NEW YORK--A diverse group of women entrepreneurs from across all business sectors will be mentoring women entrepreneurs from underserved communities in a new City program called WE Connect Mentors, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Alicia Glen and Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Gregg Bishop announced today. WE Connect Mentors is a first-of-its-kind initiative with 17 successful women entrepreneurs participating in the program. The 17 WE Connect Mentors represent successful New York City women business owners who will provide tailored advice through in-person meetings in all five boroughs, online chats, and blog posts. The offering is part of the broader WE NYC (Women Entrepreneurs NYC) initiative designed to expand the economic potential of women entrepreneurs. The City believes that supporting women entrepreneurs not only empowers women, but also uplifts entire families and communities.

“The WE Connect Mentors program should be commended for providing women entrepreneurs with an essential resource that helps foster and bolster success,” saidMayor Bill de Blasio. “Mentors are not only integral to the personal success of women entrepreneurs, but they are integral to the overall success of our city.” “There exists an unacceptable gender gap when it comes to the number and success of women-owned businesses in our city.

WE NYC and our first cohort of WE Connect Mentors will empower women entrepreneurs, especially those in underserved communities, with the support and expertise they need to thrive,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Alicia Glen. “This administration’s investment in the power of women through education, training, and full inclusion in the workforce and in the economy is not only critical to combating inequality, but also key to ensuring New York City’s role as a competitive economic player and progressive leader on the global stage.”

“I am honored to welcome and congratulate WE NYC’s first cohort of WE Connect Mentors. While all 17 mentors can and should be celebrated as successful women entrepreneurs doing business in New York City, what is truly extraordinary is their passion for helping other women on their entrepreneurial journey,” said Gregg Bishop, Commissioner of the Department of Small Business Services. “Mentorship has played a critical role in my life, and I am thrilled that we can connect women across the five boroughs with the opportunity to learn and grow with support from these business role models.” “Many people think of business as a cutthroat, dog eat dog world. In reality, business owners are almost always open to sharing the benefit of their experience and connections with their peers. WE NYC’s mentorship program recognizes that willingness and takes the brilliant step of extending the benefits of the mentors’ years of expertise beyond their own immediate circles to benefit other women who are their peers in ambition, but not in access. It’s a generous and a meaningful step, and I commend the Mayor’s Office, SBS and the mentors themselves for making this investment in others,” said Council Member Robert E. Cornegy, Jr., Chair of the Committee on Small Business. “The WE Connect Mentors program is a wonderful opportunity for aspiring and experienced women entrepreneurs to strengthen their business models by exchanging ideas and resources. Through mentor-mentee relationships, women business owners will learn from hands-on experience and become well-equipped for success,” saidCouncil Member Laurie A. Cumbo, Chair of the Committee on Women’s Issues.

Women entrepreneurs are key economic actors in New York City – employing more than 190,000 people and generating approximately $50 billion in sales annually. However, in New York City, men own 1.5 times more businesses than women, employ 3.5 times more people and make on average 4.5 times more revenue. After hearing from over 1,500 women, WE NYC identified four areas of need that contribute to this gender gap: access to capital, business skills, networks and mentors, and comprehensive information. To address these key challenges, WE NYC is introducing a range of tailored business services, including outer-borough networking events and free business courses on topics like credit building, funding, and leadership with partners that include micro-lender Grameen America, Citi Community Development, Babson College, Deutsche Bank, and Next Street. The City will also launch the WE Connect Portal this spring – a one-stop digital portal for women entrepreneurs highlighting success stories, business resources, events, and classes. The WE Connect Mentors program responds to a need for mentorship and business advising, especially in underserved communities. Selected from applicants representing all five boroughs, the inaugural class of 17 WE Connect Mentors includes women with extensive entrepreneurial experience and business expertise:  Aquila Leon-Soon is the Founder and CEO of Advance Talent Solutions Inc., an organizational development and leadership strategy firm serving nonprofit and public sector entities. With nearly 15 years of professional experience, she has a proven track record of successfully enhancing the effectiveness of mission-driven entities. 

To stay updated on WE NYC opportunities and programming, women entrepreneurs can visit nyc.gov/wenyc, sign up for the WE NYC Newsletter, participate in the WE NYC digital community through the WE NYC Facebook Group, or join the conversation online using #WENYC.