Many immigrants dream of starting — or expanding — a small business. And NYANA has helped make this a reality through our Business Center for New Americans.

Since 1996, the NYANA Micro-enterprise Development Program has disbursed 557 loans for a total of $5.6 million with a loan loss rate of under 2%. The Center assists over 450 businesses at various stages of development each year with loans, training, and technical assistance.

In 2003, the Center received a technology grant from the Hewlett Packard Company which enabled NYANA to establish a technology lab. In 2006 and 2007, the eBay Foundation awarded the Center with an eBay Foundation Techquity Award Grant which has enabled the Center to expand its eCommerce instruction and consultations to businesses on how to incorporate the use of technology to operate a business more effectively. This grant has also enabled the Center to provide 75 technology grants for a total of $98,750 to 70 entrepreneurs who were selected to participate in this program.

The Business Center at NYANA also operates the largest Individual Development Account Program (IDA) in NY State. Of the 956 low-income refugee families enrolled in this program, a total of 834 have graduated and invested a total of $20 million in savings, match from the program, and loans, into assets. A total of 83 participants purchased their first home.

Introduction to eCommerce (01/07/08 - 01/23/08)

How to Start & Manage a Beauty Salon (01/15/08)

Introduction to Quickbooks (02/04/08 - 02/13/08)

Internet Marketing (02/04/08 - 02/20/08)

How to Obtain Business Financing - Spanish (02/12/08)

How to Start & Manage a Successful Business (03/17/08 - 03/20/08)

Setting Up Shop: An eCommerce Primer (03/17/08 - 04/02/08)

Newsletter of the Business Center for New Americans - Winter 2005 (pdf)

NYANA's Microenterprise Program (pdf)

FAQs About the Microloan Program (pdf)

Loan Application Form (pdf)

Credit Report Request (pdf)

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