Dear Friends, 
2017 was definitely full of challenges, particularly for an organization whose mission is to welcome Immigrants and Refugees by giving them the tools they need to build their futures in New York.

In spite of the challenges, 2017 was our most successful year ever and we are extremely grateful to all our funders, partners, donors, and friends who made that happen. I am also grateful to the terrific BCNA team for the amazing impact they are having on clients' lives and New York communities.
We were particularly honored last week to accept a Special Achievement Award from the the SBA, New York District, for the 10th year in a row for "Most Loans Made by a Microlender."    
And last but not least, we are celebrating the holidays with a special pop-up Art Exhibition this week benefiting our refugee programs. Please stop by to say hello or perhaps even to find a special holiday gift!
Happy Holidays,
Yanki Tshering 
Please Join Us for a Holiday Pop-up Art Show  
December 13th-15th

Featuring work by international artists and benefiting BCNA's Refugee Programs,
this 3-day Pop-Up Art Exhibition, is presented by BCNA and the Korean American Association of Greater New York, and is curated by Yu Yeon Kim, an independent curator and commissioner of distinguished international exhibitions of contemporary art.
Location:
Korean American Association of Greater New York
149 W. 24th Street, 6th Floor

Gallery Exhibition Hours:
Wednesday, December 13th from 2-6pm
Thursday, December 14 from 10am-3pm
Friday, December 15 from 10am-6pm

BCNA Receives SBA Special Achievement Award 
 
We were very excited to accept a Special Achievement Award for the 10th year in a row for "Most Loans Made by a Microlender" at the SBA New York District Office Lender Awards on Thursday. And congratulations to SBA New York which made more than 1 billion dollars in lending for the first time ever this year!


Grateful for Another Year with Impact    

Thanksgiving has come and gone and the holidays are here but, this year in particular, we are still reflecting on this most American of all holidays, and the original immigrants and refugees who came to this country, fleeing persecution and for a better life. And we are very pleased to report that in 2017 BCNA's loans - the majority of which went to immigrants and refugees - totaled $2,580,500; we provided training and advice to 658 businesses; and we conducted 39 workshops. We are particularly pleased - and proud - that our clients started 32 new businesses and created 61 full-time and 73 part-time jobs.
 
 
Building Visibility for Himalayan Restaurants in Jackson Heights  
 
Please click to read a terrific guest blog by Jeff Orlick - founder of the Momo Crawl and organizer of this year's 6th annual Momo Crawl in Jackson Heights -  about the challenges for immigrant restaurant owners and his experience working with several Himalyan restaurant owners, along with Tshering Gurung of BCNA's Jackson Heights office, to help them improve their online presence.  
 
BCNA Voices, Inspirational BCNA Speakers

Announcing a brand new initiative: BCNA Voices, an exciting roster of engaging speakers: women entrepreneurs who can share their stories to inspire members of their own communities or to help influence policies that promote entrepreneurship. For more information, click here.
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