CBEDC Programs

Education to Entrepreneurship Pipeline

The Education to Entrepreneurship Pipeline—or the Pipeline—is a transformative experiential learning program with scalable qualities designed especially for the most underserved and disadvantaged communities in New York City. The mission of the Pipeline is to create community economic growth opportunities through applied education or training, family-sustaining employment, and long-term mentorship. The Pipeline is part of a larger framework and houses a four-part pilot. The overarching format—Entrepreneur Zones (EZones)—is based on New York State’s Regional Economic Development Councils which divides the State into ten sections.

The EZones in New York City operates as subsections of the Councils, highlighting the most underserved communities so they might receive direct support for reinvestment. The test project—100 Social Initiatives—is a cafeteria learning model for the sake of delivering the exact solutions a community needs by developing the area’s residents as economic entrepreneurs. 100 Social Initiatives serve as a pivot of choice allowing communities to create jobs and alleviate poverty or material hardship.

The Pipeline is an ongoing evolution of the pilot; increasing educational attainment and reducing poverty that causes undue burden on State finances and local agencies while being a catalyst for Ezones; centralizing access and ownership that leads a community to healing and self-sufficiency. Currently, there is a proposed resolution to the Regional Economic Development Councils before the New York State Legislature for designating EZones and determining specific supports needed. Simultaneously, there is an agreement in place at the Borough of Manhattan Community College to pilot 100 Social Initiatives beginning with 25 students.

If you like to join this program, please contact us at info@cbedc.org.