| Streetscape- Street Banners |
 UCAN has installed over 100 street Banners designed to beautify and add color to the streetlamps on Broadway, Juan Pablo Duarte Blvd., Dyckman, 225th and 207th Streets. Dyckman St. banners encourage pedestrians to patronize local eateries, while the 225th and Juan Pablo Duarte Blvd. banners encourage shopping on the popular commercial streets as well as to create a more visually appealing streetscape. UCAN is also tapping into history, culture, and art to enhance the appeal and significance of Upper Manhattan. |
| S.O.S. Sanitation Crews |
UCAN implemented a Street Maintenance Initiative with UCAN's own S.O.S. crew in collaboration with  Councilmember Miguel Martinez, the NYC Dept. of Small Business Services, and the NYC Dept. of Sanitation. Our sanitation efforts are important steps in addressing some of the most unappealing elements in our local area. Dirty sidewalks were listed as the biggest problem by consumers in our local survey. We plan to enhance this service with additional security and outreach to improve the attractiveness and safety of the area. Join the effort by posting the Keep Washington Heights Clean flyer!
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| III Annual Economic Summit.- June 18th 8.30 am |
| On June 18th UCAN held its 2008 Economic Summit "Mitigating the Effects of the Economy" at the "Malcom X & Dr. Betty Shabbazz Memorial and Educational Center" to bring together stakeholders in economic development. Small business owners, representatives of NYC Agencies, the NYC Comptroller, CBO's, media and banks participated in the event. Hector Santana, UCAN's Executive Director gave an overview of UCAN's activities from the previous year, addressed some of the difficulties that business owners are facing and stressed the fact that local business can benefit from the M/WBE Certification program in oder to expand their business. Ms. Bernardette Nation from NYC Department of Small Business Services gave examples of local businesses that had been helped by her Department and Dr. Jose Carrero of UCAN gave a presentation on different ways that the business owners in our community can face these difficult times. |
| Business Assistance Resources |
| UCAN's business assistance resource guide is offered as helpful information. Please contact us at 212-568-2791 or send us an email to info@ucanny.org. |
| ¡Viva! Washington Heights Market Study |
 The primary objectives of the Viva! Washington Heights Market Study were to survey current business conditions, collect demographic data, and assess consumer attitudes in order to acquire a deeper insight into community needs and opportunities. Approximately 150 business owners and 290 shoppers were surveyed by a bilingual team. The observations and study findings will be used to aid UCAN in realizing the economic potential of the community.
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| Entrepreneur's Academy-- Business Workshops |
UCAN is offering a series of business workshops. In the month of April, our workshops will take place at Marble Hill Senior Center. In the month of May we will have workshops at PS 189. Our educational efforts are important steps in helping our business to be competitive and grow. For more information, please contact us at sandra@ucannyc.org.
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| (M/WBE) Program -- Get Certified, Be Counted |
 The New York City Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Program certifies, promotes, and fosters the growth of the City's minority and women-owned businesses. Companies that become certified obtain greater access to and information about contracting opportunities, receive technical assistance to better compete for those opportunities, and benefit from inclusion in the City's Online Directory of Certified Firms.
Access information about the M/WBE program, including a downloadabale application at: www.nyc.gov/getcertified |
| Networking event.- St. Nicholas Merchants. June 5th 8.30 am |
| June 5th, 8.30 am at Presidente Restaurant (3938 Broadway). You can RSVP calling us at 212-568-2791, sending us an email at sandra@ucannyc.org or clicking on Event RSVP. |
| Highbridge Cleanup.- April 29th 11 am |
| UCAN is partnering with Highbridge Coalition, Partnership for Parks and the Office of Councilmember Miguel Martinez to organize a Cleanup (Highbridge Cleanup from 189th to 193rd streets). Schools that are joining us with this exciting event: PS 128, PS 189, PS 132 and IS 143. |
| Free computing workshops- May & June 2008 |
| UCAN and the Inwood Public Library are partnering to offer free computing workshops: introduction to internet, email and Microsoft Office. You can RSVP by calling at 212-568-2794, email us at sginsberg@ucanny.org or clicking on Event RSVP. |
| M/WBE Certification workshop.- June 12, 6.00 pm |
| We will highlight the benefits of Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) certification and will provide guidance to attendees on how to correctly complete the standard NYC M/WBE certification application |