Our Mission
To build economic power and self-determination in New York City through entrepreneurship support, workforce development, equitable lending, and access to the resources that make businesses thrive.
Our History
55 Years of Building Harlem's Economic Future
HCC’s founding members (left to right) Arthur Hill, Preston Wilcox, Isaiah E. Robinson, Jr., Leo Rolle, Marshall England, not shown is Ken Marshall and Roy Innis (Photo taken in 1977)
For 55 years, Harlem Commonwealth Council (HCC) Inc. has provided education and economic empowerment to residents and businesses in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx. Established under the 1964 Landmark Economic Opportunity Act, HCC is deeply rooted in the history of Harlem and invested in helping its people and businesses thrive.
Up until 2006, HCC achieved its mission primarily through real estate. By owning property along West 125th Street, HCC was able to retain businesses that would have relocated or closed due to rising rents and ever-widening economic gaps. Not only was HCC able to preserve businesses’ locations, but it also provided funding and technical assistance critical for their growth.
In 2006, HCC expanded its services to include education, mentorship, and skill development along with its vast real estate portfolio. Today, HCC has supported over 360 small businesses, served over 2,700 youth and adults, and secured over 9 million dollars of support—90% of which went to minority or women-owned businesses. HCC has also provided critical support for local businesses navigating the Covid-19 Pandemic. And these are just a few highlights of all the work HCC has been able to achieve since 1967.
By continuing to partner with residents and businesses, and through the generous support of people like you, HCC is committed to investing in long-term solutions for the economic prosperity of the community.
Our Vision
A place where every entrepreneur, regardless of race, income, or credit history, has a fair chance to build a business, create jobs, and generate generational wealth.
Our Work
Harlem's communities are rich with talent. The barrier is access — not ability.
Harlem Commonwealth Council exists to close that gap. We provide the financial support, business consulting, and education that Harlem and NYC entrepreneurs need to start, operate, and grow — because our communities deserve an economic system that actually works for them.
We invest in the business leaders of today through adult classes, business consultations, and financial support. We invest in the leaders of tomorrow through after-school STEM programs and mentorship for at-risk youth.
The HCC team knows this landscape first-hand. We live it. And we're here to make sure Harlem's entrepreneurs don't just survive — they scale, hire, and build lasting wealth in the neighborhoods we call home.
Access to Capital
Through our CDFI, HEF, we provide loans to entrepreneurs excluded from conventional financing — not because they lack potential, but because the system wasn't built for them.
Business Consulting & Adult Education
One-on-one consulting, financial coaching, and adult business classes that give today's entrepreneurs the tools to compete, grow, and create opportunities for others.
Youth STEM & Mentorship
After-school STEM classes and mentorship programs for potential-rich students — building the next generation of New York's entrepreneurs, employers, leaders, and innovators.