Women in Entrepreneurship - Starting up a Business Successfully Workshop

🌟 Rotary Club of Chinatown is hosting a "Women in Entrepreneurship - Starting up a Business Successfully Workshop"!

🔍 Topics:

1️⃣ Why Restaurant

2️⃣ Skill Set Required

3️⃣ Challenges & Rewards

4️⃣ Financial Requirements

5️⃣ Do’s and Don’ts


📅 Date: Wednesday, February 21st, 2024

⏰ Time: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

📍 Location: Hop Lee Restaurant, 16 Mott Street, New York, NY 10013

💰 Fee: $35/person (Includes a full dinner)

📧 RSVP: email Chinatownrotary@gmail.com

🎙️ Speaker: Erika Chou

Erika Chou combines her love of the restaurant industry with her background in fine arts, interior design, and branding. She brings her many talents to bear as an owner and operator after first gaining experience in the fashion industry, before working her way up the ranks of Andre Balazs’ Standard Grill and the Gotham City Hospitality Group. In 2012, she embarked on her own with the debut of Yunnan Kitchen, one of the first regional Chinese restaurants in NYC. Three years later, her sophomore project opened in the World Trade Center after which she founded Rivers and Hills Hospitality Group. Today, the group, deemed “a hit maker” by Eater, includes concepts like powerhouse Wayla, James Beard Nominee Kimika, along with Wan Wan, JIA, Bronson’s Burgers, and Lotus + Cleaver.

Along the way, Erika has been recognized as a leading female entrepreneur in the Food & Beverages industry by Cherry Bombe, The New York Times, and listed in the Hospitality News Watchlist of 15. A particularly notable feature was being named one of three pioneers of Chinese cuisine in America with a front-page feature by the New York Times. Her projects have been spotlighted in The New Yorker, Grubhub, Eater, Vogue, Louis Vuitton City Guide, The Infatuation, Bon Appetit, James Beard Foundation, and more.

In the past few years, Erika has pivoted by going back to her design roots and became a partner at the interior design firm, Bespoke Only. She has since then left to focus on her family and is very excited for what’s to come.

CMP Office Schedule: Lunar New Year Holiday

CMP office will be closed for Lunar New Year from 2/8 (Thu.) 1 pm to 2/11 (Sun.)

Wishing you a happy Lunar New Year!

Bank of America ALN Career Development Workshop

On February 7th, CMP collaborated with volunteers from Bank of America to host a Career Development Workshop at our CMP office. We were thrilled to welcome a total of 70 participants, including 22 dedicated BoA volunteers, 42 T&E and English class students, and 6 staff members.

During the workshop, volunteers and students engaged in small group activities focusing on English conversation practice, mock interviews, and resume critiques. At the conclusion of the event, volunteers generously shared their workplace stories and provided valuable tips for language acquisition to help our participants better adapt to American culture.

A heartfelt thank you to our volunteers from Bank of America for their time, expertise, and commitment to making this workshop a success. Together, we had a day filled with learning, growth, and fun. We look forward to more opportunities to collaborate in the future!

Save the Date! CMP Job Fair on March 19th

Join us for our upcoming Job Fair on March 19th from 10 AM to 3 PM at Flushing YMCA(138-46 Northern Blvd, Queens, NY 11354)

We're thrilled to bring together job seekers and employers for a day of networking and opportunities. Stay tuned for future updates, including the list of employers attending and other on-site events.

Mark your calendars and get ready to take the next step in your career journey!

Work Readiness Training Collaboration with YMCA of Greater New York

CMP is delighted to announce a collaborative initiative with the YMCA of Greater New York—Work Readiness Training designed for beginners, ages 18-24.

🌟 Program Details:

🗓️ Date (TBD)

- Tuesdays or Thursdays

- 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

📍 Houston St. Center (273 Bowery, New York, NY 10002)

✨ Program Highlights

  • Explore their skills and interests

  • Access counseling, referrals, workforce development, and preparation

🆓 Free to Join!

