New York: Apna Community Center organized a Round Table Conference to inform and educate Pakistani-Americans, particularly those associated with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) about a variety of free programs and schemes, including lucrative loans, offered by New York City.
Katie Chen, Deputy Commissioner of New York City’s Small Business Department, graced the conference with her presence as a special guest.
She shook hands with the women of the Pakistani community, individually. The event saw overwhelming participation from community people especially those running businesses.
Apna Community Center Chairman Pervez Siddiqui welcomed Deputy Commissioner Katie Chen and introduced her to the guests.
He said that there are many opportunities for small business in New York City, it is necessary that we give more awareness to our community.
On this occasion, the Chief Executive Officer of Apna Community Center, Iram Hanif, while addressing the audience, said: “Our effort is to provide a bridge to all the community members who want to start any new business by providing them with the facilities available in the resources of the city government so that they can play an active role in the development of the country.”
On this occasion, Apna Community Center Executive Director Shazia Watto brought to the attention of Deputy Commissioner Katie Chen that if the application process is made easier, more people will be able to benefit.
Katie Chen, Deputy Commissioner of New York City’s Small Business Department, said that the city government has various programs for small businesses, including emergency services, marketing, and one-stop shopping, which you can learn to start your own business.
The owners of the small businesses participating in the event asked various questions from the Deputy Commissioner and got more information.
Finally, the community center and the participants expressed their gratitude to Katie Chen for her visit.
