Strategic Initiatives

Six pillars supporting small business growth in the HURF region

πŸ’°

Access to Capital & Financial Literacy

Foremost among the challenges facing HURF businesses is access to capital. Many local minority-owned enterprises remain underbanked or struggle to secure traditional financing compared to their counterparts elsewhere in Nassau County.

Our Access to Capital initiative partners with CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions) and local banks to host "Meet the Lenders" roundtables and credit-building workshops specifically designed for the HURF business community.

What We Offer:

  • βœ“ Quarterly "Meet the Lenders" Events - Direct access to loan officers from CDFIs, credit unions, and SBA lenders
  • βœ“ Credit-Building Workshops - Learn strategies to improve business and personal credit scores
  • βœ“ Grant Writing Support - Technical assistance for applying to small business grants
  • βœ“ Financial Literacy Training - Fundamentals of business finance, budgeting, and cash flow management
Learn More

Success Story

"Through HURF Chapter's lender roundtable, I connected with a CDFI that understood my business and community. Within 60 days, I secured a $50,000 loan to expand my restaurant."

β€” Maria Santos, Owner of Santos Family Restaurant, Hempstead

Did You Know?

$100M+ in contracts are awarded annually by Nassau County and the Town of Hempstead.

MWBE-certified businesses have access to set-aside contracts and preference programs, but many HURF businesses don't know how to navigate the certification process.

πŸ“‹

Government Contracting Advocacy

HURF businesses often face barriers to entry for government procurement and contracts, navigating complex MWBE (Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise) certification processes without adequate technical assistance.

Our Government Contracting initiative serves as a direct bridge between local businesses and municipal procurement officers, providing hands-on technical assistance for MWBE certification and bidding on Town of Hempstead and Nassau County contracts.

What We Offer:

  • βœ“ MWBE Certification Assistance - Step-by-step guidance through New York State and federal certification
  • βœ“ Bid Preparation Workshops - Learn how to respond to RFPs and submit competitive bids
  • βœ“ Direct Procurement Officer Connections - Meet with Town and County contracting officials
  • βœ“ Contract Compliance Support - Ensure your business meets all requirements to fulfill contracts
Get Started
🀝

Hyper-Local Networking

The strength of the HURF region lies in its interconnected business community. A Roosevelt accountant can serve a Freeport manufacturer. A Hempstead marketer can partner with a Uniondale retailer.

Our Hyper-Local Networking initiative facilitates monthly mixers that rotate between the four towns, encouraging cross-pollination of services, referrals, and partnerships that strengthen the entire regional economy.

What We Offer:

  • βœ“ Monthly Business Mixers - Rotating locations across Hempstead, Uniondale, Roosevelt, and Freeport
  • βœ“ Industry-Specific Roundtables - Connect with businesses in your sector
  • βœ“ Member Directory - Online and print directory of all HURF Chapter members
  • βœ“ Referral Programs - Structured system for members to refer business to each other
View Upcoming Events

Next Networking Mixer

πŸ“…

March 15, 2025

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

πŸ“

Hempstead Village Hall

99 James A. Garner Way, Hempstead, NY

RSVP Now

Digital Skills Gap

Many HURF businesses lack the digital infrastructure to compete in today's online marketplace:

  • ⚠ No e-commerce capabilities
  • ⚠ Limited social media presence
  • ⚠ Outdated or no website
  • ⚠ Cybersecurity vulnerabilities

We're here to change that.

πŸ’»

Digital Transformation Support

In an increasingly online marketplace, HURF businesses need to rapidly modernize digital operations to remain competitive.

Our Digital Transformation initiative offers subsidized training on e-commerce, social media marketing, and cybersecurity to ensure HURF businesses thrive in the digital era.

What We Offer:

  • βœ“ E-Commerce Setup Workshops - Build your online store with Shopify, WooCommerce, or Square
  • βœ“ Social Media Marketing Training - Master Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn for business
  • βœ“ Cybersecurity Basics - Protect your business from online threats and data breaches
  • βœ“ Website Development Support - Get a professional website at an affordable cost
Request Training
πŸ“’

Unified Voice for Policy

Individual small businesses often lack the time and resources to engage with local government on issues that directly impact their bottom lineβ€”zoning regulations, parking policies, tax assessments, and business licensing requirements.

Our Policy Advocacy initiative forms a dedicated advocacy committee to represent HURF business interests at village and town board meetings, ensuring that regulations favor small business retention and growth.

What We Offer:

  • βœ“ Legislative Monitoring - Track proposed laws and regulations affecting small businesses
  • βœ“ Town Board Representation - Attend meetings and testify on behalf of members
  • βœ“ Policy Position Papers - Develop and distribute research on key business issues
  • βœ“ Coalition Building - Partner with other chambers and advocacy groups for greater impact
Get Involved

Recent Victories

βœ“ Extended Outdoor Dining Permits

Successfully advocated for permanent outdoor dining in Hempstead Village, increasing revenue for restaurants by 30%.

βœ“ Reduced Licensing Fees

Worked with Roosevelt to reduce annual business license renewal fees by 25% for businesses under 10 employees.

βœ“ Streamlined Permitting

Helped Uniondale create online portal for building permits, cutting approval time from 45 to 14 days.

Youth mentorship

Investing in the next generation of HURF entrepreneurs

πŸŽ“

Youth Entrepreneurship Mentorship

The future of the HURF economy depends on inspiring the next generation of local entrepreneurs. High school students in our communities need role models, practical business skills, and pathways to ownership.

Our Youth Entrepreneurship Mentorship initiative launches the "HURF Future Leaders" program, connecting high school students in Uniondale, Roosevelt, Hempstead, and Freeport with successful local business owners for internships and mentorship.

What We Offer:

  • βœ“ Mentorship Matching - Pair students with business owners in their field of interest
  • βœ“ Summer Internships - Paid internship program at HURF member businesses
  • βœ“ Business Plan Competition - Annual pitch competition with cash prizes
  • βœ“ Entrepreneurship Workshops - After-school sessions on business fundamentals
Become a Mentor

Ready to Get Involved?

Join HURF Chapter and access all six strategic initiatives

Become a Member Contact Us