Contracts & Culture
Hosted by Project 28 + Slip Into Success Club Inc + NYC Small Business Services + The Royal Connectiions + What's Cooking NYC
ᵔᴥᵔBusiness Casual
Contracts & Culture — The Movement to Mobilize Young Business Builders
The city spends over 40 billion in contracts each year and your small businesses can be part of it.
Join us for an empowering session designed to help local businesses and young entrepreneurs unlock the potential of government contracting and MWBE certification. Many NYC-based businesses aren’t aware of the countless opportunities available through the City — this event will change that. Information is one of the most powerful tools for generational wealth, and many people don’t know that the City will support and pay for their business or talent through its programs and partnerships.
Learn how to get MWBE certified, discover open bids and contract opportunities, and hear firsthand from guest speakers who have successfully navigated partnering with the city. Our mission is to build awareness, provide actionable guidance, and connect you with the resources needed to grow your business.
Key Takeaways:
How to get MWBE certified: requirements, documents, timelines
How to sign up, find and apply for yearly contracts and grants
Leadership Insights on Certification & Procurement featuring the SBS Commissioner and other department leaders to explain the process.
Overview of City programs, mentorship, and training for contracting and business marketing
Where to get help and who to contact
Live demo: navigating the online registration and bidding portal
Networking Segment
MWBE Success Stories
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain the knowledge, connections, and confidence to take your business to the next level.
RSVP today to secure your spot!
Special Speakers:
SBS Commissioner Dynishal Gross
While her title speakers for itself, Dynishal brings extensive public service experience, including five years with the NYC Council—most recently as Director of Legislation and Budget for the Chair of the Small Business Committee—and nearly two years as Assistant Commissioner for Business Programs in the NYC Department of Small Business Services. She holds a B.A. in Africana Studies from Cornell University, an M.P.A. from Baruch College, and a J.D. from Columbia Law School.
EXPERIENCED CITY CONTRACTORS:
*Aaliyah Duah*
Brooklyn-born entrepreneur, educator, and financial literacy advocate dedicated to empowering Black and underserved communities through self-knowledge, financial education, and economic reform.
Aaliyah has partnered with over 20 NYC schools to deliver culturally relevant financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement programs.
She’s the creator of Rap Cards & Broke or Brilliant, two interactive games that make learning about money fun and accessible for youth and families. Recognized as an HBCU Entrepreneur of the Year, McDonald’s Change Leader, and proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Aaliyah continues to revolutionize how communities think about wealth, culture, and empowerment.
* Chassidy Autumn *
Seasoned beauty industry professional with years of experience.
She is a Beauty Service Provider, Suite/Salon/Beauty Supply Owner, Podcast Host & Faith Advocate, and the visionary founder of two powerful initiatives:
HOMES FOR HAIR – a hands-on hair workshop program offering skill-building trainings.
The Glam Collective – a nonprofit glam squad dedicated to providing free beauty services, workshops, and mentorship to underserved youth and justice-impacted families. Their mission: Glam is more than a look — it’s a lifestyle of confidence, healing, and opportunity.
* Arnold Ludd *
Founder and CEO of JiggaBite Gloves Up , Guns Down. He secured funding from DYCD and other pitching programs to scale his program. Arnold has been highlighted on PIX11 & CBS2 and has received many awards and recognition for the impact his program has made so far in NYC.
Jiggabite Gloves Up, Guns Down is a youth-led program founded by Arnold Ludd and his group of friends to counteract gun violence in their community.They initiate engaging programs that provides a safe space for teens to unpack issues, learn from experts and receive fitness training from a professional trainer.
* Samara Mejias *
Brooklyn-raised entrepreneur who launched her first business at 17, she has built a dynamic career across logistics and transportation, e-commerce, and high-impact personal and business development services. She is the visionary founder of Slip Into Success LLC, a company offering tailored solutions that help clients grow, achieve their goals, and unlock their full potential—including access to government contracting support through trusted professionals who assist with documentation and proposals.
She also leads Slip Into Success Club Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth and communities through mentorship, resources, sports, wellness, and opportunities that build economic independence and long-term success. Driven by the guidance she wished she had growing up, she is committed to creating pathways that help others build strong, sustainable futures.
Come hear directly from the pros!
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