Harlem Commonwealth Council
Harlem Commonwealth Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing integrated economic development in Upper Manhattan, combining CDFI-certified lending (Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund), youth and adult education (The Learning Collective), and small business consulting (NYC Business Solutions Centers) for minority entrepreneurs and underserved residents.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1967
- HeadquartersNew York, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Harlem Commonwealth Council does
Harlem Commonwealth Council (HCC) is a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 1967 under the federal Economic Opportunity Act, headquartered at 361 West 125th Street in New York City. The organization operates an integrated "One HCC Model" with three pillars: Capital Access via its CDFI-certified Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund (HEF), which has deployed $17M+ in loans since 2008 with 90% directed to people of color and women-owned businesses; Talent Pipeline via The Learning Collective, spanning middle school through adult workforce programs (NextGen Leaders, STEAM Champs, Harlem Wired, Future Forward Summer Internship); and Business Ecosystem support via the Small Business Solutions Center and the NYC Business Solutions Centers of Upper Manhattan and Washington Heights, operated on behalf of the NYC Department of Small Business Services. Cumulative impact includes 3,200+ individuals served, 1,669 jobs created or retained, 464 loans closed since 2008, and 2,250+ businesses served FY2026 YTD.
The organization's business model is nonprofit grant-and-donation-funded, with all direct services delivered free of charge to community members. Revenue streams include CDFI lending income (transaction fees on deployed loans), grants and donations (charitable contributions and foundation funding, channeled via the BetterUnite platform), and technical assistance consulting delivered through government partnerships. Go-to-market is community-led, event-driven, and channel-partner based: HCC relies on relationships with NYC government agencies (SBS, DYCD, Department of Probation), workshops and the annual "My Money My Power My Freedom" Financial Fluency Summit, and word-of-mouth referrals. Customer segments span minority and low-income entrepreneurs (primary), small business owners across NYC's five boroughs, middle school through college youth, adult learners and job seekers, and opportunity youth involved in the justice system.
The HEF portfolio grew 102% in FY2025 and Opportunity for Growth Cohort 9 was 3.3× oversubscribed, indicating strong demand. Technology is not a core focus; the organization is service- and infrastructure-oriented, with digital presence limited to a Squarespace website, Eventbrite registration, and email newsletter. HCC is governed by a Board of Directors chaired by Lewiston Murray with Sharon Joseph serving as CEO & President, supported by a six-person executive team.
Harlem Commonwealth Council firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Harlem Commonwealth Council
- Legal name
- Harlem Commonwealth Council
- Website
- https://harlemcommonwealth.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1967
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Harlem Commonwealth Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing integrated economic development in Upper Manhattan, combining CDFI-certified lending (Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund), youth and adult education (The Learning Collective), and small business consulting (NYC Business Solutions Centers) for minority entrepreneurs and underserved residents.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Harlem Commonwealth Council industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Community Development Financial Services
- NAICS
- Civic and Social Organizations (81341), Educational Support Services (611710)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Community Centers & Neighborhood Support Services (BPAGAEAL)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Digital Inclusion & Civic Tech (Connectivity, GovTech for Social Good) (BPAGALAK)
Keywords
Where Harlem Commonwealth Council is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- New York
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Harlem Commonwealth Council business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- CDFI Lending (Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund): Provides loans to entrepreneurs who cannot access conventional financing. Loans are deployed to small business owners in underserved communities. 90% of lending goes to people of color and women-owned businesses.
- Grants and Donations: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that receives charitable contributions, grants from foundations, and government funding to support educational programs and community development initiatives.
- Technical Assistance and Business Consulting: Provides free business consulting, training, and technical assistance to entrepreneurs through partnerships with NYC Department of Small Business Services.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Other | Free programs for community members |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Donation-based support |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Harlem Commonwealth Council product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Harlem Commonwealth Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers community economic development through three integrated offerings: CDFI-certified small business lending via the Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund (HEF), an integrated youth-to-adult education platform called the Learning Collective, and free business advisory and technical assistance through its Small Business Solutions Center and NYC Business Solutions Centers operated on behalf of NYC SBS. Services are provided free to participants and target underserved entrepreneurs, youth, and adults in Upper Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, and across NYC.
