(Long Island, NY) Community spirit, creativity, and determination were the main themes on March 30, 2016, when the Queens Economic Development Corporation’s Women’s Business Center gave 2016 Entrepreneurship Awards to a restaurant owner, a craftsperson, and the founder of a martial arts studio.
The hard-working Annette Runcie, who owns Pa-Nash Eurosoul Restaurant and Lounge, received the Phoenix Award. The Jamaican immigrant re-opened her Rosedale eatery in September 2015, after a quick-spreading electrical fire had destroyed it over Mother’s Day Weekend. In addition to providing upscale food, beverages, and entertainment, Runcie uses her venue as a community center, hosting monthly networking sessions and economic empowerment events. Between Pa-Nash and her nearby Golden Crust franchise, she employs more than 20 local residents.
Seen in photo are (from left) QEDC Women’s Business Center Director Andrea Ormeño, Annette Runcie, William Trevino (Selma’s husband. Selma was in Brazil with family.), and Nadira El Khang. Photo Credit: QEDC.
QEDC has helped Runcie with everything from getting city licenses to branding to promotion.
The E-Commerce Award went to Nadira El Khang. This Morocco native makes customized, handmade leather bags that she peddles via her Etsy webpage and at markets. Business is booming, and she sells about two bags a week with orders from as far away as Canada, France, and Mexico. She actually learned her craft as a young girl while helping her father, who ran a knick-knack store in the famous Jemaa El-Fnna marketplace in Marrakesh.
El Khang, who lives in Jamaica, sought out QEDC’s Women’s Business Center in 2012 and attended roughly 20 sessions with various counselors. She got help designing her logo, business card, and a banner she uses on her website. She also learned how to register her company, NadiraBag, and get a tax identification number.
Selma Tevino won the Family Business Award. The native of Brazil operates 69th Lane Studio with her husband, William Trevino. Located in Maspeth, this family-friendly center offers a variety of classes and private sessions in yoga, martial arts, Pilates, and holistic health. The venue also hosts monthly workshops with guest speakers and practitioners, as well as collaborating with local schools and the Maspeth Chamber of Commerce.
Trevino periodically meets with QEDC Business Services Director Sante Antonelli to discuss marketing and business strategy.
QEDC’s Women’s Business Center helps female entrepreneurs start and grow companies. Services include one-on-one counseling, training courses, workshops, mentoring, loan orientation, and networking.
