The M&T Charitable Foundation and CitizensNYC hosted a kickoff event on June 16 at M&T Bank’s Mott Haven branch to welcome a new cohort of Bronx small business owners. The initiative, which has awarded $1.69 million to 362 businesses since 2020, has now dedicated $200,000 specifically to support entrepreneurs across the Bronx through micro-grants of up to $5,000.
Who is receiving the support?
The new Bronx cohort includes a diverse group of local entrepreneurs, including violin instructors, children’s literacy advocates, and a CPR instructor. Among the recipients is Olinville resident Starlyte Harris, owner of Ivy League Tutor. Harris, a Columbia University graduate, has provided tutoring services for over a decade. According to Harris, the grant will allow her to expand her reach by subsidizing costs for students who cannot afford standard rates and by funding a new SAT “boot camp” featuring custom, Bronx-specific workbooks.
Why does this funding matter?
Small businesses serve as the “backbone” of the local economy, according to Paige Blansfield of the M&T Bank Charitable Foundation. The program provides both financial capital and ongoing support to help these businesses remain operational. For business owners like Harris, the funding addresses a direct need to balance financial sustainability with community outreach. Harris noted that the program provides a space for diverse business owners to share resources and discuss common challenges, noting that while the businesses are varied, they share a common goal of supporting the community.
What could happen next?
Following the June 16 kickoff, the cohort is expected to utilize the $200,000 allocation to scale their operations. For individual participants like Harris, the grant may facilitate a transition from one-on-one sessions to larger group workshops, such as her planned SAT boot camp. As the entrepreneurs integrate these funds, they may see an increased capacity to serve low-income students and expand their client bases beyond current referral networks. The long-term impact of this dedicated Bronx funding will likely depend on the continued interest and scalability of the services these small businesses provide.