Product overview
Harlem Commonwealth Council operates as a CDFI-certified nonprofit offering an integrated ecosystem of three core pillars: Capital Access (through the Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund), Talent Pipeline (through the Learning Collective), and Business Ecosystem (through the Small Business Solutions Center and NYC Business Solutions Centers). The Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund provides CDFI-certified lending to entrepreneurs excluded from conventional financing. The Learning Collective spans after-school programs through adult workforce development, including NextGen Leaders, STEAM Champs, Harlem Wired, and Future Forward Summer Internship. The Small Business Solutions Center and NYC Business Solutions Centers provide free advising, training, and capital connections to small businesses across Upper Manhattan and Washington Heights.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund (HEF): CDFI-certified lending program providing loans and technical assistance to entrepreneurs who cannot access conventional financing, serving Harlem, Bronx, Queens and beyond.
Products and services
- Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund (HEF) CDFI-certified lending program providing loans and technical assistance to entrepreneurs who cannot access conventional financing, with 90% of lending going to people of color and women-owned businesses. Deployed over $17M with 464 loans closed since 2008.
- The Learning Collective Integrated education platform spanning middle school through adult workforce development, encompassing NextGen Leaders, STEAM Champs, Harlem Wired, Future Forward Summer Internship, After School Program, and Adult Learning & Workforce Development. Serves youth and adults in Harlem with STEM, leadership, AI/robotics, financial literacy, and career-readiness programming.
- Small Business Solutions Center Technical assistance program providing advising, training, and capital connections to businesses from 42nd Street to Inwood, including the Opportunity for Growth accelerator. Serves 2,250+ businesses FY2026 YTD.
- NYC Business Solutions Centers Free business assistance centers operated on behalf of NYC Department of Small Business Services at Upper Manhattan (361 W 125th St) and Washington Heights (560 W 181st St). Services include hiring assistance, training funds, business establishment support, financing, M/WBE certification, and government navigation.
- NextGen Leaders High school leadership development and career exploration program connecting students' interests in technology, gaming, innovation, trades, and AI to real-world applications and entrepreneurship.
- STEAM Champs Experiential program immersing middle and high school students in hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math learning through AI and robotics challenges, culminating in a global immersion experience in Spain.
- Harlem Wired AI & Technology programs designed to re-engage opportunity youth by connecting them to educational re-entry, workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and hard skill development pathways.
- Future Forward Summer Internship Six-week paid internship program equipping high school and college students with real-world experience, mentorship, and professional skills for careers in business, technology, social impact, and entrepreneurship.
- After School Program Safe, engaging after-school program for Harlem youth featuring homework help, literacy and math enrichment, and hands-on STEM, arts, and financial empowerment activities.
- Adult Learning & Workforce Development Signature programs for adults delivering high-impact, inclusive, and flexible learning experiences focused on transformation and building competencies for economic stability.
Quantifiable outcome
- $17M+ in CDFI loans deployed since 2008
- +7 more outcomes
Companies that use Harlem Commonwealth Council
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Harlem Commonwealth Council technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Harlem Commonwealth Council partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD)coreGovernment partner supporting youth development programs and community initiatives in New York City.
- NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS)coreOperates NYC Business Solutions Centers of Upper Manhattan and Washington Heights on behalf of SBS to help businesses open, operate, and expand in NYC.
- NYC Department of ProbationcorePartnership providing youth mentoring program for youth on probation to step into a brighter future and away from the criminal justice system.
- NYC SchoolscoreEducational partnerships supporting youth development and STEAM programs.
- Empire State Development (ESD)coreNew York state economic development partner supporting business growth initiatives.
- West Harlem Development CorporationcoreLocal community development organization supporting economic initiatives in West Harlem.
- Opportunity Finance Network (OFN)coreNational network of CDFIs supporting community development lending.
- InterisecoreAssociation supporting minority-owned businesses through the Streetwise 'MBA' program.
- Community Business AlliancecoreAlliance supporting community and minority-owned businesses.
- Harlem Park to ParkcoreLocal organization supporting businesses and economic development in Harlem.
- Columbia Harlem SBDCcoreSmall Business Development Center partnership providing business resources.
- Columbia Business SchoolcoreAcademic partnership supporting entrepreneurship education and resources.
- Center for Family Life in Sunset ParkcorePartnership for tax filing and small business recordkeeping workshops.