‼️ The start date is NOT confirmed yet, please contact Michael Keller at mkeller@ymcanyc.org for further updates.

Digital Literacy Class for Our English Class Students

CMP is launching a Pilot Program Digital Literacy Workshop! This workshop is exclusive to our current English Class Students. On January 20th, we had the pleasure of welcoming 37 students to embark on this transformative digital journey.

🗓️ Class Schedule:

🎢 6 Saturdays

🕘 9:00 am - 11:00 am

📆 January 20 - March 2, 2024

📚 Curriculum Highlights:

- Getting familiar with the computer

- Using email

- Creating documents, and more!

🌟 Empower yourself with essential digital skills and navigate the digital landscape with confidence!

Track the Class Curriculum on our Calendar


Small Business Start-Up Workshop Starts from January 31

🌟 CMP is teaming up with YMCA of Greater New York for a Small Business Start-Up Workshop! 📈✨

🌐 Do you HAVE a business idea?

👔 Do you WANT to be your own boss?

📊 Do you KNOW what it takes to start a business?

📝 What's your business plan?

🎓 For Adults 50 years old & up!

🗓️ Seven Wednesdays

⏰ January 31 - March 13, 2024, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

📍 Two Bridges Cornerstone Community Center (286 South St, New York, NY 10002)

🆓 FREE TO JOIN!

RSVP:

📧 Contact Wan Yee Mok, wmok@ymcanyc.org to register.

Empower your entrepreneurial spirit and turn your business dreams into reality! 💼🌈

CMP Chinese School 2024 Saturday Program Enrollment Open Now

Discover the richness of Chinese language and culture in CMP's 2024 Saturday Program. Enroll today for in-person and remote classes running from February 10th to June 22nd.

📚 Classes:

  • Kindergarten

  • Level 1–9 Grades

  • Adult Class

  • Kid’s Drawing Class

Join us for a professional, immersive, and engaging learning experience. Enrollments are now open. 📆✨

Congratulations Graduates! CMP 2023 Small Business Bootcamp Alumni

The CMP 2023 Small Business Bootcamp class concludes this Saturday, December 16th, marking the end of a challenging yet fulfilling 10-week course. As participants complete this comprehensive program, they are now well-prepared to embark on a rewarding entrepreneurship journey. Let's take a moment to celebrate this significant achievement🥳

This year's bootcamp represents our 29th annual class, a testament to our commitment to fostering small business success. Throughout the course, participants benefited from insights provided by experienced instructors from diverse industry backgrounds. Topics covered included business formation, legal matters, tax strategies, marketing insights, insurance essentials, financial management, small business resources, and more.

> Learn More about Small Business Bootcamp

Mental Health Wellness Training on December 9th

CMP, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Chinatown, successfully hosted a Mental Health Wellness Training on Saturday afternoon, December 9th. The primary goal of this event is to break the silence surrounding mental health issues and cultivate a supportive environment that empowers individuals not just to survive but to thrive. We were pleased to have 25 participants join us for this impactful session.

Tailored for the general public, including community organizations, businesses, and individuals, this training is designed to deepen participants' understanding of prevalent mental health issues. It equips them with practical coping mechanisms for handling negative emotions and stressors while guiding individuals toward available and suitable mental health treatments.

The training incorporated engaging brainstorming sessions, group discussions, and breathing exercises, ensuring an interactive and holistic learning experience. Attendees received informative flyers featuring essential details such as the 988 crisis lifeline, along with stress balls to help them cope with difficult times. Lunch was provided to create a comfortable platform for participants to share and learn.

Learn More about Mental Health Wellness Training

HVAC Career Information Session on December 7th

CMP, in collaboration with S & W Wilson Inc., our valued employer partner, recently hosted a successful HVAC Career Information Session on December 7th. This engaging in-person event took place from 2 pm to 3 pm at the CMP office, attracting an impressive turnout of 35 participants.

