Neighborhood 360° Fellows help community-based organizations complete commercial revitalization projects and connect local stakeholders to City resources. The fellows are paid by SBS and are full-time community development professionals, community organizers, or planners. SBS aims to build a network of leaders prepared with commercial revitalization expertise and experience in New York City neighborhoods.

Meet the current Neighborhood 360° Fellows and learn about their projects.

Who Can Apply

We are looking for Fellows who meet these minimum criteria:

• New York City resident (within 90 days of the start date)
• One or more year(s) of community outreach, organizing, and/or planning experience
• Familiar with the placement neighborhoods. See the What Fellows Will Do section below for details.

What Fellows Will Do

Neighborhood 360° Fellows are placed in New York City community-based organizations for about 10 months to implement impactful commercial revitalization projects and better connect their stakeholders to City resources. The 2017-2018 host sites each developed a project for the fellow to implement over the course of the 10 months. Please click on a host site’s name from the list below to access information about the organization and fellow’s intended project.

• Asian Americans for Equality, Queens
• Chinatown Partnership, Manhattan 
• Fulton Area Business (FAB) Alliance, Brooklyn
• Jerome-Gun Hill Business Improvement District, Bronx
• Local Development Corporation of East New York, Brooklyn
• Lower East Side Partnership, Manhattan
• Northfield Community Local Development Corporation, Staten Island
• Park Slope-Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District, Brooklyn
• Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District, Queens
• Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDco), Bronx

Read the complete Neighborhood 360° Fellows program guidelines for details on eligibility and how to apply.

How To Apply

Applications to become a host site have closed. Check back in the late in the year for information about when applications will re-open.

Applications to be a fellow are open. The application process involves two steps:

1. Review the 2017-2018 host site placements and projects in the What Fellows Will Do section above.
2. Go to the Neighborhood 360° Fellows application page, complete the form, and submit the following documents:
   • Your resume
   • Statement of interest – In no more than two pages, tell us why you are interested in working with the two host sites you selected in the application form and what about your background and experiences have prepared you to be a Neighborhood 360° Fellow at both of these sites. If you have not reviewed host site placement and proposed project information in the What Fellows Will Do section above, please do so before submitting your application.
   • Outreach plan – In no more than two pages, address the mentioned challenge in the 360ville neighborhood profile. Be sure to include in your plan a timeline for implementation, key stakeholders, ideas for actions or projects, and sample outcomes for impact measurement.
   • Letter of recommendation (optional)

Applications are due by March 12, 2017, at 11:59 p.m.

Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an information session where staff will provide a comprehensive overview of the program and walk through the application process. Please be advised that the in-person session on February 24 will be held at the offices of the NYC Department of Small Business Services, 110 William Street in Lower Manhattan.

• WEBINAR: Tuesday, February 14th: 12:00PM – 1:00PM (RSVP)
• IN-PERSON: Friday, February 24th: 2:30PM – 4:30PM. (RSVP)
• WEBINAR: Thursday, March 2nd: 1:00PM – 2:00PM (RSVP)
• WEBINAR:  Wednesday, March 8th: 12:00PM – 1:00PM (RSVP)

2017-2018 Host Sites

Asian Americans for Equality, Queens

Neighborhood(s) Served: Flushing, Lippman Plaza

Mission Statement: Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE) is a community development organization with national reach and over 43 years of experience dedicated to enriching the lives of Asian Americans and all of those in need. Through a wide range of multilingual counseling services, AAFE provides education, financial assistance, and training to empower people, small businesses, and neighborhoods. Its research, advocacy, and grassroots organizing initiatives help to shape government policy and to effect positive change.

Organization Website: www.aafe.org

Project Information: AAFE is looking to better understand two adjacent, connected districts in Flushing to determine potential projects and action items for the areas: Lippman Plaza and Northern Flushing. The fellow will study the area, propose solutions, and work with the organization to implement change. Study insights for Lippman Plaza, which is a pedestrian plaza connecting Roosevelt Avenue and 39th Ave between Union Street and Main Street and a transportation hub for Flushing, will help to activate the space for consumers, make it visually more inviting and accessible through wayfinding, and leverage data to inform streetscape enhancements and surrounding storefront improvements. The study will connect opportunities for near-by Northern Flushing, which is home to a large light manufacturing area in need of services, potential solutions for industrial retention, and access for constituents to city services.

