These are topic-specific sessions led by business leaders and subject matter experts. You will benefit from the mentor's expertise and network with a community of fellow entrepreneurs.
Intensive 1-1 Mentor Sessions
You will be matched to a business mentor for a set of three 1-on-1 sessions over a set period.
Meet our Mentors
Our mentors are entrepreneurs and industry leaders who have successfully pivoted their businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic, making them ideally suited to support storefront business owners in New York City.
Dawn Kelly
CEO, The Nourish Spot
Works in Food & Beverage
Can advise in Building a brand; Partnerships; Communicating with stakeholders; Marketing; Social responsibility
Carmen Ferreyra
CEO, Porteñas
Works in Food & Beverage
Can advise in Building a brand; Hiring, managing, & maintaining employees; Securing capital
Carmen also speaks French, Spanish,
Kalima DeSuze
Owner, Cafe con Libros
Works in Retail
Can advise in Growing your customer base; Partnerships; Marketing
Ayala Donchin
Founder & Executive Chef, Evelyn’s Kitchen
Works in Food & Beverage
Can advise in Building a brand; Hiring, managing, & maintaining employees; Securing capital; Partnerships; Marketing; Negotiating contracts
Yolanda Felder
Life Coach/TV Host, A Unique You Network TVMedia
Works in Media
Can advise in Building a brand; Hiring, managing, & maintaining employees; Shifting the mindset from victim to victorious
Dorian Mecir
Founder & CEO, Dorian's Seafood Market
Works in Food & Beverage
Can advise in Building a brand; Growing your customer base; Hiring, managing, & maintaining employees; Increasing sales; Social responsibility; Marketing
Dorian also speaks Spanish,
Zhenya Globazh
Co-founder, Shiba500
Works in Strategic Marketing
Can advise in Building a brand, Partnerships; Marketing
Zhenya also speaks Russian,
Maria Iglesias and Cynthia Shephard
Maria Iglesias = Owner & Cynthia Shephard = General Manager, Corazon de Mexico Restaurant & Bar
Works in Food & Beverage
Can advise in Growing a customer base; Partnerships; Negotiating contracts
Maria Iglesias also speaks Spanish,
Zachary Sharaga
Founder & CEO, Dear Mama Coffee
Works in Hospitality/Food & Beverage
Can advise in Building a brand; Growing your customer base; Hiring, managing, & maintaining employees; Securing capital; Partnerships; Increasing sales; Communicating with stakeholders; Negotiating contracts; Marketing
Emelyn Stuart
Owner, Stuart Cinema & Cafe
Works in Entertainment
Can advise in Building a brand; Growing your customer base; Partnerships; Increasing sales; Utilizing technology; Marketing; Negotiating contracts; Social responsibility
Emelyn also speaks Spanish,
Mary Nittolo
Founder & Creative Director, the STUDIO NYC
Works in Creative Production + Animation
Can advise in Building a brand; Communicating with stakeholders; Social responsibility; Marketing
Janna Meyrowitz Turner
President, Style House
Works in Marketing and Communications
Can advise in Building a brand; Growing your customer base; Hiring, managing, & maintaining employees; Partnerships; Increasing sales; Communicating with stakeholders; Social responsibility; Marketing
Mark Connell
Owner, Botanica Bar
Works in Food & Beverage
Can advise in Hiring, Managing, and Maintaining employees; Raising Capital
Aysha Saeed
CEO, Creative Director, Aysha New York
Works in Fashion
Can advise in
Yoon Joo Lee
CEO, Janchi Myeonga
Works in Food & Beverage
Can advise in
Echo Wu
Executive, Shaxian Snacks
Works in Food & Beverage
Can advise in