HVAC, which stands for Heating Services, Ventilation Services, and Air Conditioning, offers a fulfilling career path. The information session delved into essential topics such as the job responsibilities of an HVAC technician, the EPA certification test, earning potential, and more.

CMP is here to support those aspiring to pursue HVAC training but facing challenges with their English proficiency! Join our complimentary ESL English classes to enhance your language skills and propel your journey in the HVAC industry.

Stay tuned for future updates as we guide you through the next steps in your career exploration!

More Information about HVAC Career Information Session

Work for Yourself Workshop on December 6th

Larry, our Director of the Entrepreneurship Department, conducted an engaging Work for Yourself Workshop for one of our ALP classes, comprising 20 students. This specialized workshop is designed to empower seniors with the knowledge and resources needed to embark on the journey of self-employment.

During the workshop, Larry covered a range of topics, including the potential benefits and risks associated with working for oneself, generating creative business ideas, understanding the costs involved, and offering valuable guidance to help participants avoid pitfalls and scams. Additionally, the session provided access to trustworthy support systems and services essential for those considering self-employment.

> CMP Business Outreach Center also provides one-on-one business counseling

,

CMP 2023 - 2024 Annual Support Campaign

,

CMP is now launching the 2023 - 2024 Annual Support Campaign! Join us in making a difference!

CMP proudly serves over 4,000 individuals yearly through a diverse range of programs. Your charitable contribution plays a vital role in supporting this impactful work. Together, we can empower communities and create lasting change! 🤝

CMP 2023 - 2024 Annual Support Campaign Brochure

(Click the Image to View the Full Brochure)

 

What Do People Say About Us

“Our community really needs organizations like CMP that helps immigrants and small businesses. I am truly grateful for the help that I received from CMP.”
— Wendy Chen, the operator of two nail salons, contributes to generating and maintaining 16 jobs.

Wendy Chen

Jack Tang

“I thank CMP for helping me as a new immigrant to build a strong foundation for my academic and professional journey.”
— Jack Tang, an Underwriting Account Service Analyst at Zurich North America. He joined CMP in 2015 barely speaking any English and graduated with honors from NYU in 2021 with straight A.
“CMP’s small business workshops and internship opportunities exposed me to the idea of entrepreneurship. This life-changing experience provided me a career option that I had never thought I would have taken.”
— Andy Wang, the operator of two Bonchon Chicken restaurants, achieved the third-highest revenue among over 200 Bonchon Chicken franchisees nationwide in 2021 and 2022 with his Brooklyn store.

Andy Wang

A Community In Need

49%

Challenge: 49% of working-age Asian New Yorkers had limited English proficiency (LEP), compared to the citywide average of 25%

➡️ CMP offers vocational English, college, and career pathway programs to help LEP workers become more employable

25%

Challenge: 1 in 4 Asian Americans live in poverty, twice the rate of White New Yorkers

➡️ CMP provides employment skills training, career counseling and mentoring, and job placement to help Asian American workers attain gainful employment


54%

Challenge: Fifty-four percent (54%) of self-employed Asian Americans had limited English proficiency, and they had lower earnings than non-Asians

➡️ CMP supports Asian American entrepreneurs with small business training, financial literacy workshops, access to capital, one-on-one problem solving, and disaster relief assistance

 

How You Can Help

Help To Give Hope.

  • $3,000 can subsidize the costs of vocational training for 1 immigrant worker

  • $1,500 will help 1 aspiring entrepreneur attend our small business training and receive one-on-one business counseling

  • $1,000 can pay for the cost of providing digital literacy classes and related services to 1 new user of technology

  • $500 will help to strengthen 1 child’s cultural identity and resilience with enrollment in the CMP Chinese School

  • $350 helps to provide 14 counseling hours to help unemployed workers achieve gainful employment and income security

  • $150 will subsidize 1 immigrant participant's Career Pathway activities to fully explore his/her career and academic potential, and to acclimate to life in the U.S.

 

Thank You for Your Support!