Ideal Skills, Qualifications, and Languages:
-Design knowledge.
-Project Management skills and independent work ethic.
-High level of proficiency in either Mandarin or Korean. Other languages a plus.
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Chinatown Partnership, Manhattan
Neighborhood(s) Served: Chinatown, Lower East Side, and Little Italy

Mission Statement: To help re-position and create infrastructure to transform Chinatown/Little Italy and surrounding communities for long term sustainability beyond the short-term tasks such as keeping the area clean and shining.  The Chinatown Partnership is working to create a new distinct identity and subsequent interventions that breathe new life into the district and result in increased visibility, draw new visitors, and attract media attention, sponsorship opportunities and resources to the area.

Organization Website: www.explorechinatown.com

Project Information: The Chinatown Partnership recently issued two Requests for Proposals (RFP) to launch rebranding initiatives for the district: 1) an aggressive marketing campaign and 2) a design competition for a new welcome beacon at the Canal Street kiosk where more than 30 million drivers and 15 million visitors pass by each year. The fellow will launch and execute the “Welcome to Paradise” campaign, which will entail working with the organization’s leadership and a consultant on the re-positioning and re-branding implementation strategy and work plan, engaging neighborhood associations and other local stakeholders to collaboratively develop the new identity for the district; creating new graphics for the Canal Street Information kiosk and welcome banners; and developing interesting and historical content for the www.chinatown.nyc domain.

Ideal Skills, Qualifications, and Languages:
-Experience in developing comprehensive marketing and branding campaigns.
-Skills in graphic design and social media.
-Experience conducting research, such as historical area studies.
-Creative and energetic with a flair for promotion.
-Ability to speak Chinese or another language a plus, but not required.
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Fulton Area Business (FAB) Alliance, Brooklyn
Neighborhood(s) Served: Fort Greene and Clinton Hill

Mission Statement: Working in collaboration with property owners, merchants, residents, and stakeholders along Fulton Street in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, the FAB Alliance works to make Fulton Street a clean, safe, welcoming and retail diverse environment that is a destination for people to work, shop, dine and play. To this affect, the FAB Alliance is creating new pedestrian plazas and public safety improvements, implementing outdoor events, and supporting businesses experiencing pressures of gentrification.

Organization Website: www.faballiance.org

Project Information: The fellow will manage a strategic planning process for the FAB Alliance’s next five years that enhances dialog with district constituents, provides a clear understanding of constituents’ needs and concerns in a changing environment, outlines how FAB should reallocate resources based on the findings, and guidance for future communication. The fellow will collaborate with the organization’s leadership and a consultant, who will help guide the process to do the following: create and conduct surveys and interviews of business and property owners, institutions, Government officials, developers, residents, and the Board; organize focus groups and recruit participants; recruit and supervise interns or temporary help as-needed; analyze data collected; and generate recommendations for next steps, new projects, and possible changes in direction for the organization.

Ideal Skills, Qualifications, and Languages:
-Experience writing and adapting surveys, as well as analyzing and interpreting survey data.
-Experience in inquiry/interviewing, as well as convening focus groups.
-Familiarity with collaborative spreadsheet and presentation tools, such as Google Docs.
-Ability to understand the pressures of gentrification and cultural diversity in changing neighborhoods.
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Jerome-Gun Hill Business Improvement District, Bronx
Neighborhood(s) Served: Norwood

Mission Statement: The Jerome-Gun Hill Business Improvement District (BID) works constantly to keep the area inviting to shoppers through rigorous sanitation, aesthetic improvement, and security services. With these and many more programs, the BID contributes to a safe, enjoyable, and accessible shopping zone that keeps residents buying in the neighborhood and, consequently, keeps local merchants in operation.

Organization Website: www.jeromegunhillbid.org

Project Information: The fellow will build community, neighborhood, and stakeholder awareness of the BID’s activities, individual merchants, and available resources. The fellow will be expected to develop a database of current merchants and property owners; plan and execute innovative programming and marketing campaigns, which include advertising via social media newspapers, television, and directly in the community to engage residents, Montefiore, brokers and potential retailers; re-establish the Montefiore Associate discount program; redesign marketing materials; and build awareness of the Bronx #not62 campaign by assisting merchants to access the opportunities and resources associated with the campaign, such as selling healthy foods and salads at bodegas and delis. Secondary to marketing and outreach efforts, the fellow will develop, implement, and analyze a community needs assessment focused on Montefiore employees to determine the types of retailers that would be useful for them and then work with the Executive Director to attract these types of retailers to the corridor.

