This is not Charity. This is investing in Economic Infrastructure.

Empowering entrepreneurs, strengthening small businesses, and preparing the workforce for the future economy.

  • $17 million +

    in CDFI loans since 2008

  • 3,200 +

    individuals served

  • 1,669

    jobs created or retained

  • 1,600 +

    Youth & Adults in Pipeline

The One HCC Model

Three Pillars. One Integrated Pipeline.

Capital Access Infrastructure

HEF, our CDFI, provides the lending infrastructure that banks will not. 90% of our borrowers could not access conventional financing — not because they weren't creditworthy, but because the system excluded them. HEF is the bridge.

Talent Pipeline Infrastructure

From middle school to adult workforce, the Learning Collective builds the human capital pipeline that powers Harlem's economy. Every student we reach today is a potential entrepreneur, employer, or innovator tomorrow.

Business Ecosystem Infrastructure

The Small Business Solutions Center and Opportunity for Growth accelerator builds the institutional support Harlem entrepreneurs need to not just survive — but scale, hire, and create generational wealth.

Philanthropy That Builds.
Not Philanthropy That Fills Gaps.

WHY IT MATTERS

There is a persistent and damaging myth about investment in low and moderate-income communities — that it is charity. HCC rejects that frame entirely. What we build is infrastructure: the economic systems, institutions, and pipelines that allow communities to generate their own wealth, create their own jobs, and chart their own futures.

Roads, bridges, and water systems are infrastructure. So are lending institutions, workforce pipelines, youth development programs, and business accelerators. When we build infrastructure in wealthy communities, we call it investment. HCC is here to change that language — and prove it with data.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AREA — ALL 5 BOROUGHS · 42ND ST TO INWOOD HUDSON RIVER EAST RIVER HARLEM R. 42nd St — Southern Boundary Inwood ↑ W 155th W 145th W 135th W 125th W 116th W 110th MANHATTAN THE BRONX QUEENS BROOKLYN STATEN ISLAND Washington Hts / Inwood West Harlem Central Harlem East Harlem Upper Midtown HCC Office 361 W 125th St NJ ↔ Bronx ↗ Legend Manhattan (primary) The Bronx Queens Brooklyn Staten Island HCC headquarters 42% below NYC median household income in Central Harlem 28% of area businesses denied conventional financing 60% of West Harlem households qualify as LMI Source: NYC Dept. of City Planning · HCC Program Data · City Council District 9 Reports

Residents and business owners in Harlem and NYC have been severely impacted by economic hardship and an ever-widening racial wealth gap. For many, simple survival can feel daunting.

HCC is here to change that.

We deeply believe in the creativity, energy, and expertise of local residents and entrepreneurs. Our team of highly skilled and connected professionals is here to help this underserved population thrive—whether that be inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs, mentoring young adults navigating life transitions, or supporting businesses with the skills and funds critical for success.

Support Our Work

Our Programs

Infrastructure That Delivers Results.

Capital Access

Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund

CDFI-certified lending for entrepreneurs banks won't touch. $17MM+ deployed since 2008. 90% to people of color and women.

+102%
Portfolio Growth FY2025
Youth & Adult Education

The Learning Collective

Middle school through adult workforce — one integrated education platform. Includes NextGen Leaders, Harlem Wired, Level Up Learning Lab, and A 2nd Chance for Opportunity Youth.

1,600+
Youth & Adults in Pipeline
Technical Assistance

Small Business Solutions Center

Advising, training, and capital connections from 42nd Street to Inwood. Includes the Opportunity for Growth accelerator — 3.3× oversubscribed in Cohort 9.

2,250+
Businesses Served FY2026 YTD
Our Business Solution Programs
Our Youth and Adult Programs

Impact Isn't a Statistic. It's a Story.

“ When I came to HCC, I had a dream, but no roadmap. Today, I’ve opened multiple locations, and my net worth has grown significantly. HCC didn’t just help expand my business; they helped expand my future.”

Chef Cisse | Founder, The Ponty Bistro

"HCC didn't just solve today's crisis. They restructured my debt, cut my monthly payments from nearly $200K down to $7K, and freed the cash flow I needed to grow. They built a stronger foundation for my business — for years to come."

Francilia Wilkins Rahim | Owner, RF Wilkins

"The Math Bee Olympics gave my daughter something no classroom could — the moment she realized what she's truly capable of. She came home with a gold medal and a whole new belief in herself."

Latia McAlister | Mother of Gold Medal Winner Lia Brown

Our work has been featured in:

The Student Today Is the Entrepreneur Tomorrow.

It starts with a young person who shows up, does the work, and dares to imagine a different future. It grows into a business owner who creates jobs, builds wealth, and reinvests in their community. And it ripples outward — for generations. We don't fund programs. We build infrastructure. And infrastructure is how communities rise — permanently.

INVEST IN ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE