Photo © Courtesy of Queens Economic Development Corporation
Founded in 1977, the Queens Economic Development Corporation’s (QEDC) mission is to help people start and grow their small businesses in the world’s most diverse county.
Since our inception, we have assisted over 25,000 clients. Many are women, minorities and immigrants—populations that have traditionally lacked the resources, capital and mentorship necessary to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
The QEDC has a wide variety of programs, including the Women’s Business Center, Entrepreneurial Assistance Center, Made in Queens (MiQ), Corona Plaza Vendors, and the Queens Tourism Council. Two of our most notable programs, the Commercial Kitchen Incubator and Reentry Program, are located at the Entrepreneur Space, a manufacturing hub in Long Island City.
In 2010, QEDC took over an industrial building at 37th Street off Northern Boulevard that at various times was a furniture factory, a radio station and training facility and transformed the first floor into a commercial kitchen incubator for fledgling food makers; and created a training center for aspiring fashion designers on the second floor.
Lighting a Fire for ‘Foodpreneurs’
The heart of our facility is a 24/7 commercial kitchen, which provides a fully equipped production space for food businesses. Under the leadership of Kathrine Gregory, who coined the term “foodpreneur,” the Entrepreneur Space allows for flexible production times based on need. In addition to kitchen space, we offer business counseling, technical assistance, marketing and networking opportunities. These turn-key resources help foodpreneurs concentrate on their product, build their clientele and generate reviews in a cost-efficient and expedited manner.
Clients include caterers, bakers, chocolatiers, and specialty food manufacturers. Many clients have had great success. The Pizza Cupcake began when chef Andrea Meggiato knew there had to be a new way to enjoy pizza. He took his product—pizza baked into a crispy crust—to Shark Tank and is now selling through major retailers.
Harlem Baking Company was founded when Charles Devigne, a veteran, closed his restaurant during the pandemic and focused on manufacturing delicious desserts made with premium ingredients. Appearing on QVC, he sold out and is now growing his product line. Auria’s Malaysian Kitchen began when Auria Abraham wanted to recreate the flavors of her homeland. She won the Queens Tech + Innovation Challenge, which has allowed her to expand her operations.
Creating Fashionistas
In 2024, the QEDC partnered with Witness to Mass Incarceration (WITNESS), whose mission is to serve those who were formerly incarcerated or system-impacted, cultivate economic independence while dismantling systemic barriers and advancing equality. Founded by Evie Litwok, who was formerly incarcerated, WITNESS seeks to achieve zero recidivism for all formerly incarcerated and system-impacted people. This is being done through education, skills training, and entrepreneurial instruction in the field of fashion.
In early 2025, we initiated the Art of Tailoring program to establish a self-sustaining economic model and a community hub supporting independence, resilience, and economic growth. The program provides hands-on training by fashion industry experts, preparing participants for sustainable careers through pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, and incubation opportunities. Participants gain essential business skills, including planning, operations, finance, and marketing, ensuring they have the tools to succeed as entrepreneurs or skilled professionals.
All clients will benefit from our Map Project, designed to identify, network, and build the ecosystem of support necessary for system-impacted individuals to thrive. The project connects people to a network of services, mentorship, and entrepreneurial support by mapping resources, partners, and pathways to economic opportunity.
Twice a year, WITNESS hosts Suitcase Sunday, a signature event held in the summer and winter to showcase businesses and services owned and operated by formerly incarcerated people. These gatherings provide opportunities to earn income, build visibility, and engage directly with the public. Most importantly, Suitcase Sunday places community members close to those impacted by incarceration. By creating space for real connections, the event challenges harmful stereotypes of the formerly incarcerated and instead affirms the truth of our shared humanity.
For more information about these and all QEDC programs, please go to: queensny.org
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The Queens Economic Development Corporation helps communities throughout our borough through business development, neighborhood revitalization, and tourism.