Ideal Skills, Qualifications, and Languages:
-Experience with social media and marketing campaigns.
-Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
-Creative, outside the box thinker.
-Project management skills a plus.
-Ability to converse in Spanish preferred but not required.
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Local Development Corporation of East New York, Brooklyn
Neighborhood(s) Served: East New York Industrial Business Zone and East Brooklyn Business Improvement District

Mission Statement: The Local Development Corporation of East New York empowers low-to-moderate income women and minorities with programs that promote economic sufficiency, build assets, and improve their lives and their families. We work with local businesses to retain and build industry and commerce, create jobs, and improve economic opportunities for local residents and neighborhood enterprises.

Organization Website: www.ldceny.org

Project Information: The fellow will assist businesses in the East Brooklyn Industrial Business Zone (IBZ) and East Brooklyn Business Improvement District (BID) to increase sales, expand their business, and hire more local residents. With many of the East Brooklyn IBZ/BID businesses involved in the construction industry, the fellow will assist those businesses to access procurement opportunities from the private sector, as well as, government agencies; engage construction project managers, in particular, to actively promote the services of local businesses; identify other procurement opportunities for the IBZ/BID businesses involved in the construction industry; as well as businesses in other sectors. When necessary, the fellow will assist in preparing BID documents, navigating the private and public procurement process, identifying businesses in need of financing, and creating referrals to the organization for assistance in developing loan proposals.

Ideal Skills, Qualifications, and Languages:
-Detailed oriented professional with skills in project management and analysis.
-A background in construction is preferable but not essential.
-Ability to converse in Spanish preferred, but not required.
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Lower East Side Partnership, Manhattan
Neighborhood(s) Served: Lower East Side

Mission Statement: To improve quality of life and support growth of the Lower East Side local economy by increasing foot traffic, solidifying long term marketing and support agreements for the Essex Street Market and its vendor community, re-imagine and support maintenance of new public open spaces, such as plazas and parks.

Organization Website: www.lowereastside.org

Project Information: The vendors at Essex Street Market are strongly committed to serving all residents of the Lower East Side. The Market is a critical point of quality fresh food access in the neighborhood, especially for NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA) and low-income community members. The fellow will primarily focus on determining how the vendors at the Essex Street Market can more effectively service the community and ensure all residents feel welcomed in the new facility at Essex Crossing when the Market moves in 2018. Principal activities include: grassroots outreach and engagement with NYCHA residents to better understand their needs and utilization of the market; development and execution of a targeted outreach plan, which includes promotional campaigns and programs; and development of an Essex Market customer database. Secondary to the fellow’s community partnership and engagement work, s/he will assist with the Fresh Bites program, which features free community nutrition and cooking workshops, recipe samples, nutrition tips, and “Market Money” – a $2 coupon to purchase fruits and vegetables from the Market’s grocers.

Ideal Skills, Qualifications, and Languages:
-Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with community members
-Enthusiastic about serving low-income and at-risk communities.
-Passionate about food access and food justice issues.
-Experience with marketing and general awareness campaigns.
-High level of proficiency in English and Spanish. Other languages a plus.
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Northfield Community Local Development Corporation, Staten Island
Neighborhood(s) Served: West Brighton, Port Richmond Avenue

Mission Statement: To improve the quality of life within the community through the development of affordable housing, improvement of the existing housing stock, energy conservation improvements in buildings, and support of economic development.

Organization Website: www.northfieldldc.org

Project Information: The fellow will focus on the two Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) sites located on Port Richmond Avenue, as well as the NYC Economic Development Corporation’s (EDC) recently launched Investor Development Fund to catalyze new industrial real estate development projects for vacant properties along Port Richmond Avenue. Principal activities include: maintain a vacancy database; improve and cultivate relationships with real estate brokers, arts organizations, and light manufacturing businesses interested in relocating to Port Richmond; develop marketing campaigns to attract workers and residents in the community to dine and shop along Port Richmond Avenue; and promote the district’s existing businesses through the Discover Port Richmond website, social media sites, and email blasts. Secondary to the fellow’s work in district promotion, the fellow will assist the Port Richmond Board of Trade – a merchant association – to revitalize its membership and activities.

Ideal Skills, Qualifications, and Languages:
-Understanding of economic development concepts and land use knowledge.
-Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills, self-direction, and personal integrity.
-Ability to converse in Spanish highly desirable, but not required.
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Park Slope-Fifth Ave Business Improvement District, Brooklyn
Neighborhood(s) Served: Park Slope

Mission Statement: The Park Slope-Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) is a dynamic commercial and residential corridor whose borders stretch from Dean to 18th Street in the heart of Park Slope, Brooklyn, and includes over 520 businesses within its boundaries. The BID’s principal aim is to promote and maintain this bustling commercial avenue – with special emphasis on sanitation services, business assistance initiatives, and community events.

