Westchester RISES is a mentoring and training program offering 10 online workshops, industry roundtables and one-on-one advisement for existing businesses seeking to pivot or rebuild as a result of COVID-19, or those looking to build resiliency and strategize for the future. Up to 100 participating businesses will be selected to receive one-on-one mentoring based upon various criteria.
Westchester RISES is open to all business owners that either live in, or operate their businesses within, Westchester County. Businesses owners in all industries and sectors are eligible to participate. Westchester RISES is also open to nonprofit executive directors and their teammates. Businesses are requested to register for online workshop sessions. Up to 500 participants will be allowed to attend each workshop session via Zoom Conference. Participants will be notified when there is socially-distanced space available to participate in person.Businesses are requested to register for industry roundtables. Up to 25 participants will be allowed to attend each roundtable session via Zoom Conference. Participants will be notified when there is socially-distanced space available to participate in person.Businesses are required to submit a company survey to request a one-on-one mentoring session. Businesses will be contacted by a Westchester RISES team member to schedule an advisory session.
All Westchester business are welcome to participate in Westchester RISES. You do not need to apply – you just need to register for specific events and submit a request for a one-on-one advisory session.
Westchester RISES is a 6-month program offered from November 24, 2020 through April 15, 2021.
No, you may join at any time. Please remember to register for an online workshop and/or industry roundtable, and submit your company survey to request a one-on-one advisory session.
Westchester RISES is being offered at no cost by the Westchester County Office of Economic Development thanks to funding through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
If your business is currently closed with plans to reopen, you are eligible to participate in Westchester RISES.Submit a request now
The workshops will cover methods and best practices to operate in a challenging economic environment. Sessions will be led by experienced executives and subject matter experts, and also include stories from local business owners who are overcoming the pandemic. Specifically, topics will include Marketing Your Business in a Pandemic, Rehiring Your Team, Securing Funding, Building Resiliency, Pivoting Your Business Model, and other key topics of interest to business owners.
The industries selected are dependent upon program participation. In general, the Westchester RISES team has seen that retail, food and beverage, hospitality, entertainment, education, and other industries and/or sectors have been stressed during the pandemic economic environment.
Westchester RISES mentors will work with you to identify a core challenge in your business during this time and collaborate to develop an action plan. As determined, the RISES team will follow up with you to check on your implementation of the action plan. As needed, the RISES team will connect you to additional resources and networks in Westchester County and/or beyond.
The two criteria for selecting these individuals will be consistency of participation and demonstrated need.Request a one-on-one mentoring session today.
Business owners who are interested in RISES are welcome to participate in as many – or as few – workshops and roundtables as they would like.
The next steps after Westchester RISES will be unique to each participating business. The goal of the program is to strengthen businesses and build a resiliency framework, thereby increasing their stability. There are a number of resources throughout Westchester County for businesses seeking additional support following participation in RISES. There are a number of resources that may be helpful to you available on Westchester Catalyst.
Have any additional questions about the Westchester RISES program?
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