event Details & Registration
See all BCNA Workshops
