Courtesy of nyc.gov
Jamaica FEASTS is part of the Jamaica NOW Action Plan.
By Forum Staff
The City Economic Development Corporation on Monday announced the selection of the Queens Library to operate a new culinary pre-accelerator in Jamaica.
The Jamaica Food Entrepreneurship and Services Training Space will provide resources, training, workspace and more for entrepreneurs seeking to start or grow their food businesses, according to the EDC.
“As a major employer and critical resource in Jamaica whose mission is to provide lifelong learning opportunities for all, Queens Library is committed to supporting the economic revitalization of the community and preparing it to be part of this effort,” said Library President and CEO Dennis Walcott. “We are grateful to the New York City Economic Development Corporation for giving us the means to offer local entrepreneurs the tools to thrive.”
The City EDC issued a request for proposal for co-working and/or incubator space for freelancers, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and startups in the fashion, technology, new media arts/cultural, culinary and/or other business sectors. EDC selected the Library’s proposal to operate a culinary pre-accelerator, which will build on their Job & Business Academy, which prepares residents for the modern workforce by providing specialized training and learning opportunities, with an emphasis on technology training, to job seekers, aspiring entrepreneurs, and business owners.
Jamaica FEASTS is part of the Jamaica NOW Action Plan, a $153 million neighborhood initiative announced in 2015 by the de Blasio administration, EDC, and Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. The 21-point strategic action plan aims to economically revitalize Jamaica by providing workforce training and small business support, initiating new mixed-use development anchored by affordable housing, and improving the livability of the neighborhood through investments in safety measures, green spaces and more.
“This partnership in Jamaica FEASTS as an ingredient for growth is both an exciting and natural one,” Katz said. “The Queens Library serves as a top-flight community hub of lifelong learning and enrichment, and their winning bid to operate this culinary pre-accelerator will expand opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners alike. Pre-accelerator programs like Jamaica FEASTS are a critical element of the Jamaica NOW Action Plan and Jamaica’s future, and we have every reason to lend confidence in its operational success under the Queens Library.”
The Library is currently holding promotional workshops for food business entrepreneurs, and will start accepting applications for the full program launch in early January. The training component of Jamaica FEASTS includes 6 cohorts of 12-week classes, the first cohort running from Jan. 29 – April 23. Following completion of classes, graduates will have access to the kitchen to test and prepare their goods, and opportunity to build their brand by selling goods in the Central Library’s Café space and through other opportunities within the library system.