,

Winners Announced for the 2023 Kids' Drawing Contest!

,

✨ We're thrilled to unveil the winners of the Kids' Drawing Contest, organized by CMP Chinese School. 🏆🎉

After receiving an incredible array of artistic masterpieces, our judges have made the tough decisions, and we're proud to share the outstanding talents that stood out!

Congratulations to all our young artists! 🌈 Your creativity has truly impressed us! 🌟👏

Save the date! 🗓️ The grand Award Ceremony is set to take place on December 10th, where we'll celebrate these talented artists and their incredible achievements. 🏅

🎨 Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with inspiration and applause! 👏🌟

👉 Read More about Contest Details

,

CMP 2023 Thanksgiving Reception

,

🎊 We hosted a Thanksgiving Reception on November 28th, extending our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible donors and supporters who selflessly championed our cause throughout the year. The event, held at our headquarters at 55 Chrystie Street, welcomed over 70 guests, including 11 esteemed board members and more than 40 dedicated supporters and donors.

🤝 This special occasion provided a unique platform for our donors and board members to engage with our team, gaining insights into our work and understanding how their contributions play a vital role in fulfilling CMP's mission of promoting economic self-sufficiency.

The highlight of the evening was the 7 p.m. media ceremony, where attendees had the opportunity to hear inspiring stories from our former students and clients, Ella, Hua, and Zhan. 👏 These individuals shared their transformative journeys, narrating how CMP played a pivotal role in their personal development, leaving a positive impact on their lives.

Group Photo from CMP 2023 Thanksgiving Reception

💕 Special thanks also go to students like Meiqin, Arthur, and Rong, who dedicated time to preparing thoughtful speech drafts and shared their impactful journeys with us. We invite you to explore the influence of CMP's services and discover how we can make a meaningful difference in our community.

Mental Health Training for Everyone

🌈 Break the Silence, Build Support! 🌟

CMP, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Chinatown, invites you to a Mental Health Training to foster understanding, support, and resilience. As co-sponsors, we're committed to enhancing mental well-being in our community.


💘 Who's it for? Everyone!


📍 CMP (55 Chrystie Street, 2nd floor, New York, 10002)

🗓️ Saturday, December 9th

⏰ 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

📧 chinatownrotary@gmail.com / 📞 212-912-2465

🌟 Explore the expertise! Check out our stellar lineup of speakers for this upcoming event, all distinguished professionals in the healthcare area🧑‍⚕️👨‍⚕️.

Our Speakers List:

Mckinsey Career Info Session on November 16th

On November 16th, CMP proudly hosted a McKinsey Career Forum, a dynamic event that brought together 7 accomplished McKinsey volunteers and 25 enthusiastic job fair participants.

The forum kicked off with a "Break-the-Ice" session, introducing each McKinsey volunteer and offering insights into McKinsey's impactful journey. Following this, attendees were grouped for lively discussions, providing a platform to share experiences and gather valuable career advice.

The highlight of the event is the unique opportunity for participants to connect one-on-one with McKinsey volunteers, fostering meaningful connections and expanding professional networks.

CMP extends heartfelt gratitude to McKinsey and all participants for making this event a resounding success!

HVAC Career Info Session

📢 Join CMP for an HVAC Career Info Session!

📅 Thursday, 12/7/23

⏰ 2 pm - 3 pm

📍 CMP (55 Chrystie St., 2nd FL, NYC)

🔍 WHAT IS HVAC?

  • Heating Services

  • Ventilation Services

  • Air Conditioning

🚀 Learn more details like Preparing for the EPA certification test, Earning potentials, etc. from our HVAC employer partner, S & W Wilson Inc.

💬 Conducted in Cantonese and English.

👀 For more information, please contact CMP at:

Jasmine Lin, JasmineLin@cmpny.org, 347-463-7409 (English & Mandarin)

Yasnil Fabian Montas, YFabianMontas@cmpny.org, 646-292-9675 (English & Spanish)