Business and Employment

When it comes to small business, Westchester County is committed to creating a level playing field and helping everyone succeed. That’s why we have an outreach program specifically promoting minority- and women-owned business participation in Westchester County. Networking organizations and business assistance programs are also available to help.

Membership/Networking Organizations Provides useful contact information for networking while starting or running a business.

Minority- and Women-Owned Business Program Our program simplifies the government contract process. You’ll find various resources to help you start or grow your own business, and learn how to compete for contracts with county, state, and federal government agencies.

Employment and Job Training Free employment services are available at various locations around the county.

Starting a Business Where to find the help you need to start your business, from technical assistance to learning where to get a loan.

Events Calendar

Events sponsored by the the African American Advisory Board will be published to the county events calendar.

African American Advisory Board

Westchester County provides information and assistance to identify and resolve issues affecting African Americans in Westchester. In partnership with other agencies, resources are available on business development, employment opportunities and youth scholarships as well as other topics.

The African American Advisory Board helps to develop and implement programs which recognize the history, accomplishments and contributions of African Americans in Westchester County.

African American Advisory Board
The African American Advisory Board (AAAB) was revived in 1998. The role of the AAAB is to develop and recommend effective policies, legislation and services to eliminate discrimination and improve opportunities for African-Americans and their families

The AAAB is organized into committees based upon issues of particular relevance to the African American community. The committees include children and families, housing, education, economic advancement, employment, health and mental health. Through panel discussions, exhibitions, special events, correspondence and meetings with public officials, the AAAB Board will provide feedback and input to the County Executive and Board of Legislators on issues affecting the African American community.

Current members of the AAAB are:

Barbara Edwards, Esq., Chair

Rabab Abdalla

Camele Barrett

Juliene Bell-Smith

Jill Bradshaw-Soto

Marvin V. Church

Joyce Cole

Rev. Frank Coleman

Astara Crews

Kecia Gaither, M.D.

Christopher D. Grant

Khalia Jones

Charles Morgan

Phillip Morton

Michelle A. Nicholas

Shane A. Osinloye

Tamika Rose

Monica A. Scantlebury, M.D.

David Thomas

African American Home

African American Advisory Board

Westchester is Rich in African American History

Westchester County is rich in African American history and offers interesting and compelling ways to experience the contributions that people of African descent have made to our unique American identity.

The African American Advisory Board engaged in very deliberate and focused research of four areas affecting the quality of life of African Americans in Westchester County. These areas of focus included: economic development, education, Health and human services, and housing. The document, Blueprint for Change, represents findings resulting from a series of focus groups and a culminating Summit. This report reflects recommendations and solutions for concerns raised in the aforementioned areas.

A great way to learn about African American history in Westchester is to read the Westchester County Guide to African American History and Heritage. Order the brochure online.

Minority and women enterprise businesses
Minority and women enterprise businesses (MWBEs) should take advantage of the online registries designed especially for them. These registries are featured on Westchester Catalyst. Once registered, you will receive automated e-mail notifications of relevant business opportunities. Separately, county government contracts can be searched online. This application allows interested parties to easily search and view business opportunities within the county.

Neuberger Museum of Art
Consider a trip to the Neuberger Museum of Art at Purchase College to view its outstanding collection of African art. It's strongest in the arts of central Africa, however, major objects offer artistic insights into more than 30 cultures and span a geographic area from Mali to Mozambique.