Build Your Business, Own Your Future – A Free Accelerator for NYCHA Entrepreneurs

What is Startup NYCHA?

StartUp NYCHA is a FREE 6-month program exclusively for NYCHA residents who want to start or grow a business.

Get hands-on training, expert coaching, funding opportunities, and a powerful network to turn your vision into a profitable venture. Whether you’re new or scaling up, we've got you covered.

Program Details

Why Startup NYCHA

If you have a business idea, a side hustle, or already run a small business and want to grow—this is for you.

Start & Grow Your Business

Learn from a tested curriculum to keep you on track and start testing your services and products.

Gain real-world skills and including marketing and finance. Learn to use AI for your business

A Resource Hub

We help you navigate and connect with NYC's ecosystem of small business support services and resources

Expert Guidance & Community

Get 1-on-1 coaching from professionals who have helped launched their own businesses and join a community of entrepreneurs in your neighborhood

Pitch for Funding

At the end of the program, you’ll pitch your business for funding, resources, and real opportunities

Join the Movement

Unlock the entrepreneurial potential at NYCHA

find out more

launch your business

Partner with us

Attend a Workshop

Join the Program

Support Startup NYCHA

Startup NYCHA Pilot

30 entrepreneurs from across New York City’s public housing community joined our first cohort on April 6, 2024! These innovators represented an incredible array of businesses and industries, including fashion, education, food & beverage, media & production, workforce development, and beauty.

Become a part of the next Startup NYCHA Business Accelerator launching in Summer 2025!

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🚀 Introducing Startup NYCHA: Unlocking Entrepreneurship in NYC Public Housing! 🏙️💡

Startup NYCHA is a free program designed to help New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) residents transform their business dreams into reality. Through workshops, mentorship, and hands-on business development support, we’re equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills and resources they need to launch and grow successful ventures. Whether you're interested in starting a food business, launching a tech startup, or expanding a home-based service, Startup NYCHA has you covered! 💼 What the program offers: Entrepreneurial Workshops: Learn the essentials of starting and running a business, from marketing to finance during a 5-month business incubator Mentorship: Get one-on-one guidance from experienced business leaders. Networking Opportunities: Connect with a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, investors, and potential partners. Business Support: Compete for seed funding and show case your business in our final business pitch competition Why is it important? Startup NYCHA taps into the untapped potential within public housing, empowering residents and strengthening the city as a whole. Join the movement to transform NYC’s entrepreneurial landscape! 🌍💼 #StartupNYCHA #Entrepreneurship #NYC #SmallBusiness #EconomicOpportunity #PublicHousing #Innovation

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The CEO of Cambio Labs, Sebastian Martin, makes a speech at Hudson Guild in NYC. Cambio Labs was honored to receive the 2024 Dorothy Epstein Community Service Award for our Startup NYCHA program at Hudson Guild's 68th Annual Dr. Elliott Celebration. Special thanks to Yasha Morgan, Startup NYCHA instructor, Miguel Acevedo, TA President of Fulton Houses, West Side Community Fund for awarding us initial funding that made our program possible, and the incredible staff at Hudson Guild (@ Daisy Mendoza, Ken Jockers, Edwin Melendez), and the Epstein family who honored us with this award named after Dorothy Epstein, local activist and trade union organizer.

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Startup NYCHA Voices

Learn how our first cohort participants have successfully transformed their ideas into thriving businesses while positively impacting their lives and communities...