Scale indicators16 records
Recent moves1 record
Expansion highlights5 records
Harlem Commonwealth Council competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Opportunity Fund (now Accion Opportunity Fund): National CDFI providing small business loans to underserved entrepreneurs, particularly women, Latino, and Black business owners. Closely comparable to HEF's mission-aligned lending and technical assistance model.
- TruFund Financial Services: CDFI providing loans and technical assistance to small businesses and nonprofits in underserved communities across the Northeast and South. Directly comparable in CDFI lending model and minority/women-owned business focus.
- Interise: National nonprofit providing the Streetwise 'MBA' small business accelerator program for minority-owned businesses; explicitly partnered with HCC. Comparable as a minority business accelerator and capacity-building provider.
- Grameen America: National microfinance nonprofit providing small-dollar loans to women entrepreneurs in low-income communities, with a strong NYC presence. Closely comparable to HEF in microlending model, target borrower, and nonprofit structure.
- Ascendus (formerly Accion New York): NYC-based CDFI providing small business loans and financial coaching to immigrant and minority entrepreneurs excluded from mainstream financing — directly comparable to HEF's Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund in target market, product, and mission.
Peers
- Brooklyn Cooperative Federal Credit Union: Community development credit union serving Brooklyn's low-income residents with deposit accounts, loans, and financial services — comparable in mission, target community, and CDFI-aligned financial services but operates as a cooperative depository rather than nonprofit loan fund.
Others
- Opportunity Finance Network (OFN): National CDFI membership network of which HCC is a member. Provides capital, advocacy, and capacity-building to CDFIs — relevant as ecosystem infrastructure supporting HCC's lending operations.
- NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS): NYC city agency that contracts HCC to operate Business Solutions Centers. While not a peer competitor, SBS is the institutional framework within which HCC delivers its Business Solutions Center programming and the source of major government funding.
Broad incumbents
- Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC): Major national community development organization providing CDFI lending, real estate development, and capacity-building grants across NYC and beyond. Overlaps with HCC on CDFI lending and economic development programming at much larger scale.
Regional players
- Lower East Side People's Federal Credit Union: Community development credit union serving Manhattan's Lower East Side with financial inclusion services for low-income residents. Comparable as a CDFI-aligned NYC financial institution serving underserved communities.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Harlem Commonwealth Council social profiles
Digital presenceHarlem Commonwealth Council compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Harlem Commonwealth Council financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Harlem Commonwealth Council leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
Harlem Commonwealth Council subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Harlem Commonwealth Council funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Harlem Commonwealth Council M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Harlem Commonwealth Council
What does Harlem Commonwealth Council do?
Harlem Commonwealth Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers community economic development through three integrated offerings: CDFI-certified small business lending via the Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund (HEF), an integrated youth-to-adult education platform called the Learning Collective, and free business advisory and technical assistance through its Small Business Solutions Center and NYC Business Solutions Centers operated on behalf of NYC SBS. Services are provided free to participants and target underserved entrepreneurs, youth, and adults in Upper Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, and across NYC.
Is Harlem Commonwealth Council a public or private company?
Harlem Commonwealth Council is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Harlem Commonwealth Council founded?
Harlem Commonwealth Council was founded in 1967. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Harlem Commonwealth Council based?
Harlem Commonwealth Council is headquartered in New York, United States, in the North America region.
How does Harlem Commonwealth Council make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. CDFI Lending (Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund) is the primary driver. The others are grants and Donations and technical Assistance and Business Consulting.
Who are Harlem Commonwealth Council's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Opportunity Fund (now Accion Opportunity Fund), TruFund Financial Services, Interise, Grameen America and Ascendus (formerly Accion New York). Brooklyn Cooperative Federal Credit Union is listed as a peer. Others are Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) and NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS). Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is listed as a broad incumbent. Lower East Side People's Federal Credit Union is listed as a regional player.
Does Harlem Commonwealth Council have an API?
No public API is recorded for Harlem Commonwealth Council.
What industry is Harlem Commonwealth Council in?
Harlem Commonwealth Council's product category is Community Development Financial Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAEAL, Community Centers & Neighborhood Support Services, with a secondary code of BPAGALAK, Digital Inclusion & Civic Tech (Connectivity, GovTech for Social Good). Its NAICS code is 81341 and its SIC code is 8300.