Organization Website: www.parkslopefifthavenuebid.com

Project Information: The goal of the BID is to encourage shopping small beyond Small Business Saturday and the holiday season, promote the commercial corridor, and assist the merchants in the district. The fellow will primarily focus on managing Shop Small Every Day on Fifth, which includes hosting 15 events and six free business courses throughout the year. Key deliverables include: creating a standalone, year-round Shop Small Every Day program to assist small boutiques; initiating at least six Shop Small events during slower months, including music and artists to help attract new visitors; developing a comprehensive social media, marketing and advertising plan for the program; and identifying and recommending other programs or policies the BID can pursue to further assist needs in conjunction with the boutiques. Secondary to Shop Small Every Day on Fifth, the fellow will support the implementation of the BID’s community events, business courses, and overall district marketing.

Ideal Skills, Qualifications, and Languages:
-Experience in event planning, marketing, and developing social media campaigns.
-Be a self-starter with the ability to occasionally work weekends as required, which includes Friday evenings and Saturdays.
-Ability to work independently, walk through an unfamiliar door, and talk to whoever is behind it!
-Ability to converse in Spanish preferred but not required.
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Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District, Queens
Neighborhood(s) Served: Sunnyside

Mission Statement: To promote and enhance the commercial district of Sunnyside, Queens. Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District (BID) provides supplemental sanitation services, district marketing promotions, and streetscape improvements to make Sunnyside, Queens, a better place to live, shop and work.

Organization Website: www.sunnysideshines.org

Project Information: The fellow will design and conduct a detailed survey of the BID’s neighborhood stakeholders to gauge stakeholder satisfaction of provided services, as well as better understand stakeholder issues, desired services, and in some cases explain what the BID does. Specifically, the fellow will design, conduct, and analyze a survey of the BID’s stakeholders; develop recommendations and conduct follow-up projects, such as create collateral that explains BID services; and update and streamline stakeholder records in an existing database and migrate information to a new system. The fellow will also assist with other BID programs, such as plaza programming, events, promotions, and streetscape projects.

Ideal Skills, Qualifications, and Languages:
-Analytical skills and ability to design survey instrument and analyze data.
Experience with databases are helpful.
-Some experience designing or directing marketing initiatives, including print products.
-Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to go door-to-door speaking with business owners and other local stakeholders.
-Ability to converse in Spanish highly desirable, but not required.
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Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDco), Bronx
Neighborhood(s) Served: Highbridge/Concourse (Jerome Avenue) and Crotona Park East/Morrisania (Southern Boulevard)

Mission Statement: The Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDco) is a community development organization founded on the radically simple idea that all people deserve healthy, vibrant communities. We build award-winning, sustainable, affordable homes—but our work is not over when our buildings are complete. WHEDco’s mission is to give the South Bronx access to all the resources that create thriving neighborhoods—from high-quality early education and after-school programs, to fresh, healthy food, cultural programming, and economic opportunity.

Organization Website: www.whedco.org

Project Information: The fellow will contribute to WHEDco’s overall community planning, neighborhood revitalization, small business development, and retail attraction initiatives along key commercial corridors in the South Bronx. The fellow will focus primarily on addressing key findings and commercial revitalization opportunities identified in the Jerome Avenue Commercial District Needs Assessment. Principal activities: implementing corridor improvements; facilitating business support and retention (e.g. connecting merchants to resources and providing business support); contributing to cultural activities; and responding to community needs (e.g. assessing and responding to needs for retail and quality of life improvement). The fellow will serve as an on-the-ground resource, connecting and engaging local merchants and residents throughout the rezoning process, and will gain a robust understanding of the City’s rezoning process. Secondary to Jerome Avenue project, the fellow may also support WHEDco’s participation in the Department of City Planning’s Southern Boulevard Neighborhood Study by engaging local stakeholders in the planning process and starting to address key challenges along the corridor. Activities may include: retail recruitment and community planning.

Ideal Skills, Qualifications, and Languages:
-Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills.
-Comfortable working independently in the field and engaging diverse contacts. Available for events and/or meetings in the evening and on weekends, as necessary.
-Graphic design and/or GIS skills a plus
-High level proficiency in English and Spanish (spoken) required. Other languages a plus.
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Questions? Contact the Neighborhood Development team via email at NDevelop@sbs.nyc.gov.